The Workplace Charging Scheme Explained
October 25th, 2024
Last updated: October 25th, 2024
The UK’s Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) supports businesses and organisations aiming to install electric vehicle (EV) charge points at their premises.
Electric vehicle charging is becoming beneficial for a number of different businesses. Of course, the fact that so many cars are now electric means that having charging points at work can provide you with an incentive to offer employees. On top of this, some businesses rely on their fleet of vehicles for deliveries and more. Having electric charging points can increase the options for workplaces.
Through the WCS, organisations can receive a grant to cover up to 75% of the costs associated with purchasing and installing EV charge points, including VAT. This support is capped at £350 per socket, with a maximum allowance of 40 sockets per applicant across multiple sites. For example, an organisation with 40 locations could install one charge point per site under this scheme.
Who Is Eligible for the Scheme?
The Workplace Charging Scheme is open to businesses, charities, public sector bodies, and small accommodation providers. Educational institutions are also eligible under a separate scheme, which offers different grant amounts.
To qualify, organisations must meet certain criteria regarding property ownership, parking arrangements, and staff usage:
- Property Ownership or Permission. Applicants must either own their property or secure consent from the landlord to install EV chargers.
- Dedicated Off-Road Parking. The site must have dedicated, off-road parking spaces specifically designated for staff or fleet use rather than for customers.
- Use of Parking Spaces. If the applicant is a business, the charge points must be designated for staff and fleet vehicles. However, organisations such as charities, public authorities, or small accommodations can open the charge points to the public if they comply with the 2023 Public Chargepoint Regulations. This may bring additional car parking needs like more line marking, signage, and even potentially parking barriers to be installed to control the use of the car park.
- For remote workers installing a charge point at home, the address must be either the official business address listed on Companies House or be listed on a business rate bill. In such cases, installations must use authorised installers and equipment approved for both residential and commercial use
Authorisation means that OZEV-authorised installers are needed. Our Electric Vehicle Charge Point installers are all trusted within the OZEV scheme and provide the certification you need.
Grant Application and Installation Process
Applications for the Workplace Charging Scheme can be completed through an official online application form. Once approved, applicants receive a voucher within five business days. This voucher, valid for 180 days, specifies the number of sockets and sites allowed and must be used with an OZEV-authorised charge point installer. After installation, the grant amount will be deducted directly from the final invoice, and the installer claims the grant from the government.
Scheme Duration and Potential Changes
The scheme is confirmed to run until March 31, 2025. While the UK government reserves the right to adjust or discontinue the grant, they aim to give a minimum of four weeks’ notice before any changes. Claims submitted before an announcement of the scheme’s end will be honoured if they meet eligibility requirements.
Conclusion
The WCS provides an accessible, partially-funded solution for UK organisations wanting to support the transition to EVs by installing essential charging infrastructure, benefiting both businesses and employees.
Time is running out for people who want to make use of the scheme, and we expect there to be a rush over the remaining months.
Get In Touch Today!
If you’re a commercial business looking to install an electric vehicle charging point or for EV charging point maintenance, reach out to us today to get the ball rolling.
Call 01423 226578 or send us an enquiry to learn about our bespoke services.