Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (VCI3)
Framework Description
ESPO's Vehicle Charging Infrastructure framework, VCI3 (reference 636_25), provides electric vehicle charge points from fast to ultra-rapid, back office solutions, service and maintenance, and consultancy including site surveys and feasibility studies. Split into four lots, it was let under the Procurement Act 2023 as a standard framework rather than a DPS. It runs from 24 December 2025 to 23 December 2027, with an option to extend to 23 December 2029.
Context & Use Case
Local authorities and other public bodies use VCI3 to install chargers for their fleets, staff and residents, from depot charging for electric refuse vehicles to public on-street and car park charge points. A buyer can start with a feasibility study under Lot 4, then buy chargers and back office software. A buyer can award without competition or invite appointed suppliers to a further competitive selection process.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Purchase of electric vehicle charge points Lot 2: Back office solutions Lot 3: Service and maintenance Lot 4: Consultancy services, including site surveys and feasibility studies
Lots
Lot 1 Purchase of Electric Vehicle Charge Points; Lot 2 Back Office Solutions; Lot 3 Service and Maintenance; Lot 4 Consultancy Services (including site survey and feasibility studies)
Who Can Apply
Suits charge point manufacturers, installers, back office software providers, maintenance firms and EV infrastructure consultants. Applications for VCI3 are closed, so new suppliers cannot join until ESPO re-tenders, likely around 23 December 2027 or, if extended, 23 December 2029.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers can buy every stage of an EV charging programme, from feasibility and site surveys to hardware, software and maintenance, through one agreement. Separating back office and maintenance from hardware lets buyers avoid being tied to one manufacturer, and the direct call-off route helps them meet funding deadlines.
Next Steps
Appointed suppliers should prepare case studies of installed sites, uptime figures and software integration evidence for competitions. Others should check the VCI3 page on espo.org for news of the extension or re-tender and gather evidence of public sector charge point projects.
How Athena Can Help
EV charging competitions weigh uptime, interoperability and whole-life cost. Athena's win themes and pricing support helps VCI3 suppliers shape responses around those priorities and test their score against competitors.
For firms outside VCI3, our applying for frameworks service plans for the re-tender and prepares your lot applications, and our council EV tender support helps you bid for charging contracts that local authorities run themselves, including social value commitments and a final compliance check.
