Workplace Charging Scheme: Get £500 Per Socket
The UK government will pay up to 75% of your EV charger installation costs. Here's how to claim before the funding ends.
Get EV Charging Quote£500
Per Socket
75%
Of Costs Covered
40
Sockets Max
Mar 2027
Deadline
What is the Workplace Charging Scheme?
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a UK government grant that pays towards the cost of installing EV chargers at business premises. It's administered by OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) and available until 31 March 2027 (extended from the previous March 2026 cut-off, with the per-socket grant increased to £500 from 1 April 2026).
What's Covered
Eligible Costs
- • Charging unit hardware
- • Electrical components (boards, cabling)
- • Civil works (trenching, concrete bases)
- • Professional installation
- • Site surveys
- • VAT
Not Covered
- • Project management fees
- • Land purchase
- • Ongoing software subscriptions
- • Electricity supply costs
- • Work done before voucher issued
Who Can Apply?
Eligible Organizations
- • Registered UK businesses (Company Number or VAT registered)
- • Registered charities
- • Public sector (councils, NHS, emergency services)
- • Small accommodation providers (B&Bs, campsites)
- • Home-based businesses (with business rates or Companies House registration)
Not Eligible
- • Domestic homeowners (use OZEV home charger grant)
- • Properties without off-street parking
- • On-street or public car parks
- • Chargers required by Building Regulations Part S
- • Channel Islands / Isle of Man
Staff & Fleet Use Only
Standard WCS chargers must be for employee or company fleet vehicle use. You cannot use them for paying customers. Exception: Small accommodation providers can allow guest use.
WCS vs EV Infrastructure Grant
Update (April 2026): The EV Infrastructure Grant for staff and fleets closed to new applications on 31 March 2026. Installers had until 26 May 2026 to submit existing claims. The Workplace Charging Scheme is now the primary route for business EV charging funding and runs until 31 March 2027.
| Feature | Workplace Charging Scheme | EV Infrastructure Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Active chargers (sockets) | Future-proofing infrastructure |
| Per Socket | £500 | £350 |
| Per Passive Bay | N/A | £500 |
| Max Grant | 40 sockets × £500 = £20,000 | £15,000 |
| Eligibility | All business sizes | SMEs only (<249 employees) |
| Minimum Scope | 1 socket | 5 parking spaces (min 1 active) |
What Replaces the Infrastructure Grant?
With the Infrastructure Grant closed, businesses installing EV charging in 2026/27 should look at three remaining incentives:
- 1. Workplace Charging Scheme — £500/socket up to 40 sockets (this page).
- 2. 100% First Year Allowance — Deduct full charger cost from year-one taxable profits (extended to 5 April 2027 in Autumn Budget 2025).
- 3. 100% business rates relief — A new 10-year exemption announced in Autumn Budget 2025 for eligible EV chargepoints and EV-only forecourts.
If you previously claimed the Infrastructure Grant for a socket, you cannot also claim WCS for the same socket.
Application Process
Get a Quote from OZEV-Approved Installer
They assess your site, check electrical capacity, and provide pricing. The installer must be OZEV-authorized.
Apply Online for Voucher
Submit application via the government WCS portal. You'll need your Company Number or VAT registration. Approval typically takes 5 working days.
Receive Voucher Code (Valid 180 Days)
You receive a unique voucher code. Share this with your installer. The clock is now ticking - installation must complete within 180 days.
Installation Complete
Installer completes the work, commissions the charger, and issues an Electrical Installation Certificate.
Installer Claims Grant, You Pay Net Amount
The installer submits the claim to OZEV. They invoice you for the discounted amount. OZEV pays the installer directly within 30 working days.
Additional Tax Benefits
Beyond the grant, the UK tax system provides further incentives for EV charging infrastructure:
100% First Year Allowance
Deduct the full cost of EV chargers from taxable profits in year one. Extended to 5 April 2027 in the Autumn Budget 2025 (1-year extension on the previous March 2026 expiry).
Example: £10,000 spend at 25% Corporation Tax = £2,500 tax saving in year one.
No BiK on Workplace Charging
Electricity provided by employers for charging employee vehicles at work is exempt from Benefit-in-Kind tax.
Employees can charge for free at work without incurring a tax bill - a valuable retention perk.
Enhanced Funding for Schools
State-funded schools, colleges, and nurseries can access significantly higher grants:
£2,000
Per socket for state-funded schools, colleges & nurseries (reduced from £2,500 on 1 April 2026)
40
Sockets max across all sites
This enhanced cap acknowledges that schools often need extensive civil works to reach parking areas.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Expired Voucher
Vouchers are valid for 180 days. If DNO approval delays installation, withdraw and reapply for a new voucher before expiry.
Wrong Charger Model
Installing a "domestic only" charger at a business. Always check the OZEV Approved Commercial Model List.
Site Not Eligible
Photos show charger serves on-street or public parking. Must be private, dedicated off-street parking.
Double Funding
Claiming WCS for a socket already funded by Infrastructure Grant. Keep a strict asset register.
Installer Not Authorized
Using an installer whose OZEV authorization has lapsed. Verify status on OZEV website before starting.
Don't Miss the Funding Window
The Workplace Charging Scheme is confirmed to 31 March 2027, with the per-socket payout increased to £500 from 1 April 2026. The EV Infrastructure Grant for staff and fleets has now closed — WCS is the main remaining grant route. Installer capacity is already constrained. Apply early.
Get EV Charging QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
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Get quotes from OZEV-approved installers and start your application today.
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