The government has confirmed £38m in funding to help operators install charging infrastructure at depots for vans and trucks, with applications now open.
The Depot Charging Scheme (DCS) will cover up to 60% of installation costs. Around £1m will be available per site.
The announcement follows concerns that the government might scale back the scheme after the second funding round, intended to support projects in 2027/28, failed to open as planned on 28 October 2026.
However, whilst this latest round of funding will be welcome by operators, they still face a major cost barrier, since the Depot Charging Sceme does not cover off-site grid and distribution network operator (DNO) upgrades, which require major connection costs and long waiting times.
Announcing the funding, the DfT said it is part of the government’s drive to back British business through the transition to electric vehicles, noting that the logistics sector is worth £170bn and supports 2.7 million jobs.
Buses and Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said: “Britain’s businesses keep the country moving, and we want to help them power up for the future.
“Today’s funding will help firms put chargers in their depots, so more electric trucks, vans and coaches can get on the road.
“By cutting the cost of installing charge points, we’re helping businesses build cleaner fleets, reducing exposure to volatile fuel prices and driving growth up and down the country.”
Aymeric Larcher, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland MD, welcomed the government’s continuing support for depot charging infrastructure.
He added: “Installing the charging facilities needed to operate electric trucks represents a substantial investment, and for many operators, it’s one of the main barriers to making the switch.
“With more than 3,500 Renault Trucks electric vehicles having collectively covered over 130 million kilometres in real world conditions, electric trucks are already proving themselves across a wide range of operations. But having the right charging infrastructure in place is as important as the right vehicle.
“This funding will help more businesses invest in the depot charging facilities they need, whether introducing electric trucks and vans for the first time or expanding their existing fleets. It’s a positive signal to the industry and an important step in making electric trucks a more accessible commercial choice.”
Toby Poston, BVRLA chief executive, said: “The Depot Charging Scheme is providing valuable support to fleet operators looking to invest in electric vehicles.
“Access to affordable, reliable charging infrastructure remains a significant challenge, particularly for rental businesses and smaller operators where upfront costs can be a barrier.
“The confirmation of further funding, alongside defined application phases and timelines, is welcome.
“Businesses need clarity to plan investment and make informed decisions about when and how to electrify their fleets.
“This is practical, targeted support that can help more operators make the transition with confidence.”
Rhian Burrell, Vertellus MD, said the funding will help operators with the upfront costs, making it easier for businesses to transition away from diesel.
“Through our EV Discovery Programme, we’re already helping operators understand how electric trucks can work within their fleets. This additional support will help businesses build on this experience, with the charging infrastructure needed to support their operations,” he added.
Simon Smith, Voltempo chief executive, said the funding recognises the importance of the logistics sector to the economy and the need to make the move to electric more affordable.
He continued: “At Voltempo, we’ve already helped several operators install charging infrastructure from previous DCS rounds. But getting chargers in the ground is only half the story. Energy costs, grid connections and making better use of that infrastructure are critical to getting the economics right.
“By bringing fleet demand together, we can secure cheaper, more predictable energy and help operators earn revenue from charging capacity that would otherwise sit unused.
“Electric freight has to pay. Charging is at the heart of that equation. Get the economics right and fleet electrification becomes a commercial opportunity.”
