Powering Up With Electric Vehicle Charging Grants

 

Have you made the change to electric yet?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity as a more eco-friendly and sustainable mode of transport. In 2023, there were 455,200 new EVs registered in the UK. However, many prospective EV owners are on the fence, with concerns about the cost of the vehicles themselves, as well as issues like mileage range and charging infrastructure. One common worry is the cost of installing an EV charger at home or at work. Fortunately, there are several electric car charging grants available that can help offset these costs and make the switch to electric driving more accessible.

Introduction to Electric Vehicle Charging Grants

The UK government has introduced various electric vehicle charging grants to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These grants provide financial assistance to individuals and businesses to install electric vehicle charging points at home or in the workplace. By easing the financial burden of setting up charging infrastructure, these grants make it more feasible for people to switch to electric vehicles, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future. In this section, we will provide an overview of the different types of electric vehicle charging grants available and how they can benefit you.

What electric vehicle chargepoint grants are available?

Range anxiety (the fear of running out of power when driving an EV) is a big problem with would-be EV owners, as well as existing owners. To help combat the problem and encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, the government has launched several electric vehicle charging grants, including:

The government’s Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) offers up to £350 towards the cost of installing a home charging point for an eligible vehicle. The workplace charging schemes help businesses install charging infrastructure on their premises. The EV chargepoint grant provides financial assistance for the installation of home charging points, addressing different eligibility criteria and funding amounts. These grants vary in amount and eligibility depending on your location, but they play a crucial role in making EV ownership more feasible. More chargers can make owning an EV much appealing, and help the government reach its target of having all new cars be electric by 2035.

Types of Electric Vehicle Charging Grants

There are several types of electric vehicle charging grants available in the UK, each designed to cater to different needs:

  • Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS): This grant provides up to £350 towards the cost of installing a home charging point for eligible electric vehicles. It’s a great way for homeowners to make the switch to electric cars more affordable and convenient.
  • Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS): This grant offers up to £350 per socket towards the cost of installing a charging point at a workplace for eligible electric vehicles. It helps businesses support their employees who drive EVs and encourages the adoption of zero emission vehicles within company fleets.
  • On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS): This grant provides funding for local authorities to install on-street electric vehicle charging points for residents who do not have dedicated off-street parking. It ensures that more people have access to convenient charging options, regardless of their living situation.

These grants play a crucial role in expanding the charging infrastructure across the UK, making it easier for more people to consider electric vehicles as a viable option.

Why are these grants important?

Electric vehicle charging grants can help reduce the upfront costs associated with owning an EV. They remove one of the financial barriers that might prevent potential buyers from making the switch to electric cars. With the cost of EVs already higher than traditional petrol or diesel vehicles, the additional expense of installing a charging station can feel overwhelming. These grants not only reduce the financial burden but also encourage the wider rollout of charging infrastructure. The plug in car grant, for instance, offers up to £1,500 off new fully electric cars in specific regions, further incentivising the purchase of EVs. This helps to ease concerns around range anxiety but makes it more flexible for people to charge EVs at home or at work, where the costs will be much lower than charging at a paid for charging point.

Who is eligible to receive a workplace charging scheme grant?

Eligibility criteria for EV charging grants differ depending on the specific scheme. To qualify for the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, you must own or lease a qualifying EV and have dedicated off-street parking where the charging point will be installed. Similarly, the Workplace Charging Scheme is available to businesses, charities, and public sector organisations that meet certain requirements, including having parking spaces for an eligible company vehicle. Some schemes also consider whether your EV was purchased new or second hand. The designation of a primary user, who is the main operator of the eligible electric vehicle, is also a factor in qualifying for specific grants.

How to apply for an EV charging grant with dedicated off street parking?

Applying for an EV charging grant is a straightforward process in most cases. For the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme in the UK, for example, plug-in vehicle owners will need to provide proof of ownership or lease of an eligible EV, as well as details about their off-street parking. The application can often be handled by the installer of your charging point, making it even easier to get a charger installed. For workplace schemes, businesses typically need to apply online, submitting the necessary paperwork to demonstrate eligibility.

Special Tariffs for Charging Your Electric Vehicle

In addition to the grants, there are also special tariffs available for charging your electric vehicle, which can further reduce the cost of ownership:

  • Energy Providers’ Special Tariffs: Some energy providers offer special tariffs for electric vehicle owners, providing cheaper electricity rates for charging your vehicle. These tariffs often include lower rates during off-peak hours, making it more economical to charge your EV overnight.
  • Government Special Tariff: The UK government also offers a special tariff for electric vehicle owners, which can provide cheaper electricity rates for charging your vehicle between midnight and 5am. This initiative helps to spread the load on the electricity grid and encourages EV owners to charge their vehicles during times of lower demand.

By taking advantage of these special tariffs, EV owners can significantly reduce their charging costs, making electric vehicles an even more attractive option.

What are the benefits of EVs?

Electric vehicles offer many benefits beyond just environmental sustainability. Here are some key advantages:

Lower running costs

Electricity is cheaper than petrol or diesel, leading to significant savings over time.

Environmental impact

EVs produce zero emissions, helping to reduce air pollution and combat climate change.

Quiet and smooth drive

EVs are known for their quiet operation and smooth acceleration, which can make for a nicer driving experience, as well as keeping neighbourhood noise down.

Tax incentives

There is a reduced road tax for EV owners, further reducing the cost of ownership.

Increasing range

Electric vehicles have seen significant improvements in their range, easing concerns over long-distance travel. This will continue to improve as the technology develops.

Top tips for putting your EV charging grant to good use

  1. Research charging options

Not all home chargers are created equal. Look for models that offer fast charging and are compatible with your EV.

  1. Choose a reputable installer

Many grants require you to use a certified installer, but beyond that, make sure you go with an experienced professional for a smooth installation process.

  1. Consider future proofing

Opt for a charging point with a higher capacity than you currently need, especially if you plan on upgrading your EV in the future.

  1. Maximise savings

Take advantage of any other local incentives or schemes that could further reduce the cost of your charger or installation.

  1. Think about accessibility

If possible, position your charger in a spot that’s easy to access and convenient for everyday use.

Electrical car charging points installation with phs Compliance

Switching to an electric vehicle is a big step, but with the help of EV charging grants, it can be a smoother and more affordable journey. By understanding what’s available and making informed choices, you’ll be well on your way to a greener future by installing EV chargers.

Whether you’re thinking of applying for an EV charging grant or are simply looking to setup electric car charging units within your premises, phs Compliance can help. We provide electrical car charging points installation across the UK, helping your business power up its fleet or provide employees with the means to charge their vehicles. Our charging solutions will help you improve your business’ sustainability credentials, reducing your carbon footprint and perhaps encourage your employees to make greener choices when it comes to their commute. As a trusted and reliable supplier of electrical maintenance services, we’re the top choice for EV charger installation in the UK.

Explore our EV charging map and see the many areas that are already benefitting from EV chargers supplied by phs.

Electric Vehicle Charging Grant Success Stories

The electric vehicle charging grants have been successful in encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles in the UK. Here are some impressive statistics and success stories:

  • EVHS Grant Scheme: Over 236,697 chargers have been installed through the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, saving individuals up to £467 per year on fuel costs. This grant has made it easier for many households to transition to electric cars by reducing the upfront cost of installing a home charging point.
  • WCS Grant Scheme: The Workplace Charging Scheme has funded the installation of over 46,172 charging points in workplace car parks, saving businesses up to £715 per year on fuel costs. This initiative has not only supported employees who drive electric vehicles but also helped companies enhance their sustainability credentials.
  • ORCS Grant Scheme: The On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme has funded the installation of over 4,342 public charging devices, providing residents with access to electric vehicle charging points. This has been particularly beneficial for those without dedicated off-street parking, ensuring that more people can conveniently charge their EVs.

These success stories highlight the positive impact of the electric vehicle charging grants, demonstrating how they have facilitated the adoption of electric vehicles and contributed to a cleaner, greener environment.

 

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