The Workplace Charging Scheme: How to Get Low-Cost EV Charging for Your Business

Offering electric vehicle (EV) charge points at your place of work is a fantastic way to help employees go green and show customers that you’re dedicated to sustainable values.

The Workplace Charging Scheme is a government initiative that covers up to 75% of the cost of supplying and installing charge points. This means you can offer electric charging to staff, suppliers, and visitors, even if you don’t have a large budget for sustainable initiatives.

And the best thing is, the scheme has been extended for another year.

Considering EV charging? In this article we’ll explain the criteria and how to take advantage of the scheme.

What is the Workplace Charging Scheme?

The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a grant that allows businesses to install subsidised electric vehicle charging points.

The WCS is open to businesses, charities, public sector organisations, and small accommodation businesses. There are separate schemes in place for other organisations, which we’ll talk more about later.

The scheme covers the purchase and installation of up to 40 charge points across all sites (so if you have four offices, you can install 40 charge points between them).

The WCS covers up to 75% of the cost (including VAT), capped at a maximum of £350 per socket.

It was due to end on 31 March 2025, but the Government has extended it for another year. This means you have extra time to get your application in.

What are the WCS Criteria?

There are eligibility requirements in place for this grant. 

You must:

• Be a business in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland (businesses in the Isle of Man are not eligible)
• Own the property or have consent from the landlord
• Have dedicated off-road parking designated to you (you can’t claim for parking facilities that aren’t built yet)
• Have parking spaces suitable for charge points
• Not exceed £315,000 in minimal financial assistance over the last three financial years
• Use an OZEV-approved charge point installer

Charge points must be in place for at least three years to qualify for the grant. This means that if you plan to move, you may need to leave the charging points behind.

You can’t claim under the WCS if installing charge points is a mandatory requirement, for example, under the 2022 Building Regulations.

Find out more about the Workplace Charging Scheme and the criteria in place. 

Can We Let Customers Use Our Charging Points?

Letting customers use your charging points can be a brilliant way to raise additional revenue and encourage them to visit you.

If you’re a business, only staff can use your charge points during working hours, but you can let residents use them outside of office hours. When you apply, you may be asked to provide evidence that your parking is only for staff.

If you’re a public authority, charity, or small accommodation business, your parking must be open to everyone, but anyone can use your EV charge points.

Can We Install Charge Points at Employee’s Homes?

Yes, if an employee has a company vehicle and can’t charge their vehicle at work (for example, if they live far away from your office).

You will need to prove that the employee works for you and that you have permission to install a charge point at their home.

Does the Grant Cover Infrastructure?

Unfortunately the WCS only covers the purchase and installation of EV charging points. It doesn’t cover any building or installation work you need to do to install charge points.

There is an infrastructure grant for SMEs you may be eligible for which covers 75% of the cost of the work, up to £15,000.

Alternatively we can help you with any infrastructure work you need.

How do I Get Started?

To sign up for the WCS scheme, visit the gov.uk website and fill in the application form.

As part of your application, you must provide your Companies House Registration Number, a VAT registration number, or a business rate bill.

If you don’t have this information (for example, if you are a charity), you can upload alternative documentation.

If your application is successful, you’ll be emailed a voucher code within five working days.

Alternatively, If your application isn’t successful, you can appeal.

The installer will ask for the voucher code and claim the grant when the work is done. 

You have six months (180 days) to complete the installation after receiving the voucher code. If the installation can’t be done in this timeframe, you will need to reapply for a new voucher.

Are There Any Alternative Grants Available?

If you’re responsible for a state-funded school or educational institution, you can apply for the Workplace Charging Scheme for state-funded education institutions.

The deadline and the number of sockets you can claim are the same, but you can claim up to a maximum of £2,500 per socket rather than £350. 

There is also a separate grant process for residential and commercial landlords.

Take the First Step Towards a Sustainable Workplace

The WCS makes it easier than ever for companies to install sustainable charging solutions. Nearly 60,000 charge points have been installed since the scheme launched!

If you’re not sure if you’re eligible for the grant, get in touch with our team – we’d be happy to check for you. 

We can also put you in touch with some OZEV-approved installers to help put your brand-new charging points in place.