Coach operators can now apply for grants for charge points
Coach operators will be able to apply for grants from a £30m pot to help install charge points in their depots.
The funding for this comes from a £30m government Depot Charging Scheme which is available during this financial year only. The scheme is open to fleets across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. To qualify, businesses must own, lease or order at least one battery electric coach, van or HGV and provide evidence of this as part of the application.
RHA MD, Richard Smith, said: “We welcome this support from the Government to help operators invest in their depots, as overcoming the costs of Net Zero remains a significant barrier for our industry.
“Without the ability to charge at depot, we’re not going to see the introduction of electric HGVs, coaches and vans at the pace required. This funding is a welcome start, but much more needs to be done if planned Net Zero targets are to be met.
“We seek urgent clarity on how the full £2.6bn announced by the Government in last month’s Spending Review will be allocated to help businesses decarbonise. We also urgently need to see how hydrogen-powered lorries and coaches can provide the solutions for hard-to-decarbonise operations which electric cannot currently cater for, such as long distance and heavy haulage operations.”
- Grant applications can be made here