Workplace Charging Scheme

Are you thinking about making the move to electric company cars and vans or looking to provide more electric vehicle (EV) charging points for your workers’ own cars?  Naomi Swan advises below.

Then you should consider taking advantage of the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS). It’s a voucher-based scheme that provides eligible businesses with support towards the upfront costs of the purchase and installation of EV charging points.

The grant covers up to 75% of the total costs of the purchase and installation of EV charging points (inclusive of VAT) at commercial premises, so not at employee’s homes. This is capped at a maximum of £350 per socket; and 40 sockets across all sites per applicant. If you apply for fewer than 40 sockets, you can submit additional applications in the future.

To apply, you need to complete an online application form and then you will be given a unique voucher code by email which you can give to any Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) authorised installer. The charging points must be installed within six months of the voucher’s issue date.

Your installer must not charge you for the grant in advance of payment being made by the OZEV. After OZEV reimburses your installer for the value of your voucher, this cost will be discounted from your final invoice. The closing date for applications is 31 March 2024.

For further information and guidance on the WCS refer to the government website