Fleets Get Boost with New Charging Fund

21/07/25
3 min

With UK fleets continuing to be pushed towards alternatively fuelled commercial vehicles, electric options are consistently leading the charge, however, infrastructure remains a key barrier to adoption.

This is why many key stakeholders continue to petition the Government to tackle this challenge – a move which this month has seen a notable step forward.

Specifically, for BVRLA members, the Government has unveiled a new funding programme to help both large fleets and smaller businesses futureproof their depots, supporting the installation of charging infrastructure for electric HGVs, vans and coaches.

Man wearing a high visibility jacket and red hat insert a charging plug into a wall-mounted charging unit.

The Fraikin team are on hand to help customers understand this development, providing expert guidance and support on the optimum solution for their current and future needs.

What’s on offer?

All fleet operators with existing depots will be able to access a £30m Government fund.

Per applicant, the Department of Transportation will offer to pay 75% of eligible costs for projects up to £1.3m, capped at £1m for larger scale projects that exceed that amount.

For those without depots – sole traders, for instance – there is a separate £25m funding pot on offer to support the rollout of cross-pavement charging solutions.

Who can qualify?

Applicants will need to meet the following criteria:

Be registered and operating in the UK for at least one year at the time of application.
Own, lease, have on order, or plans to order a zero-emission electric van, HGV or coach.
Either own their depot or have landlord permission for infrastructure installation.
For applicants who lease their depot, it must be leased for the next three years.
Either have the required grid capacity on site or provide evidence of an electrification date within the project delivery window.
Have sufficient financing to deliver the project and meet the matched funding requirements.

To apply, interested businesses must then provide:

A copy of their operating licence, or for van-only fleets, evidence of their BVRLA membership, FORS accreditation or LUK van excellence accreditation.
Evidence of current or future battery electric vehicle ownership, including acquisition dates and Vehicle Identification Numbers.
Vehicle lease contracts or order forms, where applicable.
Evidence to confirm ownership or lease of the depot(s).
Confirmation of any previous EV infrastructure funding.
Description of any current and/or proposed EV charge point infrastructure.
An outline of any third parties that would be contracted to deliver the infrastructure.
A full budget breakdown for the duration of the project.
Evidence of Distribution Network Operator arrangements.
Evidence of financing for the project.

How long do I have to apply?

There is a tight timeline – the grant will close either when all the funding has been exhausted or by 28 November 2025, whichever is sooner.

In addition, all projects must be completed by 31 March 2026, with all associated claim evidence also submitted by this date.

It is therefore Fraikin’s recommendation that interested parties do not delay. If you require additional guidance or advice, your dedicated key account manager and our broader team of experts are ready and available to support you, leveraging connected fleet data to recommend charging infrastructure that aligns with your operational demands.

Talk to us today.