A major shift is underway in how UK businesses move goods, people, and services. The government’s newly announced £63 million investment in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure is more than a funding initiative—it’s a signal that the UK is serious about building a cleaner, more resilient transport future.
At Newscast 24, we believe it’s time to amplify the opportunities. This is not just a moment of transition—it’s a chance for UK businesses to lead with innovation, cost savings, and climate credibility.
What’s in the £63 Million Package?
The Department for Transport’s rollout includes:
- £30 million for Depot Charging Grants
To help businesses install EV charging infrastructure at depots, distribution centres, and fleet yards. - £25 million for Cross-Pavement Charging
Enabling residents without driveways to safely run charging cables across pavements—unlocking EV adoption in dense urban areas. - £8 million to Electrify NHS Fleets
Supporting over 200 sites and deploying more than 1,200 charge points, with long-term cost and emissions savings.
This complements existing public and private sector efforts, aiming to deliver over 100,000 new chargepoints in the coming years.
What UK Businesses Need to Know
1. Fleet Charging is No Longer Optional
From retail and logistics to field services and healthcare, fleets are going electric. The new Depot Charging Scheme offers up to 75% funding for eligible installation costs—covering hardware, site preparation, and electrical work (capped at £1 million per applicant).
Applications are open now and close 28 November 2025, with installations due by March 2026. The process is supported by technical partners, including Cenex and the Energy Saving Trust.
2. Electrification Pays Off
Businesses stand to benefit not only from emissions cuts, but from long-term cost reductions. EVs typically offer:
- Lower fuel costs (up to 60% savings)
- Reduced maintenance
- Improved total cost of ownership (TCO)
Case in point: the NHS expects to save £120 million over two decades through fleet electrification. With vehicle purchase grants still active (e.g., £3,750 for EVs under £37,000), the combined benefits are substantial.
3. This is for Businesses of All Sizes
Small and mid-sized businesses can pool resources and apply jointly—especially within shared depots or industrial estates. Charging-as-a-service models are emerging that allow access to infrastructure without owning or operating it directly.
Large operators, meanwhile, can start electrifying high-utilisation routes and depot-to-depot operations where uptime is most predictable.
Priority Sectors and Opportunities
| Sector | Best Use Case | Infrastructure Focus |
| Logistics & Delivery | Urban and last-mile routes | 7–22 kW chargers |
| Freight & Distribution | Depot-to-depot HGV runs | 150–350 kW rapid chargers |
| SMEs & Retail Parks | Shared depot access | Mixed-use installations |
| Brand-Facing Businesses | Public fleet visibility | Branded bays and signage |
Our Take at Newscast 24
This EV infrastructure push isn’t just a government programme—it’s a moment of alignment between business priorities, consumer expectations, and environmental responsibility.
We urge UK businesses to look beyond compliance and see the strategic advantage:
- Aligning with net-zero targets and ESG metrics
- Meeting the expectations of eco-conscious consumers and investors
- Future-proofing fleets before low-emission zones become cost barriers
This is a rare moment where policy, technology, and funding are aligned in a way that reduces risk for early movers.
Final Thought
The UK’s transition to electric mobility is now a business imperative. With funding on the table, support mechanisms in place, and competitive pressure building, the case for depot electrification is stronger than ever.
This is your opportunity to lead—not follow!
Image by (Joenomias) Menno de Jong from Pixabay