EV Charger Grants: What Financial Support Can I Get?

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular in the UK, more homeowners are looking for ways to make charging their EVs at home affordable and easy. Fortunately, there are several grants available to help with the cost of installing a home EV charger, making the switch to electric driving even more accessible.

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In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different government schemes and incentives available, explain how they work, and help you understand how to apply. Whether you’re new to electric vehicles or looking to upgrade your current setup, financial support can make the process smoother and more affordable.

EV Charger Grants: Key Points to Know

• The EV Chargepoint Grant covers up to 75% of the installation costs for home chargers, capped at £350.
• Businesses can claim up to £350 per charging socket, with up to 40 sockets, through the Workplace Charging Scheme.
• Integrating solar energy with EV charging helps reduce electricity costs and supports a sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle.
• Government grants make EV chargers more accessible and affordable, supporting both homeowners and businesses in the UK.

What Government Grants Are Available for Home EV Chargers?

Switching to an electric vehicle can be a significant financial investment, but with the UK government’s Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant, the cost of home charging installation is more manageable. This grant replaces the previous OZEV Grant, making it easier for homeowners to adopt electric vehicles.

What is the EV Chargepoint Grant?

The EV Chargepoint Grant helps UK residents with the costs of installing a home charger. Its primary purpose is to make electric vehicle ownership more affordable by reducing the initial setup costs for home charging. The grant can cover up to 75% of the installation costs, with a maximum contribution of £350, making it a valuable resource for those looking to go green.

Who is Eligible for the EV Chargepoint Grant?

To qualify for the government’s EV Chargepoint Grant, you must meet the following criteria:

• You live in a flat you own or rent (this includes flats purchased through the shared ownership scheme).
• Your home has its own private off-street parking space (the space does not need to be part of your property but must be accessible to you at all times).
• You own or use an eligible electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle (you must be a registered owner, have leased the vehicle for at least six months, or have used it as a work vehicle for at least six months).
• You must be able to provide supporting documentation (such as a rental agreement, Land Registry title deeds, or proof of vehicle ownership or lease).
• Your property must be in the UK (the Channel Islands and Isle of Man are not eligible).

You cannot apply if:

• You live in a house that you own (unless it’s a converted flat and you live in just one of the flats).
• You rent accommodation where the landlord or homeowner lives, for example, as a lodger in someone else’s home.
• You’re moving house or planning on moving.
• You’ve already claimed the grant or its predecessors (Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme or Domestic Recharge Scheme).
• You wish to replace a chargepoint, even if the existing one is incompatible with your new vehicle.
• You wish to move an existing chargepoint to a new property.
• A chargepoint is required by law for your property, such as in the case of a new build home.

Your parking space must be off-street, private, and clearly defined, with legal rights and permissions (e.g., from a freeholder in the case of a block of flats). The installer will also assess if your parking space allows for safe electric vehicle charging.

How to Apply for the EV Chargepoint Grant

The process to apply for the EV Chargepoint Grant is straightforward and involves a few simple steps:

1. Check your eligibility
   Ensure that your vehicle is on the list of electric vehicles approved by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and that the chargepoint you want to install is on the list of OZEV-approved models.
2. Choose an OZEV-authorised installer
   Contact an installer authorised by OZEV to get a quote for your installation. The installer will guide you through the next steps.
3. Start your claim
   Ask the installer to begin your claim for the grant. You’ll receive an email with a link to complete an online eligibility check.
4. Submit your application
   Once your eligibility is confirmed, your installer will apply for the grant on your behalf.
5. Receive approval and installation
   After your application is approved, the installer will be notified that they can start the work. The installation must be completed within 90 days of approval, or the installer must request an extension.
6. Claim the grant
   After installation, the installer will claim the grant on your behalf. Your invoice will show the total cost minus the grant amount, and the installer will submit the necessary details and photographs of the installation to OZEV.
7. Possible chargepoint audits
   In some cases, OZEV may audit the installation to ensure it meets the grant’s requirements. If an audit is required, you will be contacted for a site visit. If you do not allow the visit, your installation may be stopped.

Can Businesses and Workplaces Benefit From Any Government Grants?

Businesses can also take advantage of government support to install EV chargers through the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS). This scheme provides financial assistance to companies of all sizes, making it more affordable for employers to offer EV charging facilities for their staff.

The Workplace Charging Scheme

The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) provides financial support for organisations installing electric vehicle (EV) charge points. Businesses, charities, public sector organisations, and small accommodation businesses can claim up to 75% of the total cost (including VAT) for the purchase and installation of EV charge points, with a maximum of £350 per chargepoint socket. The scheme allows for up to 40 sockets to be installed per applicant, across multiple sites if needed.

Important Note: The Workplace Charging Scheme ends on 31 March 2026.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the WCS, your site must have the following:

• Off-road parking: You must own or have consent from the landlord for off-road parking dedicated for staff or fleet use.
• Property Ownership: You need to own the property or have written consent from the property owner for the installation of charge points.
• Parking space suitability: The parking spaces must be suitable for chargepoint installations, either on-site or a reasonable distance from the workplace. You must also provide evidence that the parking spaces are for staff or fleet use and not for customer use.

Special Considerations:

• If you’re a business, charge points can only be used by your staff or fleet, but you can allow local residents to use them outside of office hours.
• Public sector organisations, charities, and small accommodation businesses may make the charge points available for public use, but must comply with the Public Chargepoint Regulations 2023.

Working from Home

If your primary workplace is also your home, you can apply for the WCS, provided your address is listed as your place of business with Companies House, or is on your business (non-domestic) rate bill. The chargepoint must be eligible for both residential and commercial use, and you must use an authorised installer.

Application Process

1. Choose an authorised installer to survey your site and get a quote.
2. Complete your application through the online Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) application form to apply for the grant.
3. Provide the necessary evidence such as your Companies House reference number, VAT registration number, or non-domestic business rate bill.

Integrating Electric Vehicle Charging with Solar Energy

Integrating solar energy with your EV charger is an ideal solution, offering both financial and environmental benefits. By using solar power for EV charging, you reduce your dependence on grid electricity and avoid peak electricity rates. 

With smart charging solutions like Upvolt’s Skygate®, you can optimise your charging schedule to take full advantage of abundant solar energy, further lowering costs. Skygate® automatically adjusts energy flows, prioritising self-consumption for both your EV and home battery, ensuring that you use as much solar energy as possible.

In addition to the financial savings, solar-powered EVs significantly reduce carbon emissions. Over the course of a year, one EV can save around 1.5 million grams of CO2, equivalent to four return flights from London to Barcelona. Combining solar power with EV charging not only helps lower your energy costs but also supports efforts to reduce your environmental impact.

Is the Government Really Making EV Charging More Accessible?

Government grants have played an important role in making home EV chargers more accessible and affordable. Programs like the EV Chargepoint Grant and the Workplace Charging Scheme have reduced the financial barrier to switching to electric vehicles.

By applying for these grants, you can lower your installation costs and quickly start reaping the benefits of driving an electric vehicle. These initiatives are part of the UK’s broader strategy to cut carbon emissions and create a more sustainable transport system.

Furthermore, integrating solar energy with your EV charging setup can enhance these benefits. Solar panels can power your EV, reducing reliance on grid electricity and further cutting costs, while also providing significant environmental advantages. 

With the support of government grants and the growing popularity of solar-powered EV charging, the future of sustainable, affordable EV charging looks increasingly promising for homeowners and businesses.

About Upvolt

Upvolt specialises in delivering smart solar energy solutions designed for UK homes, including solar-optimised EV chargers that seamlessly integrate with your solar system. We offer a comprehensive service, covering everything from planning and system design to professional installation, commissioning, and ongoing support, helping you achieve energy independence.

Our smart EV chargers support charging rates from 7kW to 22kW, with local and remote load management to ensure optimal performance. 

Get in touch today to receive your free solar system quote!

FAQ

What are the benefits of an electric vehicle?

Electric vehicles offer many benefits, including lower running costs, reduced carbon emissions, and less maintenance compared to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. EVs are environmentally friendly, produce zero emissions while driving, and help reduce air pollution. 

Can I get the EV chargepoint grant if I already own an EV?

Yes, you can still apply for the EV Chargepoint Grant if you already own an electric vehicle, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. This includes owning a home with off-street parking and having an eligible vehicle. 

How much can I save with an EV charger grant?

With the EV Chargepoint Grant, you can save up to 75% of the installation costs, up to a maximum of £350 per chargepoint. This can significantly reduce the upfront cost of installing a home charging station. 

How do I apply for an EV charger grant?

To apply for the EV Chargepoint Grant, you need to contact an OZEV-authorised installer who will help you complete the application process. The installer will check your eligibility and submit the grant application on your behalf. You’ll then receive confirmation of your eligibility and a funding approval email, and the work can begin once the grant is approved.

Are there grants for businesses installing EV chargers?

Yes, the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) offers grants for businesses to install EV chargers. Eligible businesses can receive up to £350 per charging socket, with a maximum of 40 sockets across all sites. This grant helps reduce the cost of installing EV charging infrastructure and supports the transition to more sustainable business practices.

Alex Lomax

CEO & Co-Founder

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