The UK Government has reopened applications for the section round of its Depot Charging Scheme, which provides funding for businesses installing charging infrastructure for electric vans and HGVs. However, the grant rate has been reduced from 70 to 60 per cent of eligible costs.

Following a delay of around two weeks, the scheme’s application window officially opened on 11 November. It had originally been scheduled to reopen on 28 October, but applications were not made as expected. Fleets now have until midday on 26 February 2027 to apply for a share of the £38 million allocated to the scheme for the 2027/28 financial year.

The grants cover up to 60% of the costs of purchasing and installing charge points, as well as associated civil engineering work. The maximum grant is £1 million per applicant across all sites. The scheme is intended to help businesses overcome the upfront costs of installing depot charging infrastructure for commercial EVs.

The first application window, which closed in June 2026, offered £28 million for projects to be delivered during the 2026/27 financial year. At that stage, the government covered up to 70 per cent of eligible costs.

Welcoming the next round of funding, Aymeric Larcher, managing director at Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, said: “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.” He added: “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.”

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