The ZEBRA scheme explained for operators and authorities
The Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme is the main funding door for electric buses and their depots. Here's how it works.
Last updated 15 August 2026
For bus and coach operators, the primary funding route usually isn’t the general depot scheme — it’s ZEBRA. Here’s what it is and how to approach it.
What ZEBRA is
The Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme supports the rollout of zero-emission buses and the depot infrastructure that charges them. It’s the dedicated national route for bus electrification, distinct from the Depot Charging Scheme that serves general fleets, and it reflects how far ahead buses are in the transition.
Who it’s for and how it’s accessed
ZEBRA is typically accessed in partnership with local transport authorities, who play a central role in bidding and delivery. So for an operator, engaging your authority early is part of the process — the funding, the routes and the depot planning are intertwined. For public-sector bodies, it’s a natural fit with existing transport responsibilities.
What it means for your project
Because ZEBRA supports both buses and their charging infrastructure, it shapes the whole project — vehicles, depot and grid together. That’s an advantage: the funding is designed around the way bus depots actually electrify, rather than treating chargers and vehicles as separate problems.
Stay current and get ready
Scheme details, rounds and eligibility evolve, so confirm the current position before planning around specifics, and be application-ready — routes, depot plans and grid estimates in hand — when opportunities arise. Work closely with your transport authority, and treat ZEBRA as the front door for bus electrification while keeping an eye on the wider funding map.