FROM THE
INDUSTRY
Powering Progress: How the Depot Charging Scheme is helping fleets electrify
By Naomi Nye, Head of Sales, Drax Electric Vehicles
The Government’s Depot Charging Scheme, announced in the summer of 2025, opened the door for fleets to accelerate their transition to cleaner transport. Businesses and local authorities looking to install charging infrastructure needed for zero-emission vehicles can now access further funding. The scheme currently offers up to 70% off eligible infrastructure and civils costs, capped at £1 million.
It’s a great opportunity for organisations ready to electrify their operations or grow an existing setup. But time is of the essence. Applications close 30 June 2026, and installations must be completed by 31 March 2027.
At its core, the scheme exists to remove one of the biggest barriers to fleet electrification: the upfront cost of installing depot charging. By reducing this barrier, the Government aims to help more organisations make meaningful progress, faster.
And while funding support is significant, many fleets benefit from an expert partner who can guide them through the process, understand their operations, and design a solution that works from day one. A partner like Drax Electric Vehicles.
“With applications closing on 30 June 2026, fleets have a clear window to unlock funding and accelerate their transition to cleaner transport”
How Camden moved quickly to capture the opportunity
The London Borough of Camden acted quickly during last summer’s initial funding round. The borough’s committed to reducing the environmental impact of its essential services fleet, and its Holmes Road depot was a priority location for electrification.
The funding rules stipulated that support covered installation only and not major power upgrades. Any design would need to make the most of the site’s existing electrical capacity.
Drax began by conducting a detailed assessment of the depot’s power availability, usage patterns, and day-to-day fleet activity. Understanding how vehicles moved, stopped, charged, and returned was essential. The aim was simple: deliver the best solution without the cost or disruption of electrical upgrades.
With the design complete, Camden submitted the proposal to the Government’s administrator, Cenex and funding was approved.
Delivering a smart, future-ready depot
The solution combined fast charging for busy daytime operations with expanded overnight charging. To increase rapid charging capacity, Drax recommended two additional 50kW dual-socket DC chargers – bringing the on-site total to five and enabling quick turnarounds for Camden’s electric vans between jobs.
Overnight capacity was boosted with six new 22kW AC dual-socket chargers. Because Drax is hardware agnostic, these were integrated seamlessly alongside Camden’s existing AC infrastructure, maximising the value of equipment already on site.
All AC chargers were then connected through a smart charging network that intelligently balances power: allowing for the DC chargers to be prioritised during the day, while all 18 AC sockets charge at full capacity overnight. This approach ensures Camden can charge vehicles without increasing demand on the grid.
The project included civil works, installation of all new chargers, adoption of existing hardware, deployment of smart charging controls and a five-year service and maintenance package. What Camden gained was more than infrastructure – it was a scalable, intelligent charging setup that strengthens its long-term sustainability goals.
A new funding window, and a new opportunity for fleets
With a further £140 million now committed to the scheme, fleets have a further chance to cut costs, reduce emissions and modernise operations.
Whether organisations are taking their first steps towards electrification or expanding a growing fleet, the right partner can help turn ambition into action.
Drax is ready to support businesses at every stage – from surveying the site and understanding electrical capacity to designing a tailored solution and supporting the funding application.
For fleets looking to energise their future, now’s the right time to begin.
