Government Electric Car Grants: Are You Eligible? (UK Guide 2024)

By reducing the upfront cost of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, these grants help the UK move closer to its goal of phasing out petrol and diesel cars by 2030.

Types of Government Grants for Electric Vehicles in the UK

Several types of government electric car grants are available to support EV ownership. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:

1. Plug-in Car Grant (PICG)
   • What is it? The Plug-in Car Grant (PICG) provides a discount on the price of brand-new electric cars.
   • Eligibility: Your vehicle must be on the government’s approved list of eligible cars, including popular models like the Nissan Leaf and the Hyundai Kona Electric.
   • Grant Amount: Up to £2,500 off the price of a new electric car, depending on the vehicle’s category, battery size, and CO2 emissions.
   • How to Apply: The dealership automatically applies the grant at the point of purchase, so there’s no extra paperwork for you.

In 2021 alone, over 190,727 EVs were sold in the UK, a 76% increase from the previous year, largely driven by government electric car grants like the Plug-in Car Grant. In total, more than 33,000 PICGs were issued in 2023.

2. Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS)
   • What is it? The EVHS offers a grant to cover part of the cost of installing a home charging point for your EV.
   • Eligibility: Homeowners or tenants with dedicated off-street parking who own or lease an eligible EV or plug-in hybrid.
   • Grant Amount: Covers up to 75% of the installation cost, capped at £350.
   • How to Apply: Your OZEV-approved installer will apply for the grant on your behalf.

According to the RAC Foundation, home charging can reduce the total cost of EV ownership by up to 40%, compared to using public chargers. Many households benefit from government electric car grants that support home charging solutions.

3. Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
   • What is it? Aimed at businesses, charities, and public sector organizations, the WCS helps cover the cost of installing EV charging points at workplaces.
   • Eligibility: Available to eligible organizations with dedicated off-street parking.
   • Grant Amount: Up to £350 per charging socket, with a maximum of 40 sockets per site.
   • How to Apply: Applications must be submitted online through the Workplace Charging Scheme portal. Approved businesses then receive a unique voucher code to pass to their installer.

Major corporations like Tesco and Vodafone have taken advantage of government electric car grants through the WCS, installing hundreds of chargers to support employee EV use. Since its launch, over 25,000 WCS grants have been issued across more than 2,000 businesses in the UK.

4. Regional and Local Grants
   Many local councils and regions offer additional incentives. For example, London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) scrappage scheme provides grants for scrapping older, more polluting vehicles in exchange for a cleaner EV. These local initiatives complement government electric car grants available at the national level.
   • Eligibility and Application: These vary by region, so check with your local council or the UK government’s website for specific details.

Recent Statistics and Insights

• EV Adoption in the UK (2023): As of 2023, electric vehicles accounted for 16.6% of all new car registrations, with over 42,000 public charging points available across 24,000 locations in the UK, according to Zap-Map.
• Charging Infrastructure Growth: The UK government has set a target of 300,000 public charging points by 2030 to accommodate the increasing number of EVs on the road. The growth in infrastructure is supported by various government electric car grants that ensure adequate charging solutions for consumers.

Are You Eligible for an Electric Car Grant?

Let’s break down the eligibility criteria for each government electric car grant:

• Plug-in Car Grant: You must purchase a new electric vehicle from an approved list.
• Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme: Available to homeowners or tenants with off-street parking and an eligible EV.
• Workplace Charging Scheme: For businesses, charities, or public sector organizations with dedicated parking.
• Local and Regional Grants: Requirements vary; consult your local authority.

How to Apply for a Government Electric Car Grant

Applying for these government electric car grants is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Plug-in Car Grant Application Process:

   • Step 1: Select an eligible EV from the government’s list.
   • Step 2: Buy the vehicle from a dealership.
   • Step 3: The dealership handles the grant application.

2. Applying for the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme:

   • Step 1: Confirm you have dedicated off-street parking.
   • Step 2: Choose an OZEV-approved installer.
   • Step 3: The installer applies for the grant during installation.

3. Workplace Charging Scheme Application Process:

   • Step 1: Verify that your business has dedicated off-street parking.
   • Step 2: Apply online through the WCS portal.
   • Step 3: Use the voucher code to arrange installation with an OZEV-approved installer.

4. Documents Required:

   • Proof of vehicle purchase, property ownership or tenancy, and business registration, as applicable.
   • Invoices from OZEV-approved installers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Government Electric Car Grants

1. Can I get more than one grant for the same vehicle?
   Yes, you can combine different grants, such as the Plug-in Car Grant and the EV home charging grants, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each.

2. What happens if I sell my car after receiving a grant?
   The grant remains with the car, not the owner. However, check specific terms to ensure no clawback of funds.

3. Are there grants for installing home EV chargers?
   Yes, the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme provides up to 75% off the cost of installation, up to £350.

4. How long does it take to get approval for a grant?
   The process typically takes a few weeks, but it can vary depending on the grant type and application completeness.

5. Do I need to pay back the grant?
   No, these government electric car grants are not loans. They are incentives designed to lower the cost of electric vehicle ownership.

6. Is there a grant for second-hand electric vehicles?
   Currently, government electric car grants are primarily aimed at new electric vehicles, but some local authorities may offer incentives for used EVs. Check with your local council.

7. What if my application is denied?
   You can appeal or provide additional documentation to support your claim.

8. Are there grants for businesses wanting to install public EV chargers?
   Yes, the Workplace Charging Scheme allows businesses to install charging points for employee or fleet use, but not for public access.

Benefits of Government Electric Car Grants

These government electric car grants offer a range of benefits:

• Financial Savings: Reduce the upfront costs of an EV or home charging point.
• Environmental Impact: Help lower your carbon footprint and contribute to the UK’s climate goals.
• Additional Incentives: Lowered Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), reduced company car tax rates, and potential savings on congestion charges.

Conclusion: Make the Switch to Electric Vehicles Easier with Government Electric Car Grants

Government grants provide a fantastic opportunity to make the transition to an electric vehicle more affordable and sustainable. By understanding the different government electric car grants available and how to apply for them, you can take full advantage of these incentives to start driving greener today.