The next application window for the UK Government's Depot Charging Scheme is expected to open on 28 October 2026, providing another opportunity for eligible fleet operators to seek financial support towards installing electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
With £38 million allocated to the 2027/28 funding round, businesses considering fleet electrification have good reason to start reviewing their requirements now rather than waiting until applications open.
But installing charging infrastructure involves more than choosing the right chargepoints.
What is the Depot Charging Scheme?
The Depot Charging Scheme supports eligible operators of electric vans, heavy goods vehicles and coaches with the costs associated with installing charging infrastructure at their depots.
The previous funding round offered grants covering up to 70% of eligible chargepoint and civil works costs, capped at £1 million per organisation.
The funding rates and detailed eligibility conditions for the forthcoming round have not yet been confirmed, so businesses should check the updated government guidance when applications open.
The next application window is expected to run from 28 October 2026 until 29 January 2027, supporting eligible projects beginning from April 2027.
Why planning ahead matters
For businesses considering electric vehicles, charging infrastructure needs to work around the way their fleet operates.
Before deciding on the number or type of chargers, there are several practical considerations.
Existing electrical capacity
Understanding what the site can currently support is an important starting point. Depending on the proposed charging requirements, additional electrical infrastructure or network capacity may be needed.
Groundworks and site layout
Cable routes, parking arrangements, vehicle movements and access to charging equipment can all affect installation requirements and project costs.
Vehicle operating patterns
The number of vehicles is only part of the picture. How long vehicles remain at the depot, when they return and how quickly they need to recharge will influence the most appropriate charging solution.
Future fleet requirements
Infrastructure designed solely around today's vehicles may become restrictive as a business expands or replaces more of its fleet with electric alternatives.
Considering future demand at the outset can help businesses make more informed investment decisions.
Making the most of available funding
Government support can make a meaningful difference to the cost of introducing depot charging, but funding should form part of a wider infrastructure plan.
Understanding the site, operational requirements and potential installation challenges before submitting an application can help businesses establish a more realistic project scope.
Duncan Booth, Managing Director of ORKA Solutions, explains:
"Funding can make a real difference to the cost of installing charging infrastructure, but businesses need to look at the wider project before making decisions.
"It's not simply about how many chargers are needed today. It's about understanding how the vehicles operate, what the existing site can support and what might be required as the fleet changes.
"Taking the time to consider those things early can help businesses make better use of available funding and avoid unnecessary complications further down the line."
Planning fleet charging infrastructure in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
For businesses across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and the wider region, the forthcoming funding window provides an opportunity to revisit plans for fleet electrification.
Whether considering an initial transition to electric vehicles or planning infrastructure for a larger fleet, understanding the wider electrical requirements is an important part of making commercially sensible decisions.
ORKA Solutions works with businesses to assess and deliver commercial EV charging infrastructure, taking account of operational requirements, existing site infrastructure and future demand.
Businesses considering depot charging can find further information about the forthcoming funding round through the UK Government's Depot Charging Scheme guidance.
Considering EV charging infrastructure for your business?
Contact ORKA Solutions to discuss your requirements.