EV charger grant UK: eligibility and application

Understanding the eligibility and application process for home EV charger grants in the UK can be confusing, especially as the rules have changed significantly. The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) offers grants for chargepoint installations, but a typical homeowner with private off-street parking is generally no longer eligible for domestic OZEV chargepoint grants. Instead, these grants primarily target renters, flat owners, and households with on-street parking who need a cross-pavement charging solution. For more general advice on EV charging at home, you can refer to our other articles.

Understanding EV charger grants in the UK

Electric vehicle ownership is increasing, driving demand for convenient home charging. The UK government, via the OZEV, provides grants to help with installing EV chargepoints. These grants support the transition to electric vehicles by making charging infrastructure more accessible.

What are OZEV chargepoint grants?

OZEV chargepoint grants are government-backed financial incentives that reduce the upfront cost of installing an electric vehicle chargepoint. They are part of a wider strategy to encourage EV adoption and expand the national charging infrastructure. These grants cover a portion of the purchase and installation costs for eligible chargepoints.

Why grant eligibility has changed for homeowners

Eligibility for OZEV grants has evolved, particularly for homeowners. The previous Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS), which offered grants to most homeowners with off-street parking, has been discontinued. The focus has since shifted to supporting specific groups who face greater barriers to installing home charging. This means that if you own and live in a house with private off-street parking, you are generally no longer eligible for any current domestic OZEV chargepoint grant. This change aims to ensure grant funding is directed where it can have the most impact on expanding access to EV charging.

Current OZEV grant schemes and who qualifies

OZEV's home and workplace chargepoint grants have been extended until 31 March 2027, with a streamlined portfolio of five schemes.

EV chargepoint grant for renters and flat owners

The EV Chargepoint Grant for renters and flat owners provides up to £500 towards installing a chargepoint at your property. You can apply if you own and live in a flat, or rent and live in any residential property. You must have private off-street parking.

EV chargepoint grant for households with on-street parking

If you live in a property you own or rent and only have on-street parking, the EV Chargepoint Grant for households with on-street parking can provide up to £500 towards installing a chargepoint at the property. A key requirement is that you must be installing a cross-pavement solution (e.g. a charging gully).

Grants for businesses and landlords

OZEV also offers grants for organisations and landlords:

• Workplace charging scheme (WCS): This scheme provides up to £500 per socket, up to 40 sockets across all sites, for installing chargepoints at workplaces. It is open to eligible businesses, charities, and public sector organisations.
• EV chargepoint grant for landlords: Landlords can apply for grants of up to £500 per socket, up to 200 sockets across all sites. This scheme targets public sector organisations, registered social housing providers, private landlords, and property management companies.
• WCS for state-funded education institutions: State-funded schools and education institutions can receive up to £2,000 per chargepoint socket, up to 40 sockets across all sites.

Who is not eligible for a domestic grant?

It is important to understand that a typical homeowner who owns and lives in a house with private off-street parking is not eligible for any current domestic OZEV chargepoint grant. This group was covered by the previous EVHS, which has been discontinued. If you have a driveway or garage and own your home, these grants do not apply to you.

The EV charger grant application process

The application process for domestic OZEV chargepoint grants is straightforward, but it requires your direct involvement.

Your role as the applicant

For all current domestic OZEV chargepoint grants, you, the customer, must apply for the grant yourself via the GOV.UK eligibility/application page. The OZEV-authorised installer's role begins only after your application is approved.

The installer's role (Fuse Energy)

As an OZEV-approved installer, Fuse Energy can facilitate your chargepoint installation once your grant application is approved. However, Fuse Energy, or any other installer, does not apply for domestic OZEV grants on your behalf. We also do not deduct the grant amount from your invoice for domestic schemes. Our role begins after you have secured your grant approval.

What happens after grant approval

Once your application is approved, you can then arrange for your OZEV-approved installer, such as Fuse Energy, to proceed with the installation.

Installing an EV charger without a grant

If you find that you are not eligible for an OZEV grant, or if you prefer a simpler process, installing an EV charger without a grant is a common and viable option.

Transparent installation costs

For homeowners not eligible for a grant, transparent and competitively priced installation options are essential. Fuse Energy offers the Easee One EV charger including install for the base cost of £899. This includes full installation (up to 15m of cabling), surge protection, and a 3-year warranty, providing a clear cost upfront.

Choosing an OZEV-approved installer (Fuse Energy)

Even without a grant, selecting an OZEV-approved installer ensures your chargepoint is installed to high standards by qualified professionals. Fuse Energy is an OZEV-approved installer, meaning we meet the government's rigorous standards for safety and quality. Our competitively priced Easee One EV charger installation provides a straightforward solution for all homeowners. Pairing your EV charger with a smart meter installation can help you track your energy usage more effectively.

Frequently asked questions about EV charger grants

How long are OZEV grants available?

All five OZEV chargepoint grants are currently scheduled to be available until 31 March 2027.

Can I get a grant for a second chargepoint?

The grants are intended to support the initial installation of a home chargepoint.

What if my property has no off-street parking?

If your property has no private off-street parking, you may be eligible for the EV Chargepoint Grant for households with on-street parking. This grant provides up to £500 towards installing a chargepoint at the property, provided you install a cross-pavement solution (e.g. a charging gully).