OZEV Grant for Schools
Supporting Sustainable Charging Solutions
As the UK makes strides toward reducing carbon emissions and achieving its net zero goals, the electrification of transportation is a crucial part of this transition. Schools, like businesses and homes, play a key role in adopting cleaner, greener technologies.
The OZEV EV Infrastructure Grant for Schools is designed to support schools in installing electric vehicle (EV) charging points, ensuring educational institutions are well-prepared to contribute to a sustainable future. This grant helps reduce the financial burden of setting up EV charging infrastructure, empowering educational institutions to lead by example in promoting environmental responsibility.
What is the OZEV EV Infrastructure Grant for Schools?
The OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) Infrastructure Grant is part of the UK government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions from the transport sector. Specifically tailored for organisations, including schools, this grant covers a portion of the costs involved in installing EV charging infrastructure. Unlike grants that are solely focused on the charge points themselves, this grant extends to the groundwork required to future-proof parking areas for EVs.
Schools can benefit from funding to install both the physical charge points and the underlying infrastructure, such as cabling and grid connections, ensuring the site is ready for future expansion as demand for electric vehicles grows.
1. Financial Assistance for Charging Infrastructure The grant offers significant financial support, covering up to 75% of the total cost of the infrastructure and installation, capped at £15,000 per site. Schools can use this grant to set up EV chargers in their car parks for staff, visitors, and potentially even for vehicles such as minibuses.
2. Future-Proofing for Growth The grant isn’t just about installing chargers for immediate use; it also supports the installation of infrastructure that will allow schools to expand their charging capacity in the future. This means they can start with a small number of chargers and add more as the use of electric vehicles increases among staff, parents, and visitors.
3. Promoting Sustainability in Education Installing EV chargers demonstrates your school’s commitment to sustainability, providing a practical example to students and the local community. Schools play an influential role in shaping attitudes toward environmental responsibility, and adopting EV charging technology can encourage others to follow suit.
4. Enhancing Appeal and Accessibility By providing EV charging facilities, your school can appeal to environmentally conscious staff and visitors. EV charging stations can make your institution more attractive to potential employees who drive electric vehicles, while also offering a convenient option for visiting parents or community members.
How to Apply for the OZEV EV Infrastructure Grant
Applying for the OZEV Infrastructure Grant for schools is a straightforward process, but it requires some planning and collaboration with an OZEV-approved installer. Here’s how to get started:
Assess Your Needs: Begin by evaluating your school’s parking facilities and current EV charging needs. Consider future growth and whether you might need additional charge points in the years to come. The grant encourages future-proofing by providing support for both immediate installations and infrastructure that can accommodate future chargers.
Consult with an OZEV-Approved Installer: Once you’ve assessed your needs, get in touch with an OZEV-approved installer who can guide you through the grant application process. The installer will help you determine the best locations for the chargers, as well as the necessary groundwork to support future expansion.
Submit an Application: Your chosen installer will assist in preparing and submitting the grant application through the government’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) portal. The application includes details of the work to be done, along with evidence that you meet the eligibility criteria.
Installation and Grant Claim: Once the application is approved, your installer will complete the work, installing the chargers and associated infrastructure. After installation, the installer will claim the grant on your school’s behalf, and you will receive an invoice with the grant amount already deducted.
Why Schools Should Act Now
The OZEV EV Infrastructure Grant offers an excellent opportunity for schools to take a proactive approach to sustainability and environmental responsibility. With the push toward net zero emissions by 2050, it’s crucial for institutions to be part of the movement toward greener transport solutions.
Government Support is Limited: While the grant offers substantial financial support, it’s important to act quickly as these funding opportunities are often limited. Securing your grant now ensures you benefit from government assistance before future changes or reductions in funding occur.
Prepare for the Future: With the UK set to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, the shift to electric vehicles is inevitable. Installing EV chargers today ensures that your school is ready to meet the growing demand from staff, visitors, and parents who are making the switch to electric cars.
Educational Opportunities: By adopting EV charging technology, schools can use this initiative as part of their sustainability curriculum, teaching students about the importance of reducing carbon emissions and how new technologies are shaping the future of transport.
Contact our expert team today to find out if you are eligible. For more information head over to our useful OZEV guide.
