EV Charger Grant UK 2026: The Complete Guide

Thinking about getting an EV charger installed but would rather not pay the full cost yourself?

An EV charger grant can help eligible households, landlords, businesses and organisations with the cost of buying and installing an electric vehicle chargepoint.

However, there is no single government grant for EV chargers available to everyone. The current schemes are aimed at specific groups, and the rules changed on 1 April 2026.

For eligible applicants, support can be worth up to £500 per chargepoint socket, while state-funded education institutions can access up to £2,000 per socket under their separate scheme. Current schemes are scheduled to run until 31 March 2027, subject to government changes.

This guide explains the EV charging grants currently available in the UK, who can qualify, how much support may be available and how to apply.

What EV Charger Grants Are Available in the UK in 2026?

The main current EV charger grant schemes are:

The current schemes are scheduled to remain open until 31 March 2027.

How Much Is the EV Charger Grant in 2026?

For most current residential and workplace schemes, the maximum support increased from £350 to £500 per socket on 1 April 2026.

For eligible renters and flat owners, the home EV charger grant covers 75% of the cost of buying and installing a chargepoint, up to £500.

Residential landlords can also receive 75% of the cost, up to £500 per socket.

The Workplace Charging Scheme provides up to 75% of eligible costs, capped at £500 per socket.

State-funded education institutions have a separate maximum of £2,000 per socket.

An important point: an EV charger grant UK is not automatically a £500 discount for every EV owner. Eligibility and approval depend on the relevant scheme.

EV Charger Grant for Renters and Flat Owners

This electric car charger grant is designed for eligible people who rent their home or own and live in a flat.

You may qualify if:

• You rent and live in a residential property, or own and live in a flat

• Your home is in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland

• You have your own private, off-street parking space

• You have an eligible electric vehicle

• You have the necessary rights and permissions to install the chargepoint

The grant can cover 75% of the cost up to £500 for one chargepoint socket.

What Counts as Private Parking?

The parking space must be:

• Off-street

• Private

• Clearly defined

• Accessible to you at all times

• Owned by you or one you have the legal right to use

You may need evidence showing that you have the legal right to use the space and permission to install the charger.

Can Renters Get an EV Charger Grant?

Yes. Renting does not automatically exclude you.

You will normally need the appropriate permission from your landlord, freeholder or property manager, and may need to provide supporting documents such as your rental agreement.

EV Charger Grant for Households With On-Street Parking

If you do not have private off-street parking, you may still qualify for an EV charging grant through the separate on-street parking scheme.

The scheme can provide up to £500 towards the installation.

You generally need to:

• Own or rent the property where you live

• Have adequate on-street parking

• Not have private and exclusive access to off-street parking

• Have an eligible vehicle

• Install an appropriate permanent cross-pavement charging solution

• Obtain any required permissions

A temporary cable mat or cover is not enough for this scheme. The guidance refers to a permanent cross-pavement solution such as a charging gully.

EV Charger Grant for Residential Landlords

There is a separate EV chargepoint grant for eligible residential landlords.

Landlords can receive 75% of the cost up to £500 per socket.

The scheme can cover up to 200 sockets per year across a landlord's sites.

It can apply to eligible:

• Residential properties

• Flats

• Apartment blocks

• Properties with multiple residential units

• Communal areas associated with residential properties

Eligible applicants can include private landlords, property management companies acting on behalf of landlords, registered social housing providers and certain public-sector organisations.

Important Landlord Conditions

The property must be an existing property rather than a building under construction.

There are also restrictions around owner-occupied properties, holiday accommodation and installations already required by law or another mandatory condition. Each claimed parking space must meet the relevant scheme requirements.

EV Charger Grant for Businesses

Eligible businesses can apply through the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS).

The scheme is available to eligible:

• Businesses

• Charities

• Public-sector organisations

The current support is up to 75% of eligible purchase and installation costs, capped at £500 per socket.

An applicant can receive support for up to 40 sockets across its sites.

Can a Home-Based Business Apply?

There are specific rules for businesses operating from residential properties.

A home address may qualify where it is appropriately recorded as the place of business, such as through Companies House or relevant business-rate records.

Because home-based business arrangements can differ, the current WCS eligibility requirements should be checked before installation.

EV Charger Grants for Schools and Education Institutions

State-funded schools and other state-funded education institutions have a separate Workplace Charging Scheme.

From 1 April 2026, the maximum support increased to £2,000 per chargepoint socket.

The scheme covers up to 40 sockets across all sites, subject to the scheme rules.

Who Does Not Qualify for an EV Charger Grant?

There is not a general £500 EV charger grant for every UK homeowner simply because they own an electric car.

For example, the renters and flat owners scheme is aimed specifically at eligible renters and people who own and live in flats.

An owner-occupier living in a house does not qualify under that scheme simply because they own an EV.

Likewise, the on-street grant has its own parking and cross-pavement requirements, while the landlord grant applies to eligible landlords and property organisations.

Your eligibility depends on which EV charger grant scheme applies to your circumstances.

Which EV Charger Grant Applies to Me?

Your situation is usually the easiest place to start.

I Rent a House

You may qualify for the renters and flat owners grant if you have the required private off-street parking, an eligible vehicle and the necessary permissions.

I Rent a Flat

You may qualify under the renters and flat owners scheme, subject to the property, parking and vehicle requirements.

I Own a Flat

You may qualify if you live in the flat, have suitable private off-street parking and meet the other conditions.

I Own a House

The renters and flat owners scheme does not cover an owner-occupied house.

You should check whether another current grant applies rather than assuming the standard £500 support is available.

I Only Have On-Street Parking

You may qualify under the on-street parking scheme if you meet its parking, vehicle, permissions and cross-pavement requirements.

I Am a Residential Landlord

The residential landlord EV charger grant may apply, with support of up to £500 per socket.

I Want Chargers at My Business

The Workplace Charging Scheme may apply, with support of up to £500 per socket.

I Run a State-Funded School or Education Institution

The separate education scheme can provide up to £2,000 per socket.

Do I Need an OZEV-Authorised Installer?

For the relevant schemes, you need to use an OZEV-authorised installer where the scheme requires one.

Authorised installers have responsibilities including checking eligibility, installing eligible chargepoint models, testing the installation and submitting the required evidence for the grant claim.

Do not choose an installer simply because an advert says:

“Government grant available.”

Check that the installer is authorised for the relevant scheme and that the charger model is eligible.

How Do I Apply for an EV Charger Grant?

The application process depends on the scheme, but there is one especially important rule for current home schemes:

Do Not Install the Charger First

For the relevant home EV charger grant schemes, customers must wait for OZEV confirmation of eligibility before the chargepoint is installed.

Renters and Flat Owners

The process is broadly:

1. Choose an OZEV-authorised installer and obtain a quote.

2. Obtain the necessary permissions and supporting documents.

3. Complete the online grant application.

4. Wait for confirmation that you are eligible.

5. Proceed with the installation only after approval.

The installer then handles the claim process under the scheme.

Residential Landlords

The process generally starts with obtaining a quote from an OZEV-authorised installer, agreeing the work, selecting an eligible chargepoint and completing the relevant application.

Landlords should also consider electrical-supply upgrades, accessibility, maintenance, electricity costs and fire-safety responsibilities.

Workplace Charging Scheme

The WCS process is broadly:

1. Apply for the scheme.

2. Receive a voucher code if approved.

3. Choose an OZEV-authorised installer.

4. Give the installer the voucher code.

5. The installer completes the eligible work and claims the grant.

What Documents Might I Need?

Requirements vary by EV charger grant scheme, but you should expect to provide evidence showing that you qualify.

For renters and flat owners, this may include:

• A dated installer quote

• Proof of your property or rental situation

• Written permission from a landlord, freeholder or property manager where required

• Evidence relating to your eligible vehicle

Landlords and organisations may need additional property, business or organisational information.

It is better to gather the relevant paperwork before installation is scheduled.

What Happened to the Old EV Charger Grants?

Some older EV charger grants and funding schemes are no longer open to new applications.

Several schemes closed to new customer applications on 31 March 2026, including:

• Staff and Fleets Grant

• Commercial Landlord Chargepoint Grant

• Residential Landlord Infrastructure Grant

The government also changed how some surviving schemes are administered from 1 April 2026.

This means older articles mentioning a £350 grant or closed schemes may now be out of date.

Always check the latest government guidance before applying.

Does the EV Charger Grant Cover the Full Cost?

No.

In most current schemes, the government contribution is capped.

For example:

• Renters and flat owners: 75% of eligible cost up to £500

• Residential landlords: up to £500 per socket, based on 75% of eligible cost

• Workplace Charging Scheme: 75% of eligible costs up to £500 per socket

This means you may still have to pay part of the installation cost yourself.

For more detail, see How Much Does It Cost to Install an EV Charger in the UK?.

What If My Installation Costs More Than the Grant?

You can still potentially use the grant.

The grant is a contribution towards eligible costs, subject to the applicable maximum.

If the installation costs more than the grant cap, you may pay the remaining balance and any non-covered costs, subject to the scheme rules.

So:

£500 grant does not necessarily mean £500 off everything.

Can I Get the Grant After My Charger Has Already Been Installed?

For the current home schemes, do not assume you can.

Government guidance says customers must not have the chargepoint installed until OZEV confirms their eligibility.

Installing the charger first and trying to claim later can result in losing eligibility.

Get approval first. Install second.

How Long Will the EV Charger Grant Scheme Last?

The current group of OZEV home and workplace schemes is scheduled to continue until 31 March 2027.

The government can still change or end individual schemes, so grant information should be reviewed whenever the rules change.

Is an EV Charger Grant Worth Applying For?

For someone who qualifies, an EV charger grant can reduce the upfront cost of buying and installing a chargepoint.

However, the grant should not be the only factor when choosing your charging setup.

You should still consider:

• Your EV's charging capability

• Charger power

• Cable length

• Tethered or untethered charging

• Smart charging

• Parking arrangement

• Electrical installation

• Installation cost

• Warranty and aftercare

The grant should help you get the right charging setup, not encourage you to choose the wrong one.

For help choosing a suitable charger, see How to Choose the Right EV Charger for Your Home.

EV Charger Grant Checklist

Before applying, check:

• Do I fall into one of the current grant categories?

• Do I have the required parking arrangement?

• Is my vehicle eligible?

• Do I have permission to install the charger?

• Is my charger model eligible?

• Am I using an OZEV-authorised installer?

• Have I received grant approval before installation?

Getting these points right early can save unnecessary delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Is the EV Charger Grant in the UK in 2026?

Many current OZEV home and workplace schemes provide up to £500 per socket, subject to eligibility and cost limits. State-funded education institutions can receive up to £2,000 per socket under their separate scheme.

Can Renters Get an EV Charger Grant?

Yes. Eligible renters can apply for the EV Chargepoint Grant for Renters and Flat Owners, subject to the property's parking, vehicle and other requirements.

Can I Get an EV Charger Grant If I Own a Flat?

Yes. Eligible people who own and live in a flat can apply, provided they meet the scheme requirements.

Can Homeowners Get the £500 EV Charger Grant?

There is not a general £500 EV charger grant for every owner-occupier house. The current home schemes target specific groups, including eligible renters, flat owners and qualifying households with on-street parking.

Can Landlords Get an EV Charger Grant?

Yes. Eligible residential landlords can receive up to £500 per socket under the current landlord scheme.

Can Businesses Get an EV Charger Grant?

Yes. Eligible businesses, charities and public-sector organisations can use the Workplace Charging Scheme, which currently provides up to £500 per socket.

Do I Need an OZEV-Authorised Installer?

For the relevant OZEV schemes, you need an OZEV-authorised installer where required by the scheme.

Can I Install the Charger Before Applying?

For the current home schemes, you should not. Government guidance says you must wait for OZEV confirmation of eligibility before the chargepoint is installed.

Is the Old £350 EV Charger Grant Still Available?

The relevant surviving schemes increased to a £500 maximum from 1 April 2026, while some separate older schemes closed to new customer applications on 31 March 2026.

Is the EV Charger Grant Available Until 2027?

The current schemes are scheduled to run until 31 March 2027, although the government can change or end schemes.