The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) grant provides financial support to UK citizens looking to adopt electric vehicles. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about OZEV grants and how they work.
We will review the eligibility criteria, the amount of funding available and the OZEV grant application process.
How does the OZEV EV Chargepoint grant work?
The aim of the OZEV EV Chargepoint grant is to help offset the upfront cost of switching to an EV. The grant provides 75% (up to £350) towards the cost of installing EV chargers for a specific group of applicants:
- Landlords
- Renters
- Flat owners
- Business owners
Eligible vehicles include all full-battery electric vehicles, but plug-in hybrid vehicles must have CO2 emissions calculated to be under 50g/km. To claim the grant, the procedure differs based on whether you live in a house or a flat, but in both cases, you must claim before the installation of your home charger. Homeowners are no longer eligible to apply for an OZEV grant.
What is OZEV?
OZEV stands for the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles. It is the government organization in the United Kingdom that promotes the adoption of zero-emission vehicles and supports the development of related EV infrastructure. OZEV offers grants to encourage the purchase of electric cars and the installation of EV chargers. OZEV is also responsible for developing policies and regulations to support the growth of the electric vehicle market.
OZEV promotes research and development efforts related to zero-emission vehicles, battery technologies, and charging technologies. They also collect data and monitor the progress of the UK’s transition to zero-emission vehicles. They provide reports and insights to inform policymakers and industry stakeholders about the progress of electric vehicle adoption in the UK.
What is the EV Chargepoint grant?
The EV Chargepoint grant is a grant scheme introduced by OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles). It was launched in 2022 as a replacement for the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS). The primary objective of the EV Chargepoint grant is to provide financial assistance to eligible individuals and businesses for the installation of electric car chargers at residential and workplace locations.
Under the EV Chargepoint grant, applicants can receive a subsidy of up to 75% of the installation costs, with a maximum grant amount of £350. This grant significantly reduces the financial burden of installing an EV charger, making it more affordable and accessible for individuals and businesses.
Unlike its predecessor (the EVHS), the EV Chargepoint grant is only available to a specific set of categories:
- Flat owners
People who own or rent flats that wish to install an EV charger in their apartment’s residential parking area can apply for the grant. - Renters
Tenants who do not own their property but want to install an EV charger can also be eligible for the grant. This provision gives renters the ability to access convenient EV charging options without having to pressure landlords to pay for the chargers. - Landlords
The EV Chargepoint grant is open to landlords who wish to install EV chargers in their rental properties. This enables them to provide EV charging infrastructure for their tenants, contributing to the wider adoption of electric vehicles. - Businesses
In addition to the residential sector, businesses can also apply for the EV Chargepoint grant. However, businesses have a separate grant option known as the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), which specifically supports the installation of EV chargers at workplaces. The WCS grant offers to fund the cost of supplying staff with workplace charging points, providing an incentive for businesses to facilitate EV charging for their employees.
How do I apply for an OZEV EV Chargepoint grant?
Applying for an EV chargepoint grant is a straightforward process. To ensure a smooth application, follow the steps below:
- Confirm eligibility
Check if your vehicle is on the list of Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV)-approved electric vehicles. Additionally, ensure that the charger you want to install is on the list of OZEV-approved models. This verification will ensure your eligibility for the grant. - Obtain a quote
Contact an OZEV-authorised installer and request a quote for the installation work. The installer should be fully approved by OZEV having completed the appropriate EV charger installation training. Review the quote and if you agree with the terms, inform the installer to proceed with your claim. - Installer initiates the claim
Once you accept the quote, the installer will request your contact details and provide them to OZEV. You will receive an email from OZEV containing a link to an online form. Complete this form, providing details of your property and your vehicle to proceed with your application. - Application approval and work commencement
After reviewing your application, OZEV will approve it and notify your installer that they can begin the installation work. - Installation completion
Your installer must complete the installation within 90 days of application approval unless an extension is requested. If the installation is not completed within the specified timeframe, the installer will need to submit a new application. - Grant claim by the installer
Once the installation is finished, your installer will claim the grant on your behalf. They will provide OZEV with details of your EV charger, including photographs of the installation and an invoice. You will receive an email to verify the information provided by the installer. - Deducting grant amount and invoice
Your installer should deduct the grant amount from your bill before applying for the grant. Your invoice should clearly show the total installation cost minus the deducted grant amount. - Grant payment
After approving the application and verifying the invoice, OZEV will pay the grant amount to your installer.
Am I eligible for the OZEV grant?
To qualify for the OZEV grant you must already own or lease an EV (or have one on order). There should be off-street parking at your property that is accessible 24/7 and is signposted as belonging to your property (even if it is not part of the property).
You will need to prove that you have express permission from the landlord if you are a renter or that you are the legal owner of the property if you are looking to install an EV charger in a flat.
You will also need to prove that you either own or lease an eligible vehicle and the property will need to be already built, not planned or even already under construction.
The charging unit that you install will need to be a smart charger to qualify.
Do you get a grant automatically when you buy a new EV?
For most grants, you do not get a grant automatically when you buy a new electric car. Your EV charger installation company will need to apply for a Government OZEV grant, and have your application reviewed based on the criteria set by the office for zero-emission vehicles.
One notable exception is the Plug-in Van Grant (PIVG) for electric vans, this grant is discounted at the purchase price of electric vans by the dealership.
Which vehicles qualify for the OZEV Grant?
To check if your vehicle is eligible for the OZEV grant you can check that it is on the government’s list of vehicles eligible for OZEV grants.
The types of vehicles that have been approved as “ultra-low emission vehicles” are:
New Battery Electric Vehicles
New Battery Electric Vehicles must have zero exhaust pipe emissions and a minimum range of 70 miles.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles must have zero exhaust pipe emissions and a minimum range of 300 miles.
Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicles
Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicles must have CO2 emissions under 50 g/km and a minimum electric-only range of 10 miles.
Can I apply for an OZEV Grant myself?
No, you cannot apply for an OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) Grant directly as an individual. An OZEV-approved installation company that you choose to install your EV charger will need to process the application for you. Once they have processed the application and it has been approved by OZEV, a discount will be applied to the price of your installation.
Authorized installers are solely responsible for applying for the grant on behalf of the customers who wish to install home charging points. The installer will guide you through the process and handle the application, ensuring compliance with the grant program’s requirements.
How long does it take to get an OZEV Grant?
OZEV aims to process grant claims within 30 working days. However, it’s important to note that this processing time begins once the installation company submits the required information on your behalf. The installation company does not have the authority to approve the grant; its role is to assist in processing the grant application.
The overall time it takes to receive the OZEV grant can vary depending on several factors, including the responsiveness of the installation company and the accuracy of the information provided. Delays may occur if there are any missing details in the application.
To ensure a smooth process, work closely with the installation company and provide all the requested information promptly. Keep checking in on the status of the application with them to address any queries or requests for additional documentation.
What does OZEV approved mean?
“OZEV approved” refers to certain vehicles, installers, or equipment that has been approved by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). When a vehicle, installer, or equipment is labelled as “OZEV approved,” it means that it has met the specific standards, criteria, and requirements set by OZEV.
The OZEV approval signifies that the vehicle, installer, or equipment has been assessed and deemed compliant with the necessary regulations, safety standards, and technical specifications established by OZEV.
For example, when it comes to vehicle eligibility for grants, an “OZEV-approved electric vehicle” refers to an electric vehicle model that meets the criteria specified by OZEV for grant eligibility. These criteria typically include emissions levels, range, and other relevant specifications.
Similarly, for installers and equipment, being “OZEV approved” indicates that they have undergone the necessary assessments and have met the required standards for providing installation services or supplying charging equipment for electric vehicles.
What is the OZEV Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS)
The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) was the name of the old OZEV grant scheme that ended in March 2022. Following the March 2022 Ozev Grant changes this scheme was superseded by the EV Chargepoint Grant.
The scope of the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) had been much broader than the EV Chargepoint Grant. It was open to all homeowners and was not restricted to renters and flat owners as with the current EV Chargepoint Grant.
What is the OZEV plug-in car grant?
The Plug-in grant ended in June 2022, so it is no longer possible to apply for this grant.
This grant categorises vehicles into 7 different levels of CO2 output and incentives offered to vehicles that fell into the top 3 categories. Over time the ranges of the categories in the scheme were changed and fewer vehicles became eligible, resulting in the grant completely stopping in June 2022.
What is the difference between OLEV and OZEV?
In 2020 OZEV replaced OLEV as the government department responsible for promoting the uptake of zero-emission vehicles. Before 2020 when referring to government grants it was common to say “OLEV grant”, and now the terminology is “OZEV grant”.
OLEV (Office for Low Emission Vehicles)
OLEV was established in 2011 and had a focus on ‘low emission’ not zero, so its scope was wider than that of its successor OZEV. It was scrapped in 2020.
OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles)
OZEV was established in 2020 and has a more narrow focus on Zero emission vehicles (electric cars!). It is responsible for implementing the UK’s plan to achieve close to zero emissions from all cars on the road by 2050.
Can you get the OZEV grant in Scotland?
Yes, you can indeed get the OZEV grant in Scotland. In addition to the OZEV grant, Scottish residents can apply for a £300 grant from the Energy Saving Trust.
Energy Saving Trust is funded by Transport Scotland and the grant is called the domestic charge point funding scheme.
There are two ways to apply and applicants can only apply for one of them, even if they meet the criteria for both. The first route is for rural and remote electric vehicle owners, including those living on the Islands of Scotland. The second route is for owners who purchase their electric vehicles through the Used Electric Vehicle Loan scheme.
If you live in Scotland read our guide to the OZEV grant in Scotland to find out more.
Can you get OZEV grants in Wales and Northern Ireland?
Residents in both Wales and Northern Ireland can apply for OZEV grants, including the Electric Chargepoint grant, as these grants are available across the entire United Kingdom.
Can I get an OZEV grant for a second-hand car?
Some OZEV grants are applicable for second-hand cars. The Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant applies to all eligible electric vehicles both new and old. Check with your installation company just to make sure the OZEV grant you are applying for is suitable for second-hand electric vehicles.
Can you get an OZEV grant for a lease car?
If you lease an electric vehicle you can still apply for the OZEV grant. You may be required to provide additional information, such as proof that you have leased the vehicle for up to 6 months before you are able to apply for a grant.
You must also make sure that the lease period of the vehicle runs for at least another 6 months after the date of the charger installation.
If I move house can I apply for the OZEV grant again?
If you move house, you cannot apply for the OZEV grant again. The grant rules explicitly state that you cannot apply for the grant if you have already claimed for the grant. Nor can you apply for a grant if you move an existing charger to a new property, even if your new car isn’t compatible with the charger at your new house.
Once you’ve claimed the OZEV grant, whether under its current name or its predecessors (the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) and the Domestic Recharge Scheme), you cannot apply for it again. Therefore, careful consideration should be given to the type of charger you install initially, you need to consider that it will meet your future needs, as the grant can’t be used to fund an upgrade or relocation from a house move.
The final word on how the OZEV grant works
The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) provides a grant known as the OZEV EV ChargePoint grant to support home charging for electric vehicles. This grant provides up to £350 off the cost of purchasing and installing a home charging point. It’s important to note that you can only claim one EV charger per eligible vehicle and household.
The grant is also accessible to people who live in rented property or own a flat with dedicated off-street parking. Landlords or property managers may claim an additional amount, up to £500 per bay for up to 60 bays, towards the cost of installing infrastructure via the EV infrastructure grant for residential car parks.
For businesses, OZEV offers grants to lower the cost of installing EV infrastructure for staff and fleet parking.
To qualify for the OZEV Grant, you must live in a rented property or own a flat, have dedicated off-street parking, own, lease or use an eligible electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, and you must not have already claimed the grant for your EV. Note that you can no longer claim for two chargers if you own a second EV.
Eligible vehicles include all full-battery electric vehicles, but plug-in hybrid vehicles must have CO2 emissions calculated to be under 50g/km.
The OZEV grant is a crucial initiative by the UK government designed to encourage the uptake of electric cars. By offering a substantial discount on the cost of purchasing and installing a home charging point, the grant incentivises homeowners, renters, and businesses to make the transition.
The application process has been simplified, with most of the work handled by the installation company. So check your eligibility and make use of the OZEV grant to fund your home’s EV charger.
John is the Editor and Spokesperson for Electric Car Guide.
With over 20 years of writing experience, he has written for titles such as City AM, FE News and NerdWallet.com, covering various automotive and personal finance topics.
John’s market commentary has been covered by the likes of The Express, The Independent, Yahoo Finance and The Evening Standard.
