What government grants are available for electric vehicles?

We’re pleased that the UK government is upping the anti and hopping on board the sustainability express. They’ve been offering a series of schemes and incentives for both commercial businesses and domestic drivers to help them make the switch to electric. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of the schemes currently available. But hurry, some are coming to an end soon. Don’t miss out.

• Workplace charging scheme (WCS)

• Plug-in car grant (PiCG)

• Electric vehicle homecharge scheme (EVHS)

Workplace charging scheme (WCS)

As a business, this is going to be the thing you want to read about. 

Demand for electric vehicles has shot up in Europe in the last few years, despite the pandemic. It’s no wonder that employees have higher expectations for their employers to share their enthusiasm for sustainability while they’re at work. 

You may have a fleet of vans, company cars or other vehicles and you’re ready to make the switch. In which case, you’re going to need the infrastructure to support it! 

According to a 2016 study by Cone Communications, 51% of people surveyed said they wouldn’t work for an employer who didn’t share strong social and environmental commitments. Putting EV infrastructure in place has become about more than practicalities, it’s about creating a cultural shift. 

Run by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), applicants to the WCS will use vouchers to support the purchase and installation of EV charge points in the workplace. 

What about working from home? 

As long as your address is listed as your place of business on Companies House or with HMRC, you can still access the WCS. 

The WCS is currently available across the UK, but currently excludes the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. 

Applicants can come from businesses, charities and public sector organisations. But remember, you’ll still have to meet certain eligibility criteria, so always make sure you check the T’s and C’s. For example, you must have sufficient access to off street parking. 

For any residential on-street EV infrastructure queries, you can refer to the On-Street Residential Charge Point Scheme. 

Once your application has been approved, you’ll have to go to an approved charge point installer (hey, that’s us!) to get started with your purchase and installation. You’ll find a full list of your nearest approved installers on the government website. 

You must claim your voucher within six months of installation. Any claims made on expired vouchers won’t be processed. Don’t get caught out by an admin headache!

What does my business get from the WCS? 

If your application is successful, your grant will cover up to 75% of the purchase price and installation of EV charge points. 

The maximum you’ll be able to receive in your grant includes: 

• £350 towards the cost of each socket 

• 40 sockets per 1 applicant. For example, if your team of 40 each has an EV (which would be amazing!), you could install 1 socket per employee (provided you have enough off street parking access). If you have 40 offices around the country, you’d be entitled to 1 socket per site

• If you don’t apply for all 40 charge points in the first instance, you can save the others for a later date until you reach your limit

Plug-in car grant (PiCG)

We know that historically, the initial cost of an EV has been a barrier to some wanting to make the switch. So we were pleased when the government decided to take action to make sustainable travel more accessible to a wider audience. 

Another initiative from OZEV, the plug-in grant has been designed to encourage both commercial and domestic drivers to up their usage of EVs. 

If you’re not currently in a position to utilise the WCS, you may want to recommend the PiCG to your employees for domestic use. ‘Every little helps.’

Since its launch, the grant has become significantly smaller. If you’re hoping to jump on the offer, you’ll probably want to invest in your EV sooner rather than later. For now, the scheme is ongoing. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for any changes! 

You can check the eligibility of your EV on the government website. 

What do I get from the plug-in car grant? 

First and foremost, you’ll receive a discount on the purchase price of your EV. 

The amount of discount given depends on the type of vehicle you decide to subsidise: 

• Cars: up to 35% off the purchase price, capped at £1,500.

• Motorcycles and mopeds: up to 35% off the purchase price, up to a maximum of £500 (or £150 for mopeds)

• Vans: up to 35% off the purchase price, up to a maximum of £5,000 (or £2,500 for small vans)

Electric vehicle homecharge scheme (EVHS)

Again, you may decide to refer your teams on to this scheme to support their personal EV usage. 

If you or someone you know would like to take advantage of the EVHS, you need to do it sooner rather than later. Applications for this scheme are coming to an end on the 31st March 2022. Any claims have to be made to the DVLA by the 30th April 2022. 

Successful applicants will receive up to £350 to go towards the cost of purchasing and installing home charging points for their EVs. 

Despite the looming deadline, the scheme will actually remain available to any homeowners living in flats and also those living in rental accommodation. 

Check your eligibility for the EVHS on the government website.

We looked at everything you need to know about the EVHS and how you can apply on our blog.

The fact that workplaces are taking an active approach to promoting sustainability is music to our ears here at Egg. We’re here to support you in cracking clean energy. 

For more information on how to access these government grants, or to talk to us about your EV charge point installation, get in touch now.