The government has confirmed £38m in further funding to help operators install electric vehicle charging infrastructure at depots, with applications now open under the Depot Charging Scheme (DCS).
The scheme will cover up to 60% of eligible installation costs, with grants of around £1m available per site.
The announcement follows uncertainty over the scheme’s future after a second funding round, intended to support projects in 2027/28, failed to open as scheduled on 28 October.
The funding is UK-wide with applications now open and set to run until 26 February 2027.
While the funding will help reduce the upfront cost of installing depot chargers, operators still face a significant hurdle: the scheme does not cover external grid connections or distribution network operator (DNO) upgrades, which can involve substantial costs and lengthy delays.
Buses and Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said the funding would help businesses prepare for the transition to electric vehicles, reducing exposure to volatile fuel prices while supporting economic growth.
Renault Trucks UK & Ireland managing director Aymeric Larcher welcomed the announcement, describing charging infrastructure as one of the main barriers to electric truck adoption.
BVRLA chief executive Toby Poston also welcomed the additional funding, saying affordable and reliable charging remained a significant challenge, particularly for rental businesses and smaller operators.
However, Voltempo chief executive Simon Smith warned that installing chargers was only part of the challenge, with energy costs, grid connections and making effective use of charging capacity all critical to the commercial viability of electric freight.
The £38m package is intended to support businesses investing in depot charging as they introduce or expand electric van and truck fleets.
