Nelly
As part of its commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the UK Government is ramping up efforts to support the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) with an enhanced suite of grants, tax incentives, and funding programs.
Among the most impactful initiatives is a £30,000 grant aimed at accelerating charging infrastructure development and improving EV accessibility for individuals and businesses.
These government-backed incentives are designed to lower upfront costs, support charging station installation, and encourage more people to make the switch to eco-friendly transport.
Key EV Grant Schemes and Support Programs
| Scheme | Eligibility | Grant Amount/Support | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant | Flat owners, renters, landlords | Up to £350 per socket, £30,000 for carparks | Until 31 March 2026 |
| Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) | Businesses, charities, public sector | Up to 75% of installation costs | Ongoing |
| Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund | Local authorities in England | Capital & capability funding | Based on funding tranches |
| Plug-In Car Grant (expired) | Private EV buyers | Up to £1,500 (ended June 2022) | Expired |
| EV Homecharge Scheme (expired) | Homeowners | Up to £350 per installation | Replaced by EVCG in 2022 |
Breakdown of Key Government Schemes
1. Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant (EVCG)
This scheme supports flat owners, tenants, and residential landlords, providing up to £350 per charge point socket. Residential carparks may be eligible for up to £30,000 to install communal charging infrastructure.
2. Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
This voucher-based initiative helps businesses, non-profits, and public sector entities cover the cost of installing EV chargers. It supports 75% of purchase and installation costs, capped per socket, and is ideal for businesses investing in fleet electrification.
3. Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Funding
This fund helps local authorities plan and deploy on-street and communal charging solutions, especially for residents without private driveways. It offers both capital and capability funding.
Tax Incentives and Employer Benefits
Vehicle Excise Duty (VED)
Starting April 2025, zero-emission vehicles will pay only £10 in first-year VED, a significant saving over petrol or diesel vehicles.
Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) Tax
EV company cars offer BiK rates as low as 2%, gradually increasing to 9% by 2030—far lower than traditional vehicles.
Salary Sacrifice Programs
Employees can lease EVs using pre-tax salary, lowering monthly payments by 20–50%. For instance, an MG4 Trophy Long Range drops from £431 to £290/month under this scheme.
Why Switch to Electric Vehicles?
- Lower Operating Costs: EVs cost less to maintain due to fewer moving parts and cheaper charging vs. fuel.
- Eco-Friendly: EVs emit zero tailpipe emissions, helping reduce urban air pollution.
- Tax Savings: Reduced or exempt VED, low BiK, and salary sacrifice make EVs financially attractive.
- Future-Proofed: Government targets aim to ban new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, making EVs a long-term smart choice.
How to Apply for EV Grants
- Check Eligibility: Each scheme has specific requirements based on property type, business status, or local authority jurisdiction.
- Prepare Documentation: Proof of ownership, tenancy, or business registration is required.
- Apply Through Official Channels: Submit applications via the UK government portal or the specific grant program’s website.
- Use Approved Installers: All EV chargers must be installed by OZEV-approved professionals.
With the UK Government offering up to £30,000 in grants, significant tax breaks, and workplace support, there has never been a better time to switch to an electric vehicle.
These schemes are not only environmentally responsible but also economically smart for individuals, landlords, and businesses alike.
By leveraging current programs and staying ahead of regulatory shifts, UK residents can join the electric revolution while maximizing financial savings.
FAQs
Who can apply for the £30,000 EV infrastructure grant?
Residential landlords and carpark managers installing multiple chargers in shared parking areas are eligible for up to £30,000 in support.
What support do businesses have for installing EV chargers?
Businesses can apply through the Workplace Charging Scheme, which funds up to 75% of the cost per charger.
Are there any incentives left for buying new EVs?
While the Plug-In Car Grant has ended, salary sacrifice schemes, tax relief, and VED/BiK benefits remain in place for new EV purchases.