Depot Charging Scheme 2026:
EV Infrastructure Grants for Fleet Operators Explained

As the UK pushes forward with its net-zero ambitions, the Depot Charging Scheme has moved from pilot to a full multi-year programme. Originally launched in 2025, the scheme has now been relaunched for April 2026 with a significantly expanded funding pot and a rolling series of application windows running through to 2030.

This is a government-backed grant programme designed to support the rollout of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for HGVs, vans and coaches across the UK. The latest update makes it more accessible than ever for fleet operators who are ready to make the switch.

What is the Depot Charging Scheme?

The Depot Charging Scheme provides financial support to help fleet operators cover the costs of installing EV charging points at their depots. While grants have long been available to help buy electric vans and trucks through the Plug-in Van and Truck Grant, the cost of installing the necessary charging infrastructure has remained a significant barrier for many businesses.

The scheme aims to close that gap by funding 70% of eligible costs for purchasing and installing chargepoints and related civil works at fleet depots — including trenching, cabling and electrical upgrades. It does not cover the cost of buying electric vehicles or upgrading grid connections, but it makes the infrastructure side considerably more affordable.

Solar photovoltaics installed solely to support chargepoints are eligible, as are Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), provided they are physically and operationally integrated with the charging infrastructure.

Who Can Benefit?

The scheme is open to a wide range of organisations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, including:

• Private and public sector fleet operators
• Local authorities
• Non-profit organisations
• Emergency services and NHS Trusts
• Leasing and rental companies
• Contracted fleet operators (with depot owner permission)

Operators in the Crown Dependencies (Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey) are not eligible.

To qualify, applicants must:

There is no limit on the number of depot sites an organisation can include, as long as all sites meet the eligibility criteria. Each organisation can submit only one application, and the £1 million funding cap applies at the enterprise level. So if your business is part of a wider group, the cap applies across the group as a whole.

2026 Application Windows at a Glance

The scheme now runs as a series of time-limited application windows:

Applicants are assessed on a first-come-first-served basis, so early submission is strongly advisable.

Applicants need to provide evidence of sufficient grid capacity with either a signed connection agreement, a letter from their Distribution Network Operator confirming capacity, or a connection offer with evidence of acceptance with the 2026/27 financial year.

The Plug-in Van and Truck Grant 2026 update

The DCS works hand-in-hand with vehicle purchase support. As of March 2026, the government has extended the Plug-in Van and Truck Grant until at least the end of FY 2026/27, offering discounts on the purchase price of eligible zero-emission vehicles:

Vans:

• Small vans (under 2.5t): up to £2,500
• Large vans (2.5t-4.25t): up to £5,000
• Businesses are limited to 1,500 grants per financial year

Trucks (zero-emission HGVs only):

• 25t-12t: up to £15,000
• 12t-18t: up to £37,000
• 18t-26t: up to £52,000
• 26t+: up to £81,000
• Capped at 40% of purchase price and 100 vehicles per customer

These grants are applied via the dealer or manufacturer. Theres no separate application process for the buyer.

Support and Expert Guidance

The government has again partnered with Cenex and the Energy Saving Trust to provide technical advice and application support. Applicants can contact the scheme team directly at ggms_depot_cs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk with an queries about eligibility or the application process.

Why This Matters

The transport sector remains one of the UK’s largest sources of carbon emissions and commercial vehicles are a significant contributor. The expansion of the Depot Charging Scheme into a multi-year, £170 million programme signals a long-term commitment from the government to support fleet electrification and it sits alongside the ZEV mandate which requires an increasing percentage of new van and truck sales to be zero-emission every year through to 2030.

By reducing the financial burden of infrastructure installation and combining it with extended vehicle purchase grants, the support package for fleets going electric is now more complete than it has ever been.

Next Steps for Fleet Operators

If you operate a fleet of vans, HGVs or coaches and are considering electrification, Window 1 is open now:

• Check your eligibility - Do you meet the vehicle, depot and operating requirements?
• Assess your depot(s) – do you have the space, grid capacity and any landlord approvals needed?
• Gather quotes – get detailed cost estimates from installers for chargepoints and civil works
• Prepare your application – evidence
• Prepare your application – evidence of DNO capacity, vehicle ownership and budget breakdown will all be required
• Submit early – funding is limited and allocated on a first-come-first-served basis

For fleet operators, this scheme represents a real opportunity to transition with confidence, knowing that meaningful support is available to take the sting out of upfront infrastructure costs.