How to Apply for the OLEV Grant

Switching to electric vehicles has long term financial and environmental benefits. To make the proposition even more attractive, the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) has made it possible to claim 75% discount on your charge point installations.

What is the OLEV Grant?

As part of its drive to position the UK as a global leader of ultra-low electric vehicle use, the UK government has made £900 million available to fund electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint installations. The purpose of the scheme is to boost economic growth and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. 

Under the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) companies can claim as much as £350 discount per installation of up to 40 chargepoints.

Under the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) domestic users can claim 75%, capped at £350.00, towards the cost of installing up to 2 electric vehicle chargepoints at your property.

Is my business eligible?

In a nutshell, any business, charity or public authority is eligible to claim the grant towards the cost of installing electric vehicle chargepoints, providing they have dedicated off-street parking for staff or fleet use only. 

However, you will be asked a brief set of questions about your company before commencing the application process, which can be completed online at https://www.apply-workplace-chargepoint-grant.service.gov.uk/

What is the WCS application process?

The WCS application is a six-step process. 

Step 1: The applicant completes the online application 

The application is accessed at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/workplace-charging-scheme-application-form

The rules say you have to complete this bit yourself, but it’s quite simple. You’ll just need to supply evidence of eligibility like details of the installation site and intent to encourage the uptake of EV use amongst your staff. 

STEP 2: The discount voucher is generated

Upon successful completion of your application, you’ll receive an electronic voucher that is valid for 180 days containing a unique reference code. As long as you’ve applied for a discount on fewer than 40 chargepoints, you can apply again if you need more later.

STEP 3: The installer completes the installation

You can only redeem your voucher with authorised installers, like Future Tec., as the installer claims the grant for you.

You can check if your installer is authorised by the WCS here. 

You should also ask your installer to check the validity of the voucher via the installer portal or by emailing workplacechargingscheme@dvla.gov.uk

Note: Installations completed before a voucher is issued will not be eligible.

Step 4: Installer submits evidence of installation and claims grant

Following the completion of the chargepoint installation described on the voucher, your installer will redeem the value of the voucher. This will involve providing details of the installation (s) like the number of chargepoints, their make and model etc. 

The system will work out all the details of the grant to be paid. The rules are that 75% of the cost of each chargepoint can be claimed up to a maximum value of £350.00 per chargepoint, for up to 40 chargepoints. 

If you don’t use your voucher within 180 days, unfortunately, you will need to reapply.

Step 5: Applicant confirms claim information

You’ll receive an email containing the details of the application. If anything is amiss you can report it by sending an email to workplacechargingscheme@dvla.gov.uk within seven days. If you’re happy with everything, no further action is required on your part.

Step 6: Installer receives grant

Now the government knows that you’re happy with the installation, they will pay the 75% grant for the installation directly to the installer.

Am I eligible as a domestic user?

To qualify for OLEV’s EVHS grant, you need to have purchased an eligible electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle or leased one for at least six months

How to Claim

1: Overview

As the scheme does not allow customers to apply for the grant directly, your first step is to locate an EVHS approved installer, they will apply for the grant for you. The installer is also responsible for ensuring that your home, vehicle and charepoint hardware meet the scheme’s requirements. However, it may be necessary for you to contact your electricity supplier to upgrade your electricity supply before the installation can proceed. Your installer will inform you if this is necessary. Once the installation is complete, your installer will invoice for the cost of the installation minus the grant, and the OLEV will reimburse the installer directly for the discount. 

2: Locate an Installer

Authorised installers can be found on the ‘List of authorised installers for the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme.’  If you want to find an installer local to you or a specific installer, click ‘Download CSV’, and search the Excel sheet. For example, if press ‘CTRL’ and ‘F’ simultaneously and type ‘Future Tec.’ in the search box and hit ‘Find All’ you will find Future Tec (see images). Alternatively, you could enter the name of your town or city.

3: Customer Responsibilities

Your installer will ask you to sign parts A and B of the EVHS installation form. This is a declaration that any evidence submitted to support your application, vehicle eligibility etc., is valid on the day of the installation.

4. Claiming the Discount

Your installer will claim on your behalf using the information you supplied in the EVHS installation form.

Your chargepoint will be installed with a 3-year warranty covering parts and work. Should any disputes arrive, you can contact Chargepoint.Grants@olev.gov.uk to raise a dispute.

What do I do next?

Future Tec. is an OLEV-approved installer.

If you’re thinking about making the switch to EV get in touch, we’d love to talk to you.

Author Matthew Carter


Matt Carter