The next round of the UK's Depot Charging Scheme is expected to open on 28 October 2026 – and we'll guide you every step of the way.
What is the Depot Charging Scheme?
The Depot Charging Scheme aims to support the uptake of zero emission HGVs, vans, and coaches. The depot charging scheme is a government-backed initiative designed to accelerate the transition to zero-emission fleets by part-funding the installation of EV charging infrastructure at depot sites.
Following strong demand during its initial rollout in 2025, the government has now expanded the scheme as part of a wider £1 billion funding commitment to support the electrification of HGVs, vans and coaches across the UK.
The next funding window has £38 million allocated. It's expected to open to applications on 28 October 2026 and close on 29 January 2027. Successful projects must start from April 2027 and be completed by 31 March 2028.
Grant rates and terms for this window haven't been confirmed yet. Government has said rates will reduce over the life of the programme as charging infrastructure becomes more affordable.
You can read the full scheme details on Gov.UK Find a grant.
For reference, the first window (£28 million, closed 30 June 2026) offered:
- Up to 70% of eligible charge station and civil costs
- Up to £1 million per organisation, across all sites
- One application per organisation, with no limit on the number of sites
Are you eligible?
The scheme’s open to UK-based organisations operating fleet vehicles, including:
Commercial fleet operators
Local authorities
Public sector organisations and non-profits
To apply, you must:
Have landlord consent or own the depot
Have at least one battery electric van, HGV or coach
Demonstrate that your site can support EV charging infrastructure
If you've previously received funding, you can still apply, provided you disclose earlier awards. However, the same site cannot be re-funded within two years of completed works.
How can we help you?
With years of experience in energy supply and management, EV infrastructure and ongoing support and optimisation, we can provide:
Site and EV suitability assessments
Understand what’s possible across your depots and where to prioritise
End-to-end application support
From initial eligibility through to detailed Stage 2 submissions, helping maximise your chances of success
Infrastructure design and installation
Future-ready charging solutions tailored to your operational needs
Grid and energy strategy support
Navigating capacity constraints and planning for long-term energy resilience
Ongoing maintenance and optimisation
Ensuring performance, uptime and cost efficiency as your fleet scales
See it in action
How we took London Borough of Camden from funding to full installed depot charging. Read the case study
Take action today
Following the first window, grant rates are set to fall in later windows. Getting your sites ready now puts you in the best position for 28 October.
Whether you're ready to apply or just starting to explore your options, we can help you assess your sites, understand your eligibility and move quickly.
Speak to our team to get started.
Useful resources
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Depot Charging Scheme FAQs
What is the depot charging scheme?
The depot charging scheme is a government-backed initiative designed to accelerate the transition to zero-emission fleets by reducing the cost of installing depot charging infrastructure.
It provides support towards:
- EV charge points
- Civil and electrical installation works
The scheme is part of a wider £1 billion funding commitment, with funding released in multiple phases.
How much of the depot charging scheme funding is available right now?
The next window has £38 million allocated for infrastructure and is expected to open on 28 October 2026. Grant rates and the maximum award per organisation haven't been confirmed yet.
In the first window, the scheme covered up to 70% of eligible costs, up to £1 million per organisation across all sites.
What costs are covered by the depot charging scheme?
The scheme covers:
- Charge point hardware
- Installation and civil works
- Electrical infrastructure within the site
- Battery storage and solar PV, where they directly power the chargers
However, it does not cover:
- Grid connection or reinforcement costs
- Vehicle purchases (funded separately under other allocations)
Does the depot charging scheme cover grid connection costs?
No. In the first window, the scheme didn't cover grid connection or reinforcement costs. If your site needs more power, it's worth talking to your distribution network operator (DNO) early, as new connections can take time. We can help you assess your site's capacity and plan the best approach.
When is the deadline to apply for the depot charging scheme?
The next window is expected to open on 28 October 2026 and close on 29 January 2027. Projects can start from April 2027 and must be completed by 31 March 2028.
The first window was assessed first-come, first-served. Government hasn't confirmed whether the next window will work the same way, so it's worth getting your application ready early.
What's the grant rate for the next window?
It hasn't been confirmed yet. Government has said rates will reduce over the life of the programme as charging infrastructure becomes more affordable. The first window covered up to 70% of eligible costs. We'll update this page as soon as the new rate is announced.
Can we still apply if we missed the first window?
Yes. The next window is expected to open on 28 October 2026, and the programme runs to 2030, with further windows to be confirmed. You can still include multiple depots in a single application.
Who is eligible to apply for the depot charging scheme?
The scheme is aimed at organisations operating fleet vehicles, including:
- Logistics and delivery fleets
- Coach operators
- Commercial vehicle operators
Eligibility will depend on meeting specific scheme criteria, including site readiness and planned vehicle electrification.
Can we include multiple depots in one application?
Yes.
Previous funding does not exclude you from applying again.
However, you will need to:
- Disclose previous funding received
- Provide details of funded sites and infrastructure
You cannot apply for the same site within two years of completed works.
Can we apply for the depot charging scheme if we’ve received funding from the scheme before?
Yes.
Previous funding does not exclude you from applying again.
However, you will need to:
- Disclose previous funding received
- Provide details of funded sites and infrastructure
You cannot apply for the same site within two years of completed works.
What are the biggest challenges when applying for the depot charging scheme?
While the funding reduces upfront cost, the main challenges are typically:
- Site readiness and design
- Understanding power requirements
- Managing grid constraints
- Aligning internal stakeholders
This is why early planning is critical. And as an experienced electrification partner, we can support you through all of this. Our article on managing the financial challenges of electrification can also help you build the internal case.
What should we have ready before 28 October?
The requirements for the next window haven't been published yet. In the first window, applicants used government templates, including an application form, a workbook and a letter of intent. It's worth having this information ready:
- Which depots you want to include
- Landlord consent, if you lease your site
- How many battery-electric vans, HGVs or coaches you'll run, and when
- Your site's available power
- Sign-off from a senior leader in your organisation
Do we need a full electrification strategy before applying for the depot charging scheme?
Not necessarily, but have clarity on:
- Which sites you want to electrify
- Expected vehicle transition timelines
- Power and charging requirements
Having this understanding will significantly strengthen your application and reduce delivery risk. Our article on the importance of data to your electrification investment is a good place to start.
What happens after we secure funding?
Once funding is approved, the focus shifts to:
- Detailed design and engineering
- Procurement and installation
- Managing operational disruption
- Preparing for EV rollout
This is where having an experienced delivery partner becomes critical – which is where we can support.
Start your electrification journey now. Get in touch to schedule a chat.