Workplace Charging Scheme Grant Guidebook

OZEV has introduced many government grants to help support the UK’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and meet the aim of becoming net zero by 2050. However, with many businesses lacking the appropriate EV charging infrastructure, is there a tailored grant to help UK businesses invest in EV charging points by subsidising the high initial cost?

Fortunately, the answer is yes. In fact, up to £14,000 of government funding is available with the Workplace Charging Scheme grant.

Learn everything you need to know about the WCS grant here and now. Our guide explains everything, from eligibility to how to apply.

What is the Workplace Charging Scheme?

First and foremost, the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a UK government grant initiative to support businesses in installing electric vehicle (EV) charging points at their workplaces.

Secondly, the WCS provides up to £14,000 of government grant funding, caps it at £350 per socket, and limits it to a maximum of 40 sockets across all sites and per applicant.

Note that if you have multiple sites across the UK, you can distribute the 40 charging points among each site.

Why did this grant come into play?

In short, the government introduced the WCS in 2016 to address one of the major barriers to electric vehicle adoption in the UK: access to convenient, reliable EV charging infrastructure.

Is the Workplace Charging Scheme still available?

Good news for UK businesses – the Workplace Charging Scheme is still open for business applicants. Hurry, though, the £14,000 in government funding for companies is only available to claim until March 2025.

Who is eligible for the Workplace Charging Scheme?

In a few words, to be eligible for the WCS, you need to be a registered business or public sector organisation that can provide a Companies House number, VAT registration number or an HMRC registration letter. Small accommodation businesses (B&Bs), as well as SMEs and charities can also apply.

Your business must also meet the following criteria:

• Your proposed site must be in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
• You must own the workplace premise, or if leased, you will need permission from the landlord
• You need dedicated off-street parking spaces owned and associated with the property
• The WCS voucher must be issued before the final installation date (retrospective applications cannot be used)
• You need to ensure installation is completed by an OZEV-approved installation company
• All chosen workplace chargers are approved by OZEV (view the range of approved commercial EV chargers)
• You need to ensure that any workplace charge points provide a minimum of 3kW supply

How do I apply for the WCS grant?

Surprisingly, the grant application process is straightforward, and even more so if managed by an expert installation company.

Since the WCS is a digital voucher-based system, business owners must first submit an application (through the online Workplace Charging Scheme portal) to receive the workplace charging scheme voucher code, which they can then present to their chosen installer. After the installation is completed, the installer will claim the grant on behalf of the business, deducting the amount from the final bill.

Here are the specific steps:

1. Firstly, you complete the workplace charging scheme application form (via the workplace charging scheme login)
2. Next, provided that your business is eligible, the system will generate a voucher with an expiry of 180 days from the issue date
3. After, an authorised Workplace Charging Scheme company will install your grant-subsidised commercial EV charger installation
4. Your chosen installation company claims the grant funding back via the installer portal
5. Lastly, the installer will receive the grant

Can I apply for the WCS if I work from home?

If you work from home and your home is a registered business (listed with Companies House) or recorded on your business rate bill, then yes, you can apply for the Workplace Charging Scheme. That said, you must have off-street parking, the charging points must be WCS approved and installation must be by a WCS approved electrician.

Can you use the WCS with other grants?

Yes, you can use the Workplace Charging Scheme grant in conjunction with the EV infrastructure grant for staff and fleets.

However you can’t use it alongside the EV Chargepoint Grant for landlords and the EV Chargepoint Grant for flat owners and occupiers.

Find the details on all EV charger grants in our article.

What is the WCS for state-funded educational institutions?

Recently, the government introduced a new strand of the WCS – the Workplace Charging Scheme for state-funded educational institutions. This version of the grant focuses on schools, colleges, nurseries, and academies, making it different from the original WCS.

Read about the WCS for state-funded schools and education institutions.

Why should businesses invest in workplace EV chargers?

Straightaway, workplace electric vehicle charging opens up a funnel for benefits for your businesses. Future-proof your workplace, improve employee retention, attract new talent and more with the installation of workplace EV charging stations.

Take advantage of the grant and install electric car charging points now to secure the rewards.

Explore the benefits of installing workplace EV chargers at your business.

Do you need a specific electric car to take advantage of the grant?

You don’t need specific approved WCS cars to claim the grant. Previously, the electric vehicle home charge required applicants to own specific electric cars stated by the government, this is not required for the WCS grant.

Summary:

• The OZEV (previously OLEV) Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) offers up to £14,000 in government grant funding to be used towards the purchase and installation cost of commercial EV charging points.
• To clarify, the EV charging points installed under the Workplace Car Charging Scheme must be WCS-approved and installed by a WCS-approved installer.
• £14,000 of funding is available for those eligible to claim – there is no workplace charging scheme cost.
• Generally speaking, the Workplace EV Charging Grant is open to businesses, charities or public authority. Small accommodation businesses are also eligible.
• Unfortunately, the OZEV Workplace Charging Scheme end date is near, ending March 2025.
• For full details, please visit the government website.

We are WCS authorised installers. Trust us for your EV charging workplace installation.

With less than a year to go, contact We Power Your Car for your grant-subsidised EV charger installation. As WCS-approved installers, we can manage your grant application and handle your installation from start to finish, from enquiry to post-install support. Additionally, with our portfolio of government-backed commercial chargers and our web of DBS-checked, accredited and experienced engineers, we can design, craft and implement a tailored commercial EV charging solution for you.

Your workplace installation, designed, created and handled by the experts.