Cenex & EST Back Government’s New Depot Charging Initiative

Welcome, Net Zero News readers,

In an exciting development for the UK’s journey towards a sustainable future, Cenex has teamed up with the Energy Saving Trust to spearhead the UK Government’s ambitious £30 million Depot Charging Scheme (DCS). This initiative is a vital part of a broader £63 million investment package aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the nation, marking a significant step forward in the UK’s electrification efforts.

The DCS is designed to facilitate the installation of over 3,000 van and 200 heavy goods vehicle (HGV) charge points. This strategic move not only aims to reduce operational costs for businesses but also boost efficiency while driving the transition towards zero-emission vehicles. The funding for this scheme, generously provided by the Department for Transport (DfT), will be managed by the Government Grants Management Service (GGMS) to ensure that the support reaches the right hands.

Commercial transport currently accounts for more than a third of the UK’s domestic transport CO₂ emissions. Therefore, the electrification of depots is a crucial strategy in the decarbonisation of the logistics and coach travel sectors. By promoting the installation of essential charging infrastructure, the government’s approach aims to instil confidence in the logistics sector and assist British businesses as they navigate the transition to zero-emission operations.

As part of this groundbreaking initiative, Cenex and the Energy Saving Trust will provide specialised technical support to both grant applicants and administrators. This support encompasses a range of services designed to facilitate a smooth application process, including:

• Designing assessment frameworks for technical and cost-related criteria
• Developing evidence-based cost benchmarks for depot charging installations
• Providing tailored guidance to applicants on infrastructure planning, procurement, and deployment
• Offering expert input during application reviews and appeals to the GGMS

With over 20 years of experience in the zero-emission commercial vehicle sector, Cenex and the Energy Saving Trust bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Their collaboration ensures that the project is supported by trusted and evidence-based analysis, vital for achieving the goals set out in the DCS. This partnership will enable a comprehensive approach to establishing evidence-based cost benchmarks, essential for the successful implementation of charging infrastructure.

Moreover, the consortium boasts a combined experience of over 50 years in grant administration and transport decarbonisation, providing the deep, hands-on knowledge essential for navigating the complexities of electric vehicles and electric vehicle infrastructure (EVI). Their collective expertise will play a pivotal role in the successful execution of the project, which is slated for completion by the end of March 2026.

The Depot Charging Scheme is set to open its doors on 16 July 2025, welcoming applications from HGV, van, and coach fleet operators across the UK. Eligible businesses will have the opportunity to claim reimbursement of up to 75% of the costs associated with charger procurement and installation, with a cap of £1 million per applicant for all sites. This generous support will remain available until the allocated funding is exhausted or until 28 November 2025, whichever comes first.

Chris Rimmer, Head of Department for Policy, Strategy and Implementation at Cenex, expressed his enthusiasm for the scheme, stating, “We are delighted to be supporting this initiative with expert input from the Cenex and Energy Saving Trust. Facilitating the deployment of quality infrastructure into depots will be a crucial step in accelerating the electrification of vans, coaches, and HGVs, which represent the next significant challenge for transport decarbonisation.”

Nick Harvey, Senior Programme Manager at the Energy Saving Trust, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of the scheme in overcoming financial barriers: “For many years, the Energy Saving Trust has been a trusted source of expert advice and support to UK fleets on the road to decarbonisation. This new scheme is vital, as it directly addresses one of the main barriers: the cost of installing charging infrastructure. We’re proud to partner with Cenex to provide the expert guidance businesses need to reduce their emissions and lower running costs by confidently transitioning to electric vehicles.”

The collaboration between Cenex and the Energy Saving Trust represents a significant leap towards a greener, more sustainable future for the UK’s transport sector. By investing in the necessary infrastructure, businesses can not only reduce their carbon footprint but also embrace a more efficient and economically viable mode of operation. As we move forward, the success of the Depot Charging Scheme could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and decarbonisation across various sectors.

As we await the launch of this transformative scheme, it is clear that the UK is taking bold strides towards a future where electric vehicles dominate the roads, reducing emissions and paving the way for a cleaner environment. Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we continue to cover the developments in the realm of net zero initiatives and sustainable practices.