There are many benefits when you switch to an electric vehicle (EV). It can help reduce your carbon footprint and save money on running costs – plus, you can charge up at home. If you've recently bought an EV, or are thinking about it, it’s possible you’ll want a home electric vehicle charger, too.
The good news is there’s a grant for electric car chargers, and you could be eligible! It’s called the electric vehicle chargepoint grant, set up by the UK government. This amazing incentive aims to help renters and those living flats with private, off-street parking.
The grant covers up to 75% of your installation costs, or a maximum of £350. Read on to find out if you could benefit.
How does the electric vehicle chargepoint grant work?
The aim of the electric vehicle chargepoint grant is to boost the uptake of electric chargepoints for those living in flats and rented accommodation. Happily, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) has confirmed funding until at least 31 March 2026. And in case you’re wondering what OZEV is, it’s the government department responsible for managing grants and schemes that support the transition to zero emission vehicles.
The EV chargepoint grant can help towards the cost of installing an electric vehicle chargepoint socket at your property. You can get up to 75% (a maximum of £350) off the cost of buying and installing a socket. However, you need to own an eligible vehicle and your home must have private off-street parking.
It’s important to note that the government could end or change this grant scheme at any time. If the grant ends or the grant amount changes, they’ll aim to provide four weeks’ notice. They’ll also honour claims made before any public announcement (subject to the grant criteria).
Find out if you qualify for the EV chargepoint grant.
If all this has grabbed your attention, let’s explore what you’ll need in order to qualify for the EV chargepoint grant.
Who can apply?
You can apply for this grant if:
- You own and live in a flat.
- Or, you rent any residential property (this includes properties under the shared ownership scheme).
Who can’t apply?
Unfortunately, you won’t qualify if any of the following apply:
- You’ve already claimed for the grant or its predecessors, including the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) or the Domestic Recharge Scheme.
- You’re moving house or planning to move.
- You want a new chargepoint, even if a new car is not compatible with the current one.
- You want to move an existing chargepoint to a new property.
- You live in a house that you own.
Your vehicle requirements.
Firstly, this grant is only for electric vehicles on the OZEV-approved list. If your car is on the list (great!), you’ll be able to access the grant, as long as any of the following apply:
- You've become a registered keeper of a new or second hand eligible electric vehicle (aka, the person responsible for the car who pays the road tax and MOT).
- You’re assigned a company car.
- You lease an eligible vehicle.
- You’re named by your employer as the primary user of an eligible electric vehicle.
- You’ve ordered an eligible electric vehicle.
Your vehicle’s leases.
Next, there’s your vehicle’s lease. If your lease is a bundle with a chargepoint, to qualify, it must:
- State that you own the chargepoint once payment is complete.
- Itemise the cost of the chargepoint and installation (including VAT).
- Ensure the chargepoint warranty meets the grant requirements.
- Ensure the associated vehicle lease is for at least 6 months.
Please be aware that you’ll be asked to show your installer proof that you own or lease your vehicle.
Your property requirements.
The EV charger grant is only for residential properties in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. If your property is in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, unfortunately, it won’t qualify. The main thing is that you’re a resident of the property.
There are two ways of qualifying. The first option is by owning or renting a flat (a single unit property in a multi unit building). Or, alternatively, a single unit property that’s rented in its entirety, including multiple occupancy properties (where the tenancy is defined by a rental agreement). Properties rented through shared ownership schemes also qualify.
However, there are some exclusions, too. You can’t receive the grant if the installation of the chargepoints and/or infrastructure was a mandatory requirement, or if you live with the landlord (this only applies to rental properties).
Finally, any necessary third party permissions, like from a landlord or freeholder or managing agent of a block of flats, must be organised before the installation starts.
Off street parking.
Perhaps most importantly, your property must have its own private, off street parking. This can be in the same place as the property or separate from it. Where the parking is separate, you’ll need to show that you have a legal right to the space.
Your parking space must be suitable for a chargepoint installation and your installer should carry out a survey before installation to check its suitability. Plus, you must have access to your parking space at all times and be able to charge your vehicle safely.
Choose an OZEV approved installer.
Finally, to qualify for the grant, you must use an OZEV approved installer and an eligible residential chargepoint.
Apply for the EV chargepoint grant today.
Don’t worry, the EV chargepoint grant process is managed by your chosen installer. They’ll be able to get the ball rolling. Let’s take a look at the steps involved:
Contact an OZEV approved installer.
First, you’ll need to contact an OZEV approved installer and get a quote for the work. If you accept the quote, the installer can start your claim.
Provide your property and EV details.
Your installer will ask you for your contact details to submit to OZEV. You’ll receive an email with a link to an online form. The form checks your eligibility for the grant. Use this form to provide details of your property and vehicle to OZEV.
Work begins (if you qualify).
If you qualify for the grant, OZEV will let your installer know. Then, your installer has 90 days to complete the work after your application has been approved. If not, they must request an extension. If they don't, you’ll need to ask them to submit a new application.
Claim the grant.
When the installation is complete, your installer will claim the grant on your behalf. They'll give OZEV details of your chargepoint, photographs of the installation, and an invoice.
Finalising your invoice.
Finally, your installer must deduct the grant amount from your bill before applying for the grant. Your invoice will need to show the total installation cost minus the grant amount.
The grant is paid (if you're approved).
Once OZEV approves your application, they’ll pay the grant amount to your installer.
In some cases, OZEV may audit your installation to check it meets the grant requirements. If they do, OZEV will arrange for the auditors to contact you to plan a site visit.
Get up to £350 off your home EV charger installation.
You could be eligible for the UK Government’s EV Chargepoint Grant that covers up to 75% of the installation cost, or a maximum of £350, whichever is lower. This fantastic incentive is designed to help renters and people living in flats with dedicated off-street parking. We'll let you know if you may be eligible† when you get a quote from us.