Fleet operators are urged to move quickly to secure support from the Government’s £30 million Depot Charging Scheme, with applications closing on November 28.
The funding, available across the UK, covers up to 75% of installation and procurement costs for EV charging infrastructure, capped at £1 million per applicant across multiple depot sites. Eligible organisations include public and private fleets, local authorities, and non-profits with at least one year of trading history.
Naomi Nye, electric vehicle expert at Drax Electric Vehicles, warned that operators still weighing up their options are running out of time.
“Electrification is inevitable for fleets, but costs and lead times pose significant challenges,” Nye said. “This grant provides businesses with much-needed support, but deadlines are strict.”
Analysis by Fuuse shows that depot charging remains one of the most cost-effective routes to fleet electrification, often cutting operational energy spend by as much as two-thirds compared to reliance on public charging networks. Beyond cost, on-site charging offers fleets greater operational control and scheduling flexibility, particularly for vehicles returning to base overnight.
To ensure a smooth and compliant rollout before the deadline, FleetWise recommends that operators begin by auditing their current electrical capacity and forecasting future energy demand. Early engagement with experienced partners — such as BP Pulse or EO Charging (both featured in FleetWise’s Trusted Brands Report) — can help businesses identify funding eligibility, manage grid connections, and implement scalable, future-proof charging strategies.
All funded installations must be completed by 31 March 2026, covering not only chargers and installation materials but also civil works, battery storage, and solar integration where relevant.