If you’re considering installing electric vehicle (EV) charge points for your business, you’ll be pleased to know that funding is still available. Through the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), the UK government continues to offer grants to support the installation of commercial EV charge points.
The landscape of EV charging funding has evolved recently, with OZEV (formerly known as OLEV) now overseeing these initiatives. Much of the funding once available has now disappeared as EVs become more mainstream, but there is still time to carry out commercial EV charge point installations with the help of government subsidies.
So, let’s look at the grants still available in 2024 that can help you with commercial EV charge point installation.
Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a key initiative designed to help businesses, charities, and public sector organisations install EV charge points at their premises. This voucher-based scheme can significantly reduce your upfront costs, making it more affordable to provide charging facilities for your staff and fleet vehicles.
Under the WCS, you can receive up to £350 per socket, with a maximum of 40 sockets per applicant. This means you could potentially save up to £14,000 on your EV charging installation. To be eligible for this scheme, you need to meet several key requirements:
- You must have dedicated off-street parking associated with your business premises.
- The parking facilities must be designated for your use and not solely for customers.
- You need to either own the property or have the landlord’s consent for the installation.
- Your business should be able to demonstrate a need for EV charging infrastructure.
EV Infrastructure Grant for Staff and Fleets
If you’re running a small or medium-sized business, the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant for Staff and Fleets might be more suitable. This grant is specifically designed to help cover the cost of installing EV charge points and the supporting infrastructure for staff and fleet vehicles.
The EV Infrastructure Grant offers even more substantial support, covering 75% of the cost of the work, up to a maximum of £15,000. This includes up to £350 per charge point socket and up to £500 per parking space enabled with supporting infrastructure. To qualify for this grant, you need to meet these main criteria:
- Your business must have 249 employees or fewer.
- You must be registered at Companies House, or VAT registered with HMRC.
- The property where you’re installing the charge points must be in the UK (excluding the Channel Islands and Isle of Man).
- You must install at least one charge point socket and prepare at least five parking spaces for current or future installation.
How Long is Funding Available for Commercial EV Charge Points?
While these funding opportunities are certainly enticing, it’s important to note that they won’t last indefinitely. Both the Workplace Charging Scheme and the EV Infrastructure Grant are currently set to end on 31st March 2025, giving you a clear timeline to plan your commercial EV charging installation.
Given the potential savings and the limited time frame, it’s advisable to start considering your options sooner rather than later. By acting now, you can ensure you don’t miss out on these valuable financial incentives and position your business at the forefront of the EV revolution.
Importance of Choosing an OZEV-Approved Installer
Of course, it’s one thing to find schemes for which you qualify, it’s another thing entirely to go through the installation process from start to finish. Here is why you need to partner with an OZEV-approved installer rather than any old EV charge point installation company.
Access to Funding
When installing your commercial EV charge points, choosing an OZEV-approved installer is crucial. It’s not just a recommendation – it’s a requirement if you want to access the government funding we’ve discussed. OZEV-approved installers are authorised to process your grant application and ensure you receive the financial support you’re entitled to.
Expert Design and Installation
Beyond access to funding, OZEV-approved installers, including ourselves, bring a wealth of expertise to your project. We are well-versed in the latest EV charging technologies and installation best practices. This expertise means we can design a charging solution tailored to your specific business needs, taking into account factors like your current and future EV fleet size, available electrical capacity, and site layout.
Compliance and Safety
OZEV-approved installers are also up-to-date with all relevant regulations and safety standards. By choosing an approved installer, you can be confident that your EV charging installation will be compliant with current legislation and safe for your staff and vehicles to use. This compliance is not just about ticking boxes – it’s about ensuring the longevity and reliability of your EV charging infrastructure.
Maximising Your Commercial EV Charging Investment
Installing commercial EV charge points is more than just a tick in the green credentials box – it’s a strategic investment in your business’s future. By providing EV charging facilities, you’re supporting your current EV drivers and future-proofing your business for the inevitable growth in electric vehicle adoption.
It also demonstrates your commitment to reducing carbon emissions, potentially attracting environmentally conscious employees and customers. Moreover, as more cities introduce low-emission zones, having EV charging facilities can ensure your business operations remain uninterrupted.
Contact Applegarth Today to Discuss Commercial EV Charge Point Installation
The funding landscape for commercial EV charge points remains favourable, with substantial grants available through the Workplace Charging Scheme and the EV Infrastructure Grant for Staff and Fleets.
However, with these schemes set to end in March 2025, the clock is ticking. If you’re considering installing EV charge points for your business, now is the time to act.
At Applegarth, we’re here to help you navigate the process. As OZEV-approved installers, we can guide you through the grant application, design a bespoke charging solution for your premises, and ensure a smooth, compliant installation.
Get in touch with us today to start your journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for your business. We offer these installations across Wirral, Liverpool, Merseyside, Chester, and beyond.
