EV Charging
UK Government Backs Fleets with £30M EV Charging Infrastructure Fund
1 August 2025 at 13:27:35
As the UK accelerates its push toward zero-emission transport, the government has released a £30 million fund to help fleet operators install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at depots.
What Is the Depot Charging Scheme?
The Depot Charging Scheme, funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and managed by the Government Grants Management Service (GGMS), will reimburse eligible fleet operators for up to 75% of the costs associated with installing EV charging infrastructure. A total of £30 million is available, with a maximum grant of £1 million per applicant, which can be spread across multiple sites.
What Is Covered In The Scheme?
The scheme covers the purchase of EV chargepoints tailored to your fleet’s specific requirements, as well as labour and materials required for installation and connection. This includes civil engineering work, electrical components, and contractor services. However, costs related to electric vehicles themselves, and grid connection charges are excluded. For full details on eligible and ineligible expenses, visit the official the government website.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Registered Fleet Operator: Must be a registered fleet operator operating in the UK for at least one year before application date.
Depot Ownership or Consent: Need to own the depot(s) where the installation of the units want to be or have written consent from the landlord to install the infrastructure at the specified site(s).
Fleet Requirements: Own, lease, or have ordered at least one battery electric van, heavy goods vehicle (HGV), or coach as part of your fleet.
Installation Deadline: Be able to complete the installation of charging points by 31 March 2026.
Grid Capacity: The depot(s) must have sufficient grid capacity to support EV charging by 31 March 2026.
Proof of Eligibility: Provide evidence that requirements above are met, as outlined in the scheme’s supporting information.
Senior Leadership Approval: A senior leader within your organisation must have signed off on your infrastructure installation proposal.
There are no limits on the number of depot sites that can be included in the application, provided all sites meet the eligibility criteria and are covered under the same application.
Application closing date: 28th of November 2025, 4pm
Opportunities for Installers
While the scheme targets fleet operators, it opens significant opportunities for EV installers across the UK. Unlike previous schemes, there is no central list of approved contractors. Installers can directly engage with applicants and compete to secure funded projects.
With £30 million available on a first-come, first-served basis, and applications requiring detailed, costed proposals, installers who respond quickly with accurate quotes will greatly improve their chances of winning business.
The deadline for completed installations is 31 March 2026, making efficient project management and resource allocation essential - especially for complex or multi-site projects. Installers with proven experience in meeting tight deadlines, handling grid upgrade requirements, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders will stand out.
Additionally, the scheme encourages depot sharing to maximise value for money, which creates further opportunity for installers offering flexible hardware and software solutions.
Installers can gain insights by engaging with scheme delivery partners like Cenex and the Energy Saving Trust. These organisations often provide guidance on cost benchmarks, technical best practices, and evaluation criteria. Being fluent in these expectations allows installers to align proposals more closely with what assessors are looking for, making them more appealing to fleet operators seeking funding approval.
Become an Improved Installer?
Interested in becoming an Rolec approved installation partner? Reach out today to learn how you can take advantage of this opportunity and support fleets in transitioning to zero-emission transport. Get in contact today.
To find out more about becoming a Rolec approved installation partner, click here
