Government launches Depot Charging Scheme

This is part of a £63m investment package which intended to reduce the barriers to commercial and private EV usage.

According to a Department for Transport spokesperson, the £30 million Depot Charging Scheme is intended to “help businesses install charging points at depots nationwide, supporting the nation’s heavy goods vehicles, vans and coach drivers in the transition to net zero.”

Speaking in response to the announcement, Logistics UK’s Deputy Policy Director  Michelle Gardner was cautiously optimistic about the impact of the planned initiative:

“Logistics UK’s members, the businesses which move all the goods that the economy needs to operate effectively, will welcome the announcement of the Depot Charging Scheme, which will support operators looking to install the infrastructure required to charge electric vehicles swiftly and effectively.

“However, challenges still exist for the logistics sector on the road to decarbonisation – the public charging infrastructure for commercial vehicles is still woefully underpowered and requires an effective plan to ensure it is scaled rapidly. To address wider challenges with depot charging, our sector must be prioritised for grid connections with high and opaque costs being addressed. We will be maintaining close contact with government over the coming weeks to ensure that these issues are addressed at pace.”

As part of the package of new measures, intended to increase EV uptake across the economy, the NHS will receive access to an £8m fund to power the electrification of ambulances and medical fleets across more than 200 NHS sites – a move which is set to save £120m in costs, which can be ploughed back into patient care – as well as the installation of more than 1,200 charging points at NHS sites.

EV charging signage on major roads is also set to be upgraded, with immediate changes to include the signposting of EV charging hubs from motorways and major A-roads for the first time.

Details of the Depot Charging Scheme can be found here