As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, the UK government offers various grants to make EV home charging more affordable. For residents of Oxford, these grants can provide significant savings, making it easier to install a home EV charge point or support EV charging needs in rented or commercial properties.

In this article, we’ll break down the main types of grants available, who qualifies, and how Oxford residents can apply to take advantage of these funding opportunities.

Types of EV Charger Grants Available in Oxford

Currently, several grant programs are available for installing EV charge points, each targeting different groups:

1. EV Chargepoint Grant for Flat Owners and Renters
   This grant helps individuals who live in flats or rented properties install a home EV charge point, providing up to £350 off the cost of installation.
2. Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
   Aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, this scheme covers up to 75% of the cost of installing EV charge points at workplaces, with a cap of £350 per socket and up to 40 sockets per business location.
3. On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS)
   This grant is for local authorities (like Oxford City Council) to install public charge points on streets where residents may not have access to off-street parking.
4. EV Chargepoint Grant for Landlords
   For landlords of residential or commercial properties, this grant offers £350 per charge point to help make EV charging accessible for tenants. The grant covers up to 200 installations per year per landlord.

Eligibility Requirements for EV Charger Grants

Let’s take a closer look at who qualifies for each grant and what Oxford residents need to know to apply.

1. EV Chargepoint Grant for Flat Owners and Renters
   To qualify for this grant, you must:
   • Live in a flat or rented property within the UK
   • Own or lease an eligible electric vehicle
   • Have permission from your landlord (if required) to install a charge point
   • Have dedicated off-street parking (such as a driveway or allocated parking space)
2. Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
   Businesses and organisations in Oxford can apply for this grant if they:
   • Are a registered business, charity, or public sector organisation in the UK
   • Have dedicated off-street parking for staff and/or fleet vehicles
   • Either own or lease the property where the chargers will be installed (or have permission from the landlord).
3. On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS)
   Oxford City Council can apply for this grant on behalf of local residents who need on-street charging options due to a lack of off-street parking. Oxford residents interested in this program can:
   • Contact Oxford City Council to express interest in on-street EV charge points in their area
   • Provide proof that they own or lease an electric vehicle
4. EV Chargepoint Grant for Landlords
   Landlords in Oxford can apply for this grant if they:
   • Own property in the UK that they rent out for residential or commercial use
   • Have an eligible parking area where a charger can be installed for tenant use
   • Work with an OZEV-approved installer to complete the installation

How to Apply for EV Charger Grants in Oxford

Applying for these grants involves a few steps:

1. Choose Your EV Charge Point and Installer
   You must select an OZEV-approved installer, like The EV Charging Company in Oxford, who can help ensure eligibility and handle the installation process.
2. Gather the Necessary Documentation
   Documentation varies by grant type, but generally includes proof of EV ownership or lease, proof of address, and, if applicable, permission from a landlord.
3. Submit Your Application
   • For homeowner and tenant grants, the installer typically manages the application process and requests reimbursement on your behalf. Your installer will need your EV documentation and proof of residence to complete the application.
   • For the Workplace Charging Scheme, businesses need to apply directly to the government’s WCS online portal, providing details about their organization and proof of need for off-street parking.
   • Landlords apply through a similar online process, requiring details about their properties and planned installation sites.
4. Complete the Installation
   Once your grant application is approved, you can schedule the installation. With an OZEV-approved installer, the process is smooth and fully compliant with all grant requirements.
5. Claim Your Reimbursement
   The grant amount (up to £350) is typically deducted from the installation cost upfront, and the installer claims reimbursement directly from the government, so you don’t have to worry about out-of-pocket expenses.

We will help you through the process

Installing a home EV charge point in Oxford has never been more accessible, thanks to the variety of UK government grants available. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, landlord, or business owner, these grants provide a valuable opportunity to enhance your property and save on installation costs.

If you’re ready to install an EV charger at your property in Oxford, contact The EV Charging Company. As an OZEV-approved installer, we specialise in helping our clients navigate grant options and provide professional installations that meet all requirements.

Speak to our team today