Discover how logistics fleets can access funding for depot charging infrastructure and prepare for electric HGV adoption.
Written by Tristan Bacon — Updated 14 September 2026
Electric HGVs are no longer just a concept for the future; they’re already starting to appear on UK roads. And with the government’s new depot charging grant scheme, logistics businesses now have financial backing to get the infrastructure in place.
This support is aimed at firms ready to cut emissions and future-proof their operations. In this guide, we’ll explore what the depot charging scheme offers, who’s eligible, how to apply, and what benefits (and challenges) come with electrifying your fleet.
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This government initiative launched its multi-year programme in March 2026, building on a successful 2025/26 pilot, and is aimed at helping freight and logistics companies install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at their depots. Unlike public charge points or van-focused incentives, this scheme is designed around the needs of electric HGV fleets.
It’s available to businesses registered and operating across the UK, excluding the Crown Dependencies (Isle of Man, Jersey, and Guernsey). Charging at the depot is more efficient for electric HGVs, as these vehicles typically return to base each day and require high-capacity overnight charging.
With this in mind, the scheme supports the bigger infrastructure upgrades required for heavy-duty charging. And that’s super important for helping the haulage and logistics industry meet carbon reduction targets without disrupting operations.
The current multi-year programme follows a smaller pilot that ran in 2025/26, which tested the application process and infrastructure requirements on a limited basis. If you came across the scheme during that pilot period, it’s worth revisiting the details — the 2026 programme operates under different funding terms, a higher overall budget, and a new application window structure.
To be eligible for the depot charging scheme, your business must meet a few important requirements.
You don’t have to already own electric vehicles, but you do need a clear plan to transition.
Business eligibility criteria:
Depot eligibility criteria:
Note that the scheme requires your organisation and vehicle fleet to have been operating in the UK for at least one year at the time of application, so it is not available to brand-new businesses. If you are in the early stages of building your fleet, it is worth reading our guide to starting a haulage company to plan ahead.
Whether you’re a national operator or a small haulage business, the scheme is designed to help fleets of all sizes. This flexibility makes it accessible to both established firms and newcomers.
Funding is available across several categories, which makes this scheme especially helpful for small and medium logistics businesses. Instead of only covering charge points, it supports the entire planning and installation process.
Here’s what you can claim:
The grant is designed to remove the financial barriers that come with installing high-capacity depot chargers. It’s also a good opportunity to start building future-proof infrastructure as part of your yard management and net-zero strategy.
Different caps apply depending on the size of your depot and the type of support you need. Here’s a breakdown (all figures from the official Depot Charging Scheme page, which should be checked before applying as rates may change):
Funding can cover multiple depots, but you’ll need to apply for each site individually. It’s worth getting quotes from suppliers early so you can build a detailed cost proposal.
The scheme is run by the Department for Transport. Applications are submitted through the government’s Find a Grant service, where you can download application templates and submit your documents and business case.
The process looks like this:
The first application window (25 March – 30 June 2026) is now closed. The next window is expected to open on 28 October 2026 and close on 29 January 2027, covering projects starting from April 2027 and delivered by 31 March 2028. Terms and grant rates for that window are still to be confirmed.
There’s more to this than just ticking boxes for HGV emissions targets. Depot charging offers real business advantages, like:
More local authorities and freight clients now require low-emission options, per the government’s Zero Emission Vehicle mandate. Electrification can help you win contracts and make your operations cleaner and simpler.
Depot electrification is becoming a central part of haulage and logistics strategy. It helps operators cut costs while staying competitive in a changing market.
To work smoothly, depot charging needs to be fully integrated into your scheduling and fleet management. It’s not just about plugging in; it’s about timing, capacity and load balancing.
Many logistics firms use smart charging software to:
Despite the funding, there are real hurdles to going electric. These are worth knowing early so you can plan accordingly.
Potential challenges include:
Still, these challenges are becoming more manageable each year. The support available makes 2026 a good moment to take your first step.
One cost the scheme does not cover is your grid connection upgrade. If your depot needs additional power capacity — which many sites do when adding high-power HGV chargers — you’ll need to arrange and fund that work directly with your Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
This matters for two reasons. First, DNO upgrades can cost anywhere from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of pounds depending on your location and current capacity, so they need a dedicated budget line. Second, lead times for grid works are often 12 to 24 months, which means you need to start conversations with your DNO well before you’re ready to install chargers. Factoring this into your planning timeline early is one of the most effective things you can do to avoid delays.
There’s no perfect moment, but this might be your best chance in years. The cost of doing nothing is rising, and the benefits of switching are more tangible than ever.
Electric HGV options are growing, charging tech is more stable, and the pressure to reduce emissions is only going one way. If you’re serious about future-proofing your business and staying competitive, this scheme is worth a look. And there’s a growing number of companies offering EV HGV financing and lease options, so you can upgrade your fleet without breaking the bank.
You can also read our guide to sustainability in logistics for more long-term benefits. It explains how greener practices help logistics companies reduce costs while meeting customer and regulatory expectations.
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It’s a government funding scheme launched in 2024 to help logistics firms install private EV chargers at their depots. It covers feasibility planning, hardware, and installation costs.
UK-registered companies with access to a depot site used for heavy goods vehicles. You don’t need to own electric trucks yet, but you must have a plan to adopt them.
70% of eligible chargepoint hardware and civil engineering costs, up to a maximum of £1 million across all depots. Feasibility studies and grid connection upgrades are not covered by this scheme and must be funded separately.
It depends on your site’s readiness, supplier lead times, and the local DNO. Most businesses should allow 3 to 12 months for full installation.
Yes. The Zero Emission Van and Truck Grant provides a discount of up to £81,000 on eligible electric HGVs at the point of purchase. The Workplace Charging Scheme covers up to £500 per socket for smaller chargepoint installations. The LEVI (Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) fund is allocated to local authorities to install public charging infrastructure — it is not directly accessible by fleet operators for private depot use. You can often apply for more than one scheme where eligible.
Yes, many systems are modular and can expand as you add more electric vehicles. Planning your layout now will save you money later.
