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Sofia Modiri Dockery
I research and write blogs on what’s happening in the EV-world.
What is the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)?
A Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a government grant that helps eligible businesses, charities, and public sector organisations pay to install EV charge points. This also helps support the adoption of EVs by making charging infrastructure more affordable and accessible for employees and fleets. In this blog, we’ll break down what the scheme offers, who qualifies, how it works, and why it’s worth taking advantage of before the deadline.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must have dedicated off-street parking and a current or future need for EV charging.
- You must own the property or have landlord consent,
- You must use an approved installer
- The charge points must be installed by an OZEV-authorised installer.
- The installation must not have started before the grant application is approved.
What Is The Process?
To apply for the £350 Socket discount, you’ll need to visit the OZEV website. If your application is successful, you will receive a voucher code. Provide this code to an OZEV-approved installer who can complete the installation and claim the grant on your behalf.
After the charge point(s) have been installed, the registered installer can claim the grant from OZEV on the applicant’s behalf. The charge point installation must be completed, and the voucher claimed within 6 months of the voucher’s issue date. Claims against expired vouchers will not be paid.
Installers must not charge applicants for the grant before the OZEV pays. After OZEV reimburses your installer for the value of your voucher, this cost will be discounted from your final invoice. However, there is a deadline of 31 March 2026, 11:59 pm.
What Are The Benefits Of A Workplace Charging Scheme?
- Financial incentives- Government grants can cover up to 75% of the cost of purchasing and installing charge points
- Increased reputation- promoting sustainability in a workplace
- You can save more than £1,000 a year in commercial fleet and employee fuel costs per 10,000 miles.
- You can reduce employee “benefit in kind” tax for company cars.
- Tax and NI savings
How Much Funding Is Available?
The scheme covers up to 75% of the total purchase and installation costs, capped at £350 per charging socket. A single applicant can claim up to 40 sockets across all their sites.
Employers Introducing the Scheme
Employees Going Green
What Documentation Is Required?
You will typically need your Companies House reference number, VAT registration number, or a business rate bill. Charities need their Charity Commission registration, and public bodies have specific criteria.
Why Your Business Should Act Now:
With rising EV adoption and the push toward net-zero targets, workplace charging will soon become a necessity rather than a luxury. The WCS significantly reduces upfront costs, but the scheme won’t be around forever.
With the current deadline of March 2026, now is the perfect time for organisations to plan, apply, and install charge points while support is available.
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