How to Apply for the Workplace Charging Grant

22 January 2025

Topics: A Greener Fleet, Efficiencies and Savings

The Government’s Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) offers businesses and eligible organisations support towards the cost of installing electric vehicle (EV) charge points at workplaces. The scheme provides up to 75% of the total costs (including VAT) of purchasing and installing up to 40 EV chargepoint sockets at sites across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

This scheme provides an affordable solution for businesses looking to electrify their fleet, reduce running costs, and improve sustainability. Applications for the grant must be submitted by 31 March 2025. Here’s how to apply for the Workplace Charging Grant.

1. What is the Workplace Charging Scheme?

The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) helps businesses, charities, public sector organisations, and small accommodation businesses install EV chargers. The scheme covers up to 75% of the total costs for purchasing and installing charge points, with a cap of £350 per socket. You can apply for up to 40 sockets across all sites, meaning that if you have 40 sites, you’ll be eligible for one socket per site.

This initiative is designed to promote the transition to electric vehicles by providing the necessary infrastructure at workplaces. The grant helps reduce costs, making it easier for businesses and other organisations to switch to EV fleets and support employees who drive electric vehicles.

The scheme is available in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, but it is not available in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

See also: The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant for Staff and Fleets which contributes up to £500 per parking space towards the wider building costs of installing EV charging stations. This grant has separate criteria for eligibility and applications also close on 31 March 2025.

2. Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Workplace Charging Scheme, your organisation must meet the following criteria:

Businesses, charities, public sector organisations, and small accommodation businesses can apply
ou must have off-road parking dedicated for the installation of charge points, which should be either on-site or a reasonable distance from your premises
You need permission from the landlord if you do not own the property where you plan to install charge points
Your parking spaces must be suitable for charge point installations and designated to your organisation (although shared with others is acceptable for non-dedicated spaces)
For businesses, charge points can only be used by staff/fleet but can be made available to local residents outside office hours. For public authorities, charities, and small accommodation businesses, the charge points can be used by anyone, including customers, visitors, or staff
Your site must be surveyed by an approved installer before applying to ensure suitability for installation

Additional information

You must not exceed £315,000 in minimal financial assistance over 3 financial years. See more information.
State-funded education organisations are eligible for a different grant scheme.

Working from Home

If your primary place of work is also a residential property, you can still apply for the grant as long as your address is either listed with Companies House or on your business’s non-domestic rate bill. When installing charge points at home, they must be eligible for both residential and commercial use. Employers can install charge points at employee’s homes for company vehicles where the employee cannot charge their vehicle at work. You will need to provide DVLA with an evidence letter that confirms that the employee works for you and that you have permission to install charge points.

Your Installer

You must use an OZEV-authorised installer to qualify for the grant. If you do not use an authorised installer, your claim will be declined.

The UK Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) maintains a directory of registered installers who meet the necessary criteria to participate in the scheme. To find a list of approved installers, you can visit the official government website and access the installer search tool. Search for registered installers here: OZEV Approved Installers – Workplace Charging Scheme.

Make sure the installer you choose is approved to ensure your business can claim the grant for your electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

3. Documentation and Evidence

To apply for the grant, you’ll need to provide a quote from a Government-approved installer and evidence of your commitment to promoting sustainable travel. This could include offering incentives for employees to switch to electric vehicles or showcasing your company’s broader sustainability initiatives. These steps help ensure that your workplace is supporting the transition to cleaner energy and fostering a greener workplace culture.

To apply for the grant, you’ll need to provide one of the following documents:

Your Companies House reference number
Your VAT registration number
A non-domestic business rate bill

If you are a charity, NHS surgery, or school, alternative documentation can be uploaded (e.g., registration with the Charity Commission for charities or an NHS registration document).

4. Applying for the Grant

Once you’ve gathered all the required documentation, you can apply for the grant either online (which is quicker and more efficient) or by post. The online application process is straightforward and helps speed up approval, so it’s highly recommended for faster results. Make sure all required documents, including your installer quote and evidence of your commitment to sustainability, are ready before applying. Remember, the deadline for applications is 31 March 2025, so be sure to apply before the closing date.

5. Receiving the Grant

If your application is successful, you’ll receive a voucher which will be sent directly to your chosen installer. This voucher can then be used to reduce the cost of installing the charge points at your workplace. It’s an easy way to help your business transition to an electric fleet while benefiting from significant savings.

Your Next Steps to Fleet Electrification

The Workplace Charging Scheme is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to start installing electric vehicle charging points. Be sure to gather all the required documentation before applying, and submit your application by 31 March 2025. With the UK government’s upcoming net zero deadlines for the automotive industry, it’s important to plan ahead.

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