Many logistics businesses want to go green. For those running vans, the question is no longer whether electric vehicles (EVs) will become part of the fleet, but how to keep them charged and operational. Battery-electric HGVs remain uneconomical today, but costs will come down, and regulation will increasingly push us in this direction too.
For warehouse operators, that makes installing EV chargepoints an obvious way to futureproof their sites. But it comes with a hefty price tag. That’s why the launch of the Depot Charging Scheme, backed by £30 million of government funding, is so welcome. The scheme is designed to help freight and coach operators install EV chargepoints at depot sites, cutting upfront costs and speeding the shift to zero-emission fleets.
The Department for Transport will cover up to 75 percent of eligible costs, capped at £1m per business across all sites. Eligible costs include the purchase of chargepoints of any type or speed, tailored to your fleet’s duty cycle, plus installation, cabling and civil engineering works. What’s not covered are grid connection upgrades or the electric vehicles themselves.
In order to apply, you’ll need to be a UK-registered fleet operator (trading for at least a year), own or have landlord consent for your premises, and have at least one battery-electric van, HGV or coach (owned, leased or on order) based at that site. Applications close 28 November 2025 (or earlier if the £30m is all assigned), with installations to be completed by the end of March 2026.
For companies that own their depots, this scheme could be a real game-changer, significantly reducing upfront investment and giving long-term certainty on charging infrastructure. However, for those on leasehold premises, there are added complexities. Landlord consent is required, bringing with it legal and surveyor costs that are not grant-funded. Lease terms may also oblige tenants to remove chargers at the end of the lease, or leave them behind without compensation. These are not insurmountable challenges, but they do make the scheme harder to access for some.
So, who is best placed to benefit? In short, owner-occupiers with electric vehicles already in the fleet, or in the pipeline, and sufficient grid capacity. Even if they already have a few chargers, they can use this scheme to add more. So for these businesses, this is the moment to apply and lock in the support while it’s available.
At UKWA, we are pleased to amplify this initiative on behalf of the Department for Transport. It’s an important step towards decarbonising logistics and sits firmly within our wider commitment to champion sustainability across the warehousing sector. Whether you’re ready to make the leap today or still considering your options, UKWA will continue to support members and ensure our industry has a strong voice in shaping a greener future.
Clare Bottle
UKWA, CEO
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