Time's Running Out: How to Tap the £30 Million Depot Charging Scheme Before It's Gone
There's £30 million on the table for UK fleet operators who need EV charging infrastructure at their depots – but the window to claim it is closing fast, and many installers are leaving serious revenue on the table by not acting now.
The Department for Transport's Depot Charging Scheme launched in July 2025 with a straightforward promise: reimburse up to 75% of the cost of installing EV chargers for fleets running vans, HGVs, or coaches, with a maximum of £1 million per applicant spread across multiple sites. The catch? Applications close on 28 November 2025 (or earlier if funding runs out), and all installation work must be completed by 31 March 2026.
That's a brutally tight timeline – especially for complex multi-site projects requiring grid upgrades, civil works, and coordination with depot operators who've never electrified a fleet before. For installers with the capacity, experience, and speed to move, it's a rare chance to convert a government funding scheme into six- or seven-figure project pipelines. For those who wait, it's a missed opportunity that won't come around again soon.
What the Scheme Covers (and What It Doesn't)
The Depot Charging Scheme is designed to de-risk the capital cost of depot electrification, particularly for fleet operators who've been waiting for financial support before committing to the transition.
Eligible costs include:
- Purchase and installation of EV chargepoints tailored to fleet requirements
- Labour, materials, and contractor services for installation and connection
- Civil engineering work and electrical components
- Battery energy storage systems and solar installations where applicable
Not covered:
- The electric vehicles themselves
- Grid connection charges (though infrastructure to accommodate grid upgrades is eligible)
The scheme is managed by the Government Grants Management Service (GGMS) and delivered with support from Cenex and the Energy Saving Trust, meaning applications are assessed on technical merit, cost-effectiveness, and value for money – not just first-come, first-served speed. That said, with £30 million available and no cap on the number of applicants, early movers with well-costed, realistic proposals will have a significant advantage.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Depot Charging Scheme, fleet operators must meet the following criteria:
- Be a registered fleet operator with at least one year of UK operations (including private, public sector, local authorities, and non-profits)
- Either own the depot where charging will be installed, or have written landlord consent
- Own, lease, or have ordered at least one battery electric van, HGV, or coach
- Be able to complete all installation work by 31 March 2026
- Ensure the depot has sufficient grid capacity by the same deadline
- Obtain senior leadership sign-off on the infrastructure installation proposal
There's no limit on the number of depot sites that can be included in a single application, provided all sites meet the eligibility criteria and are submitted under the same application. This is crucial for national or regional fleet operators managing multiple depots – they can bundle sites into one £1 million funding request rather than splitting it across separate bids.
Critically, projects that have already started installation work before applying are not eligible for funding, so operators need to plan the application and approval process before breaking ground.
The Installer Opportunity (and Why Speed Matters)
Unlike earlier grant schemes, the Depot Charging Scheme has no central list of approved contractors, meaning installers can engage directly with fleet operators and compete on the strength of their proposals, pricing, and delivery timelines.
This is both an opportunity and a challenge. On the one hand, installers with strong existing relationships in the fleet, logistics, and commercial vehicle sectors can leverage those connections to position themselves as the go-to partner for funded depot projects. On the other, the tight application and installation deadlines mean fleet operators will favour installers who can demonstrate they've delivered complex, multi-charger projects on time and on budget – especially those involving grid upgrades, civil works, or depot reconfigurations.
Key differentiators for installers:
- Rapid-response quoting: Applications require detailed, costed proposals, and fleet operators under time pressure will prioritise installers who can turn around accurate quotes in days, not weeks.
- Grid upgrade experience: Many depots won't have the capacity to support high-power fleet charging without grid reinforcement. Installers who can package DNO liaison, substation work, and charger installation into one turnkey solution will win more bids.
- Flexible hardware and software: The scheme encourages depot sharing to maximise value for money, which means installers offering smart charging, load management, and multi-tenant billing will have an edge over those selling standalone hardware.
- Track record on deadline delivery: With a hard stop at 31 March 2026, fleet operators can't afford delays. Installers with case studies proving they've hit similar deadlines – especially on multi-site projects – will be far more credible than those promising optimistic timelines with no evidence.
Naomi Nye, EV expert at Drax Electric Vehicles, put it bluntly: "Businesses risk missing out on up to £1 million in support if they delay. The size and complexity of depot charging projects make timing crucial, especially when grid upgrades or site redesigns are necessary. Those delaying their applications might find themselves unable to complete installations before the deadline, even if funding is secured, due to high demand."
How the Process Works
The Depot Charging Scheme runs on a hybrid model: applications are assessed for eligibility and value for money, but funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis once those criteria are met.
Key dates:
- Scheme launch: 16 July 2025
- Application deadline: 28 November 2025 at 4pm (or earlier if funds are exhausted)
- Installation completion deadline: 31 March 2026
- Claims window: 1 September 2025 – 31 May 2026
Fleet operators submit applications via the Government Grants Management Service, with support from Cenex and the Energy Saving Trust, who can provide guidance on technical specifications, cost benchmarks, and evaluation criteria. Installers who understand what assessors are looking for – realistic timelines, competitive pricing, proven grid management – can help fleet clients shape stronger applications and improve approval rates.
Once approved, operators claim reimbursement for up to 75% of eligible costs after installation is complete and evidenced, up to the £1 million cap.
Strategic Questions for Installers
If you work with fleets, logistics operators, or depot-based businesses, ask yourself:
- Which of your current customers are eligible? Many fleet operators won't have heard of the scheme or won't realise they qualify. Proactive outreach now – with a costed proposal ready to go – could unlock funded projects that were previously on hold.
- Can you deliver by 31 March 2026? If you're already at capacity or don't have the grid upgrade expertise in-house, can you partner with subcontractors or DNO specialists to make the timeline work?
- Do you have case studies and references for depot charging? Fleet operators applying for funding will need to demonstrate they've chosen credible, experienced installers. Your portfolio and testimonials could be the difference between a successful application and a rejected one.
- Are you engaging with Cenex and Energy Saving Trust? These are the scheme's delivery partners, and they often publish guidance on technical standards, cost expectations, and common pitfalls. Installers who align with that guidance will produce stronger proposals.
Final Thoughts
The Depot Charging Scheme is a £30 million opportunity with a six-month countdown clock. For installers with the capacity, capability, and speed to respond, it's a rare chance to turn government funding into significant, funded project pipelines across fleet depots, logistics hubs, and commercial vehicle operators.
But the deadline isn't negotiable, and funding could run out before 28 November if demand is high. The installers who win will be the ones who move now – not the ones who wait to see what happens.
