The UK government's Depot Charging Scheme is currently the most accessible grant available for fleet operators electrifying their vehicles. Run by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), it covers 75% of eligible capital costs — up to £1 million per organisation — from a total pool of £30 million.
The deadline to apply is 30 June 2026. The scheme operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If your fleet operates from a UK depot and you have not yet applied, you need to act now.
What the Scheme Covers
The Depot Charging Scheme funds the capital cost of installing electric vehicle charge points at commercial fleet depots. Eligible costs include:
- DC fast charge points (22 kW and above)
- AC charge points (3.7 kW–22 kW)
- Power management hardware and switchgear
- Cabling and civil works
- Energy management software licences (first year)
- Installation and commissioning labour
What it does not cover: ongoing energy costs, maintenance contracts, or vehicles.
Modern fleet depots require integrated power management alongside individual charge points — all qualifying costs are eligible under the scheme.
Who Is Eligible?
You are eligible if you:
- Operate a fleet of commercial vehicles from a UK depot
- Are a registered UK business or public sector organisation
- Have not already started installation work before applying
- Are installing charge points for your own fleet vehicles (not public use)
Multiple sites can be included in a single application. There is no minimum fleet size — even a 10-vehicle logistics depot qualifies.
Eligible operators include bus and coach operators, logistics and delivery companies, waste collection fleets, local authority vehicle fleets, and airport ground handling operators.
How Much Can You Claim?
| Scenario | Installed Cost | 75% Grant | Your Net Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-bay AC logistics depot | ~£80,000 | £60,000 | £20,000 |
| 20-bay DC fleet depot | ~£400,000 | £300,000 | £100,000 |
| 50-bay bus garage | ~£1,200,000 | £750,000* | £450,000 |
*Capped at £1M per organisation. Large bus garage projects may also be eligible for ZEBRA scheme funding for the bus vehicles themselves.
Application Process
Do not start work before your application is approved. Pre-approved work is ineligible for the grant. Applications submitted before 30 June 2026 are guaranteed a place in the current funding round.
Combining With Other Funding Schemes
The Depot Charging Scheme can be stacked with other UK funding mechanisms to substantially reduce your net project cost.
Fleet operators can combine Depot Charging Scheme grants with ZEBRA bus procurement funding and Enhanced Capital Allowances for maximum financial benefit.
How Neutron Can Help
Neutron Systems has delivered depot charging infrastructure for fleet operators globally, covering projects from 10-bay logistics depots to 100-bay bus garages.
We offer:
- Free depot assessment with DNO capacity analysis and load modelling
- Grant application support — our team has guided clients through OZEV, ZEBRA and LEVI applications
- OZEV-registered installer network across the UK
- Master-Terminal architecture that scales from 240 kW to 960 kW without requiring individual high-power connections at each bay — reducing civils cost and maximising your eligible grant claim
Book a free depot assessment before 30 June
We'll survey your site, size the system, and walk you through the OZEV application — at no cost and with no obligation.
Neutron Systems is a UK-registered EV charging infrastructure company (Company No. 07167274). OZEV scheme details are current as of June 2026 — verify eligibility and deadlines at ozev.gov.uk before applying.