The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is an essential part of the UK’s push towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. To encourage EV adoption, the UK government offers a variety of grants through the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). These grants are designed to make it easier and more affordable to install EV charging points at homes, workplaces, and other locations, such as schools.
Get in touch with us to find out if you’re eligible.
What is the OZEV EV Chargepoint Grant?
The OZEV EV Chargepoint Grant is a government-funded initiative that provides financial support for the installation of EV charging infrastructure. The grants help cover the cost of purchasing and installing electric vehicle charge points in homes, workplaces, rental properties, and public spaces, ensuring the infrastructure is in place to support the growing number of electric vehicles on UK roads.
There are three main grants currently available through OZEV:
1. The Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant (for homes)
2. The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
3. The EV Infrastructure Grant (for organisations like schools)
Let’s explore each in detail.
1. The EV Chargepoint Grant for Homes
The EV Chargepoint Grant for renters or flat owners is designed to make home charging more affordable by offering up to £350 off the cost of installing a smart EV charger. This grant replaces the older Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) and is now specifically aimed at flat owners and renters.
Eligibility:
To qualify for the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant, you must meet the following criteria:
– You must either own or rent a flat or property that does not include a dedicated driveway.
– You must own, lease, or have ordered a qualifying electric vehicle.
– The charger must be installed at your property where off-street parking is available.
– The EV charger must be a smart charger, allowing for energy management and optimisation.
How to Apply:
The grant is claimed by an OZEV-approved installer on your behalf. Once your installer has confirmed your eligibility and completed the installation, they will claim the grant directly from OZEV, and you will be invoiced with the grant amount already deducted.
2. The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is designed to encourage businesses, organisations, and commercial properties to install EV charging points for their employees, clients, or fleet vehicles. This voucher-based scheme offers funding to reduce the cost of purchasing and installing EV charge points at workplaces.
Key Details:
– The grant covers up to 75% of the total installation cost per charge point.
– The maximum grant available is £350 per charging socket.
– Businesses can claim for up to 40 charging sockets across their sites.
Eligibility:
– The scheme is open to businesses, public sector organisations, and charities based in the UK.
– Applicants must have off-street parking and need to show they either own the property or have permission from the landlord to install the charge points.
– Organisations must use an OZEV-approved installer to qualify for the grant.
How to Apply:
– The business or organisation applies for a voucher through the WCS portal, which is managed by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
– Once approved, the voucher is provided to the installer who deducts the grant from the final bill after installation is complete.
The WCS is an ideal solution for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint and encourage employees to switch to electric vehicles. It’s also a great way to future-proof workplaces for the growing demand for EV charging facilities.
For more details, businesses can visit the official Workplace Charging Scheme page.
3. The EV Infrastructure Grant for Schools and Other Organisations
The EV Infrastructure Grant is a new addition to the OZEV scheme, specifically aimed at organisations such as schools, small businesses, and public sector bodies. It provides financial support for installing not only charge points but also the infrastructure required to make future charge point installations easier.
Key Details:
– The grant covers up to 75% of the total cost of infrastructure work, which includes electrical connections, groundworks, and installation of future-proofed cabling.
– The maximum grant available is £15,000 per site.
– It also provides £500 per parking space to cover infrastructure costs, in addition to the £350 per charge point socket.
Eligibility:
– This grant is aimed at small to medium-sized businesses, schools, and organisations.
– The applicant must have private parking where the infrastructure will be installed.
– Organisations can claim this grant even if they do not plan to install charge points immediately, allowing them to future-proof their parking areas for future demand.
– Like other grants, the applicant must use an OZEV-approved installer.
How to Apply:
– You must first register for the grant through the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) portal.
– After approval, a voucher is issued to cover infrastructure and charge point costs. This voucher is provided to the installer and applied to your final invoice once the work is complete.
– You can apply for multiple sites and claim the grant for different locations if required.
The EV Infrastructure Grant is an excellent option for schools and organisations looking to gradually introduce EV charging solutions without the need for immediate, full-scale installations. It ensures the infrastructure is in place for future expansion as EV adoption increases.
How to Maximise Your Benefits from OZEV Grants
Whether you’re installing Electric vehicle charge points at home, at your workplace, or on behalf of an organisation like a school, the OZEV grants offer significant financial support to reduce installation costs. Here are a few tips to ensure you get the most out of these schemes:
1. Plan Ahead: If you are a business or school, consider applying for the EV Infrastructure Grant first to ensure that your property is future-proofed. This will make it easier and cheaper to add more charging points in the future.
2. Choose an Approved Installer: Only installers approved by OZEV can help you apply for these grants. Be sure to choose a reputable installer with experience in handling OZEV applications to avoid delays or complications.
3. Explore Additional Incentives: Some energy suppliers offer EV-specific tariffs that provide cheaper electricity rates for charging your EV during off-peak hours. Pairing your OZEV grant with a smart energy tariff can result in long-term savings.
Take Advantage of OZEV Grants Today
The UK government’s OZEV Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grants are an excellent opportunity to make EV ownership and charging infrastructure more accessible and affordable. Whether you’re a flat owner, a business manager, or part of a school’s administration, these grants can significantly reduce the cost of installing EV charge points.
By taking advantage of the EV Chargepoint Grant, Workplace Charging Scheme, and EV Infrastructure Grant, you’re not only reducing upfront installation costs but also contributing to the UK’s broader goal of reducing carbon emissions and supporting the switch to cleaner transportation.
For more detailed guidance on the application process and to explore your options, get in touch with an OZEV-approved installer today. At The Full EV, we are committed to helping you find the best solutions for your EV charging needs, whether at home, at work, or in public spaces. Contact our experts today to find out if you’re eligible for any electric vehicle grant.
