Quick Summary
- The next DCS application window is expected to run from 28 October 2026 to 29 January 2027.
- Funding can help reduce depot charging infrastructure costs, although Window 2’s terms and grant rates remain unconfirmed.
- Starting early gives operators time to gather evidence, secure permissions and assess power requirements.
- A strong plan should reflect fleet needs, full project costs and realistic delivery and operating requirements.
- VEV has helped over 40 companies with DCS applications and can support preparations for the next window.
Countdown to DCS: why now is the time to prepare your depot
The next Depot Charging Scheme (DCS) application window is expected to open on 28 October 2026 and close on 29 January 2027. For operators planning to introduce electric vans, HGVs or coaches, it offers another opportunity to seek support towards the cost of depot charging infrastructure.
Although the next window’s terms and grant rates are still to be confirmed, there is plenty operators can do now. Starting early gives your business time to build a clear plan, gather evidence and resolve questions before submitting an application.
Why the grant matters
Moving to electric vehicles involves investment across the depot. Chargers, installation and civil works all need to be considered alongside vehicle costs. For businesses taking their first steps, this infrastructure investment can be a significant barrier.
The DCS helps address that challenge by contributing towards eligible charging infrastructure costs. Reducing the amount a business needs to fund itself can strengthen the commercial case for electrification and make a planned rollout more achievable.
For context, Window 1 offered funding for 70% of eligible charge point and civil costs, capped at £1 million across an organisation’s sites. These figures should not be assumed to apply to Window 2, whose funding terms remain unconfirmed.
The opportunity is also a reason to look at your wider fleet plans. A well-designed project can support the first vehicles arriving at a depot while allowing for future growth, helping operators avoid costly changes as more vehicles become electric.
Why starting early makes a difference
A strong application brings together evidence on vehicles, depot suitability, power, infrastructure design, costs and delivery. Gathering that information takes time and often involves external parties.
Landlord permissions, grid enquiries, supplier quotations and internal budget approvals can all affect progress. Starting now gives you time to identify gaps, compare options and agree a realistic project before the application window opens.
It also allows fleet, finance, property and procurement teams to work through the same plan. That coordination can help prevent an application being delayed by unresolved questions about which depots to prioritise, how much investment is needed or who will approve it.
Four areas to focus on now
Drawing on the practical guide VEV prepared for BIFA, these are useful starting points for your preparations.
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Build the plan around your vehicles
Identify which vehicles, routes and depots you intend to electrify. Daily mileage, operating schedules and time spent at the depot should inform charger numbers and power requirements. Be ready to explain how your proposed infrastructure matches your fleet’s needs.
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Check power and permissions
Confirm the electrical capacity available at each site and engage your Distribution Network Operator where additional capacity is needed. For leased depots, begin landlord discussions early. Understanding these constraints will help you prioritise sites with a practical route to delivery.
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Understand the full project budget
Gather detailed quotations and identify both potentially eligible costs and spending your business will need to cover separately. Plan for the required funding contribution and check Window 2’s payment terms, including whether supplier payments could fall due before grant reimbursement.
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Plan for delivery and operation
Agree a realistic programme covering procurement, installation and commissioning. Consider how the infrastructure will be maintained and how charging will be monitored and managed once vehicles are in service. These decisions help connect the application to a workable operating plan.
Get ready for the next window
Preparing now puts your business in a stronger position to review the final guidance and complete its application when the window opens. It also provides a clearer view of what electrification will involve, whichever stage your fleet has reached.
VEV has helped over 40 companies with their applications for the Depot Charging Scheme. If you are considering applying in the next window, get in touch to discuss how we can support your preparations: ask@vev.com.
7 October, 2026
