Last updated: March 22, 2024
The United Kingdom is at the forefront of the EV revolution, spearheading initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transportation. Central to this transition is the government’s commitment to expanding the electric vehicle charging infrastructure, made possible through various grant schemes administered by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the funding available through these schemes, including the EV Chargepoint Grant, Low Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Support (LEVI), and the Workplace Charging Scheme, and provide detailed figures and insights into each.
EV Chargepoint Grant
The EV Chargepoint Grant is a cornerstone of the UK’s electric vehicle infrastructure strategy. It offers substantial funding to cover up to 75% of the costs associated with installing electric vehicle smart charge points at domestic properties across the country. As of April 1, 2022, this grant replaced the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS), expanding its scope and impact.
Funding details:
- The grant covers up to 75% of the installation costs.
- For residential properties, this means significantly reduced expenses for homeowners looking to embrace electric mobility.
- The funded EV charging infrastructure must be for approved electric vehicles. See the list of approved electric vehicles.
This scheme has been instrumental in ensuring that EV owners have the convenience of charging their vehicles at home, thereby eliminating range anxiety and making electric vehicle ownership an attractive proposition for all.
For landlords, specific guidance and resources have been made available to streamline the process of installing EV chargepoints. Whether you own or rent a flat or residential property, this scheme offers essential support to enhance the charging infrastructure in residential areas.
Low Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Support (LEVI)
The Low Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Support (LEVI) Fund is a forward-thinking initiative aimed at addressing charging accessibility issues in areas with limited charging infrastructure, primarily for residents without off-street parking in England. On March 22, 2024, the UK’s push for EV infrastructure continues with significant strides. The government has allocated over £185 million in dedicated funding from the £381 million LEVI fund to local authorities. The funding aims to expedite the deployment of EV charge points across the country, supporting thousands of installations to facilitate easier EV charging for residents. Additionally, to widen accessibility, the government is extending the electric vehicle chargepoint grant to households without dedicated parking spaces, offering up to 75% off the cost of purchasing and installing a chargepoint. With over 16% of the new UK car market comprised of fully electric vehicles in 2023, and nearly 3,000 electric vehicle charge points installed at supermarkets, the nation’s commitment to sustainable transportation is evident. The program, including the launch of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Forum, is expected to commence on April 2, 2024, providing a platform for discussions on overcoming barriers and accelerating the delivery of charging infrastructure.
Funding details
- LEVI comprises both capital funding and capability funding.
- Capital funding is allocated to Tier 1 local authorities in England, including unitary, county council, or combined authorities, as well as through borough partnerships in London.
- Capability funding supports local authorities in planning and delivering charging infrastructure.
Accessing capital funding
Local authorities must follow a 3-stage process to access their indicative capital funding:
- Stage 1: Expression of interest.
- Stage 2: Application form.
- Stage 3: Contract review.
Stage 2 of the 3-stage process is now open. Local authorities allocated to funding tranche 1 (financial year 2023 to 2024) must apply by November 30, 2023. Local authorities in funding tranche 2 (financial year 2024 to 2025) will submit their application forms in the next financial year.
Capability funding
Capability funding is already live, and the government is collaborating with local authorities that have completed their proposals. Once approved, local authorities will receive confirmation, including details about the first payment for the financial year 2023 to 2024. Eligibility for capability funding includes Tier 1 local authorities, combined authorities in England, or partnerships and consortia led by a Tier 1 local authority within England. A specialized approach exists for London through Transport for London (TfL) and London Councils.
Support and objectives
Local authority officers can expect support from the LEVI support body, and inquiries should be directed to levi@est.org.uk. The LEVI Fund has two primary objectives:
- Deliver a significant increase in the deployment of local, primarily low-power, on-street charging infrastructure across England.
- Accelerate the commercialization of, and investment in, the local charging infrastructure sector.
This multifaceted approach through the LEVI Fund is a critical component of the UK’s commitment to making electric vehicle charging more accessible for residents, especially those without private parking options. By providing both capital and capability funding, the government is actively working to eliminate charging accessibility barriers and pave the way for sustainable, electric mobility solutions.
For the most up-to-date information and to access LEVI funding, visit the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) website.
Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
In the ever-growing drive toward a greener future, the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) in the UK stands as a beacon of support for businesses, charities, and public sector organizations. This initiative is not just about reducing carbon footprints; it’s about making EV ownership and usage accessible, convenient, and sustainable for all.
Who can benefit?
The WCS is open to a wide range of entities, including businesses, charities, and public sector organizations across the UK. The key requirement is the availability of off-street parking for employees or fleet vehicles.
Eligible organizations can access grants that cover up to 75% of the costs associated with purchasing and installing EV charging points. This financial boost can significantly reduce the investment required to establish EV charging infrastructure at workplaces. Every organization’s needs are unique. WCS recognizes this by allowing organizations to tailor their voucher allocation based on their specific requirements. Whether it’s a small enterprise or a large corporation, the scheme can be adapted to fit.
Supporting rural areas
WCS doesn’t stop at urban centers; it extends its support to rural areas. In such regions, where accessibility to EV charging infrastructure might be limited, the scheme offers enhanced support, covering up to 75% of the costs. To make the process smoother, WCS has simplified the eligibility verification. Instead of requiring HMRC letters, applicants can now use their business rate bills as proof.
Guidance every step of the way
For those embarking on the WCS journey, comprehensive guidance is readily available. From understanding the application process to successfully claiming grants after installation, the scheme ensures that applicants are well-informed.
The Workplace Charging Scheme isn’t just about EV chargers; it’s about empowering organizations to be part of a sustainable, low-emission future. It’s a step towards cleaner air, reduced carbon emissions, and a brighter, more environmentally conscious tomorrow. Explore the WCS further on the official guidance page.
On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme
The On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) in the UK is a crucial initiative supporting local authorities in providing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for residents lacking off-street parking. Administered by the Energy Saving Trust, Cenex, and PA Consulting, the scheme offers up to 50% funding for eligible capital costs, with grants capped at £200,000 and £7,500 per chargepoint.
Eligible applicants, such as local authorities in the UK with explicit highway authority support, must complete projects by March 1, 2025. Changes in funding allocation, procurement best practices, and accessibility considerations are integral aspects. The application process involves discussions with the support body, completion of an application form, and submission for feedback, with funding decisions made upon meeting criteria. The grant is distributed in two phases: 75% after acceptance and 25% upon project completion. Usage data reporting, procurement details, and ongoing commitments ensure transparency and accountability, reinforcing the scheme’s impact on fostering residential EV adoption and sustainable mobility solutions.
ORCS will remain open to applications until 1 March 2024, or until all 2023 to 2024 funding has been allocated, whichever is sooner. This deadline allows for applications to be assessed before the end of the year. No funding for new projects beyond 1 March 2024 has been confirmed.
Paving The Way For Sustainable Transportation
The United Kingdom’s grant schemes for electric vehicle charging infrastructure are pivotal in accelerating the transition to electric and hybrid vehicles. These initiatives not only make EV ownership more convenient but also play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. As the world moves towards sustainable transportation, the UK sets an example by encouraging cleaner, greener mobility options for all.
