UK Commercial EV Charging Accelerates: Hubs, Grants and Depot Solutions

Welcome to Net Zero News, your daily briefing on the UK’s transition to a low‑carbon future.

The UK’s net‑zero transport landscape is witnessing rapid transformation, with substantial growth in public charging infrastructure, innovative commercial hubs, and new funding schemes targeting depot electrification and on‑street access.

In the first half of 2025, the public charging network expanded significantly: Zapmap data shows 8,670 new charge points were added, marking a 27% increase year‑on‑year. The total now stands at 82,369 devices across 40,479 locations. Ultra‑rapid chargers (150 kW+) surged by nearly 23%, rising by 1,598 units, and now outnumber rapid chargers. Notably, charging hubs sites with six or more rapid or ultra‑rapid devices grew by 136 in H1 2025, bringing the UK total to 673 hubs.

The momentum continued into Q3 and Q4 of 2025. By the end of October, the charging network had reached 86,798 devices across 44,142 locations a 22% year‑on‑year increase. Rapid and ultra‑rapid chargers numbered 17,734 at 6,582 locations. while hubs increased to 705, up 31% since the end of 2024.

Growth is widespread across regions: Wales led with 27% year‑on‑year growth in October, while Greater London remains the densest area with 27,095 chargers, followed by the South East and West Midlands.

A major gain was also recorded in the Midlands, where £40.8 million from the LEVI Fund will deliver over 16,000 new EV chargers across 13 local authorities. In Scotland, a £6.3 million government fund will install 1,770 new charge points across eight regional councils as part of the £30 million Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund. Simultaneously, more than £3 million has been allocated to expand charging in north‑west Scotland, covering rural and island communities.

Beyond public charging networks, the focus is shifting to commercial and fleet infrastructure. Fleete has broken ground on what is regarded as the UK’s largest dedicated EV charging hub for heavy goods vehicles and fleets at the Port of Tilbury. Supported by £1 million from the Thames Freeport seed capital programme, the 5 MW facility will provide 16 rapid chargers and operate 24/7 from December 2025.

Green infrastructure developer Aegis Energy secured £100 million in funding from Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners to build the UK’s first clean, multi‑energy refuelling hubs for commercial vehicles. The initial network of five stations including electric, HVO, hydrogen and bio‑CNG options will be completed by late 2027, with the first operational in early 2026. Each hub is expected to cut 14,300 tonnes of carbon per year.

To support depot electrification, the government has unveiled the Depot Charging Scheme (DCS), valued at £30 million and enabling reimbursement of up to 75% for charger procurement and installation capped at £1 million per applicant. Administered by Cenex and Energy Saving Trust, the scheme opens from 16 July 2025 and aims to fund over 3,000 van and 200 HGV charge points.

Despite the infrastructure surge, challenges remain in grid access. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders warns current delays in depot grid connections sometimes up to 15 years threaten commercial fleet electrification targets. The call is for planning reform and priority grid support to avoid jeopardising net zero delivery.

Meanwhile, policy efforts are cutting red tape across the board. The Government’s “less paperwork, more charge points” reforms eliminate the need for planning applications for most public and private charge points, effective from 29 May 2025. Since then, 20,654 home charging sockets and nearly 61,000 workplace sockets have been supported, alongside 12,809 on‑street devices funded under ORCS, with combined grant values exceeding £80 million.

What this means:
The UK is making tangible progress towards transport decarbonisation. Public charging is growing fast, especially ultra‑rapid devices and hubs that support long‑distance travel. Regional funding is unlocking access in underserved areas. Innovation in commercial logistics and depot infrastructure is accelerating, backed by substantial investment. Policy reforms are enabling swifter rollouts and reducing cost barriers.
However, persistent grid connection bottlenecks continue to constrain depot electrification. Resolving these delays is essential to ensure that electrification ambitions align with infrastructure readiness and can meet net‑zero targets across both public and freight transport sectors.

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