Workplace Charging Scheme for state-funded schools and education institutions

In an effort to boost EV charging infrastructure to support the 1,250,000 battery electric cars on UK roads, the Department for Transport (DT) announced a new extension of the Workplace Charging Scheme – the Workplace Charging Scheme for state-funded schools and education institutions.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the Workplace Charging Scheme for education institutions, including grant amount, eligibility criteria and more.

What is the Workplace Charging Scheme grant for schools and state-funded education?

With the new expanded Workplace Charging Scheme grant, 75% off the cost of purchase, installation and infrastructure for EV chargers are on offer for schools and state-funded education institutions, up to a maximum of £2,500 per EV charger socket – an increase from the original £350 grant with the Workplace Charging Scheme.

For education institutions that have multiple schools across the UK, such as multi-academy trusts, an impressive total of 40 EV chargers across all sites can be claimed.

Who can apply for the Workplace Charging Scheme for state-funded education institutions grant?

Any state-funded schools and education institutions in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland can apply for the grant, including:

• Schools
• Colleges
• Nurseries
• Academies

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for the Workplace Charging Scheme for state-funded education institutions, you must have:

• an OZEV-authorised installer, such as We Power Your Car, install the EV charging points on your behalf
• approved commercial chargepoints from the government list installed at the premise at a minimum of 3.6kW
• designated off-street parking on your premises
• received less than £315,000 in financial assistance over the past three years
• not applied previously for the Workplace Charging Scheme or the EV infrastructure grant

What are the steps to claiming the school EV charger grant?

1. Contact an OZEV-approved EV charger installation company to undertake a site survey to verify whether you are eligible for EV charging points and the grant
2. Complete the government online application form (including adding your ID, SEED or reference number) and ensure you use an email address domain that matches your institution
3. If successful, your institution will receive an online voucher code valid for 180 days. During this time, you must have the EV chargers installed by the approved company, or you will have to apply again.

Who can use the EV chargers through the Workplace Charging Scheme for state-funded schools and education institutions?

Unlike other government grants, the workplace charging scheme grant imposes no restrictions on who can use the installed EV chargers. For example, with any EV charging points installed through the EV infrastructure grant for SMEs, only employees can use the electric car chargers. With the school EV charger grant, anyone, including staff, visitors, and the general public (if desired), can freely charge their electric cars at the installed EV charge points.

State-funded education institutions receive significant benefits via their chargers by opening up the funnel to a wider range of electric car owners. Increase staff satisfaction by decreasing range anxiety and allowing EV owners to charge while working. Additionally, schools actively engaging with EV charging infrastructure promote a greener image to the public, including current and potential parents.

Moreover, with the addition of advanced back-office management systems, schools can set tariffs for different groups of people, offering free, subsidised or a set fee for each EV charging session depending on their role. Installing EV chargers at educational sites can create a new revenue stream if the institution decides to charge a premium per charging session – especially if the chargers are open to the public.

EV charging point access can be managed, too. For example, public access could be limited during hours when staff and children are on the premises and only open to the general public during weekends or late evening hours – or not authorised for public use. With smart EV charging solutions, flexibility and ease of management are guaranteed for safe, secure EV charging for all.

Can independent schools take advantage of the EV charger grant for education institutions?

While not aimed specifically at independent schools, independent schools may apply for government funding towards EV chargers through the overarching Workplace Charging Scheme grant and the EV infrastructure grant for SMEs.

How long will the workplace charging grant scheme be available?

The Workplace Charging Scheme grant for state-funded education institutions is now open and will remain available until midnight on 31 March 2025.

Interested in taking advantage of this exciting opportunity for schools and educational institutions?

Ensure your school, nursery, or academy is ready for the surge in electric vehicles in the UK by taking advantage of the Workplace Charging Scheme now.

As OZEV-approved installers, we can handle every aspect of your school or education institution’s EV charger installation process from start to finish. Whether it’s site assessment, back-office billing solutions, grant paperwork, installation, or ongoing support, we manage the entire EV charger installation process on your behalf, ensuring a seamless, end-to-end charging solution.

Click below to contact us for more information or any queries you may have. 

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