By 2035, 100% of vehicles sold in the UK will feature zero emissions.1
The bottom line is we have 10 years to establish electric vehicle charging infrastructure and get it up to speed. However, progress has been made. At the end of March 2026 there were currently 119,080 EV chargers and 46,107 charging locations in the UK 2 – an increase from 2025 where there were 80,998 public charging devices and 39,773 locations.3
If you’re looking to make the move to an EV fleet but still considering how to charge electric fleet vehicles, Business Choice Direct’s Fleet Insurance team have summarised the main options available to you.
Currently, there are three charging methods available:
- Depot charging
- Employee Home Charging
- Public charging
Using multiple charging methods allows you, as a fleet owner, to maintain operational flexibility, control costs, and ensure vehicles remain available for daily use.
Depot EV Charging
Depot charging is where charging infrastructure is installed at a central company location, such as a depot or warehouse. This enables you to charge multiple electric vehicles overnight when they are not in use, or during off-peak hours when electricity tariffs are lower.
Smart charging systems can also balance the electrical load to prevent overloading the site’s power supply and optimise charging times. For fleets that return to a base at the end of the day, such as delivery vehicles, service vans, or local authority fleets, depot charging is often the most cost-effective and reliable solution.
Employee Home EV Charging
Employee home charging is particularly useful for fleets where drivers take vehicles home overnight. In this model, businesses install EV chargers at employees’ homes and reimburse electricity used for charging. Charging overnight ensures the vehicle begins the day with a full battery while eliminating the need for drivers to visit a depot. This can reduce infrastructure costs for employers because fewer workplace chargers are required.
However, companies must implement systems to track and reimburse electricity consumption accurately and fairly. Many organisations use smart home chargers that record usage and automatically report charging data for expense reimbursement or billing purposes.
Public EV Charging Points
Public charging provides flexibility for fleet vehicles operating away from depots or homes. Drivers can access charging points located at:
- Motorway service stations
- Retail car parks
- Dedicated charging hubs
It is particularly useful for long-distance travel or when unexpected journeys run over your vehicle’s normal driving range.
Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers can significantly reduce charging time, allowing drivers to quickly return to the road. Although public charging is usually more expensive than depot or home charging, it plays an important role in fleet operations by extending range and reach.
How much does it cost to charge an EV?
The cost of charging an EV varies depending on the model of the vehicle. For example, a Citroen e-Dispatch would cost around £18.60 to charge, adding 71 miles. With a 50kw rapid charger, your vehicle could do this in about 36 minutes.4
Is it quick to install EV chargers on-site?
Installing EV chargers on-site depends on the condition of the site, the type of charger and the size of the installation. Installations can be completed in just a few days or a few weeks.5
Grants and government schemes
To incentivise businesses to switch to an electric fleet, the UK government supports organisations with the installation of up to 40 on-site charging points. Known as the Workplace Charging Scheme, the government pays up to 75% of the price to buy and install EV charge points.
The government also provides a scheme where businesses can use 100% of their first-year tax allowances (FYA) on EVs and charging installations. The scheme is being extended to 2027 and applies to good vehicles, zero-emission cars and charge points.
Insuring your EV Fleet
If you’re looking for a new quote for Fleet Insurance or need some expert advice on how to go about getting cover, Business Choice Direct are on-standby to help you protect your Fleet at the right level. Simply give us a call or fill out our quick and easy online form and we’ll get back to you at a time that suits you.
- https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pathway-for-zero-emission-vehicle-transition-by-2035-becomes-law#:~:text=Pathway%20for%20zero%20emission%20vehicle,2035%20becomes%20law%20%2D%20GOV.UK
- https://www.zapmap.com/ev-stats/how-many-charging-points#:~:text=How%20many%20public%20EV%20chargers%20are%20there,cases%20across%20on%2Dstreet%2C%20destination%20and%20en%2Droute%20charging
- https://www.zapme.biz/uk-ev-fleet-charging-your-complete-guide