If you operate a fleet of vans, HGVs or coaches and you’re considering the switch to electric, the UK Government’s new Depot Charging Scheme could help you do it—while covering up to 75% of your depot chargepoint installation costs.
Announced as part of a wider £63 million package to boost EV infrastructure, this initiative makes the electrification of commercial fleets far more accessible for organisations of all sizes.
In this guide, we’ll explain what the Depot Charging Scheme is, who’s eligible, what it covers, and how Fit Solar can help you take full advantage of it.
What Is the Depot Charging Scheme?
Launched on 16 July 2025, the Depot Charging Scheme is designed to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles by providing substantial grants for the installation of EV chargepoints at fleet depots.
The government will fund up to 75% of installation costs, up to £1 million per organisation.
The goal? To remove one of the biggest barriers to fleet electrification: infrastructure costs. This grant gives public and private sector fleets a real incentive to switch by making overnight depot charging both affordable and practical.
Who Can Apply?
This grant is open to a wide range of organisations across the UK (excluding the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man), including:
- Private fleets operating vans, HGVs or coaches
- Local authorities and councils
- NHS trusts and other public sector bodies
- Charities and non-profits with commercial vehicles
You must meet the following criteria to apply:
- Be a registered UK fleet operator with at least 12 months of operating history
- Own the depot, or have landlord consent to install chargepoints
- Own, lease or have ordered at least one battery-electric van, HGV or coach
- Complete the installation by 31 March 2026
- Ensure sufficient grid capacity is in place
- Provide evidence of quotes, financial match-funding, and senior approval
- Use the infrastructure primarily for commercial vehicles
The grant can be applied to multiple sites, but only one application per organisation is allowed.
What Does the Grant Cover?
The funding can be used for:
- Civil engineering work
- Hardware costs (chargepoints, cabling, etc.)
- Installation labour
- Grid connection upgrades
- On-site energy management systems
The government has confirmed that duplicate funding is not allowed, and the installation must not begin until a Grant Funding Agreement is in place.
The scheme complements other government incentives like the Plug-in Van Grant and Plug-in Truck Grant.
Key Dates You Need to Know
- Applications Opened: 16 July 2025
- Application Deadline: 28 November 2025 (or when the £30 million funding pool runs out)
- Installation Deadline: 31 March 2026
- Claims Period: 1 September 2025 – 31 May 2026
Early action is critical. Once the funding pot is gone, no more grants will be issued.
Why Act Now?
The Depot Charging Scheme is first-come, first-served, and competition is expected to be high.
Many businesses will struggle to get DNO (grid) approvals and installation booked in before the March 2026 deadline—especially if they delay.
Plus, you’ll need:
- Professional quotes from chargepoint installers
- Evidence of vehicle purchases or leases
- Time for grid surveys and landlord approvals
- Signed-off business cases
This means waiting too long could risk missing out altogether.
How Fit Solar Can Help
At Fit Solar, we specialise in EV charge point installations for commercial, public sector and non-profit organisations across the UK.
With our team, you can:
- Book a site survey to assess depot readiness
- Receive fully compliant quotes and infrastructure designs
- Coordinate with landlords, local DNOs and vehicle suppliers
- Ensure all works are completed within the scheme’s tight timeframe
We’ve worked with a wide range of fleet operators—from logistics firms to NHS departments—and we understand the challenges you face.
Learn more about our EV Charge Point Installations
Final Thoughts
The UK Depot Charging Scheme is a golden opportunity to reduce your long-term fleet costs, cut emissions, and futureproof your operations—while letting the government cover most of the bill.
But the deadline is short. And the clock is ticking.