What the ESPO Vehicle Charging Infrastructure framework means for public sector EV projects

What is ESPO’s VCI3?

The ESPO is a public-sector buying organisation that helps organisations procure goods and services in a compliant and efficient way. Its VCI3 is a pre-approved procurement route for EV charging projects, designed specifically for public sector organisations.

Suppliers on the framework have already undergone a rigorous assessment process, including technical capability, financial stability, pricing and compliance checks. This means the ESPO has already completed upfront due diligence on behalf of the customer.

The ESPO has recently awarded Drax Electric Vehicles a place as a pre-approved supplier on its VCI3 framework, enabling public sector organisations to access our EV charging expertise through a trusted, compliant route.

How can public sector organisations use the framework?

Organisations can access the framework in two ways:

• Direct award – selecting a single approved supplier without running a full tender process
• Mini-competition – inviting a small number of approved suppliers to compete for a project

Both routes are fully compliant with public procurement regulations and significantly reduce the time, cost and resource required to get projects moving.

For organisations under pressure to meet decarbonisation targets – particularly within healthcare, local authorities and blue-light services – this can fast-track them from planning stages to tangible progress.

Why does this matter for EV charging projects?

EV infrastructure projects often involve multiple layers of complexity, from grid capacity and energy strategy to site design, installation and future optimisation. Lengthy procurement processes can add unnecessary delay to already complex programmes.

Public sector EV projects often face more than technical challenges. Emergency response duties demand ultra-reliable infrastructure. Procurement rules such as Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 06/21 add compliance complexity, and multiple internal stakeholders must align on strategy before projects can move forward.

Using a framework like ESPO helps to:

• Reduce procurement timescales, allowing projects to move from approval to delivery faster
• Lower risk by working with suppliers that have already been vetted and approved
• Simplify compliance, particularly for organisations with limited procurement resource
• Build confidence, knowing pricing and delivery models have been assessed upfront

For NHS Trusts and other public-sector bodies, the option to use direct award can be particularly valuable, eliminating time-consuming tender processes altogether.

Looking ahead

As demand for EV charging continues to grow across the public sector, accessible and compliant procurement routes will be critical to maintaining momentum.

VC13 removes barriers, reduces risk and supports faster delivery, helping organisations focus less on process and more on progress.

If you’re exploring EV charging for your organisation and want to understand how the ESPO framework could support your plans, get in touch.

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