Allstar expands EV charging network by adding access to First Charge’s depot charging

  Posted by: electime      19th November 2025

• Allstar joins forces with First Charge to expand its suite of solutions for EV charging
• Public charging meets fleet charging network via First Charge
• First Charge is adding its own high-volume chargers to Allstar’s network, enabling customers to leverage existing EV infrastructure

Allstar, one of the UK’s leading EV, fuel and business expense payment companies, today announces it has partnered with First Charge, First Bus’s commercial electric vehicle charging service.

The partnership provides low-cost depot charging and builds on Allstar’s growing solution base, to make electric vehicle charging payments as simple and convenient as possible.

First Charge is the commercial electric vehicle charging service from First Bus, one of the UK’s largest bus operators. Part of a nationwide network of ultra-rapid charging superhubs, it gives fleet operators access to high-powered, secure charging facilities at bus depots across the UK.

While the UK’s charging infrastructure is improving as adoption grows, growth for electric HGVs and vans lags behind the electric car market. The Road Haulage Association (RHA) cites a lack of depot and public charging infrastructure as some of the primary barriers that are preventing operators from investing in these vehicles.

Allstar’s work to improve accessibility to electric vehicle charging includes solutions for public charging, near home charging and home charging – and now negotiated pricing for eligible[1] Allstar customers, at First Charge’s depot charge points. This is in addition to providing Allstar customers with the UK’s fastest electric charging payment network for businesses. The network encompasses more than 28,000 locations nationwide, including more than 76,000 chargers, and continues to grow at pace.

The partnership with First Charge will enable eligible Allstar customers to utilise existing EV charging infrastructure that provides secure, fast, accessible and high-volume charging up to 360 kW speed. Additionally, they’ll have access to larger spaces for LGVs and eHGVs, vehicles that can be difficult to charge at typical chargers on the public network.

Tom Rowlands, Managing Director, Global EV Solutions at Corpay including UK brand, Allstar said: “Central to a successful transition to net zero is infrastructure that can make charging an electric vehicle as convenient and as quick as possible. However, this demands an approach that is far from one size fits all. That’s why we’ve focussed on bringing different charging environments to our customers, from near home charging to depots, for the smallest cars to the largest HGVs, and a single payment card that does it all.

“Installing a network of new chargers has been a significant project that is still ongoing, but it doesn’t yet keep up with the demands and changing needs of drivers. This is why it’s critical to make use of every charging point the country has to offer and partnering with First Charge was the natural fit, with 10 locations across the UK.”

Faizan Ahmad, Decarbonisation Director at First Bus, said: “Through First Charge, we are unlocking the potential of our depot charging infrastructure for use beyond our own bus charging needs, helping more fleets access ultra-rapid charging to make the switch to zero-emission vehicles.”

“Allstar is renowned for its approach to making EV infrastructure and charging accessible for all. This collaboration represents an important step toward a more inclusive and scalable charging network across the UK.

To find out more visit https://allstarcard.co.uk/ or contact our expert team on 0345 266 5101. For more information about First Charge, visit www.firstcharge.co.uk.