What You Need to Know About EV Charger Grants in the UK

You’ve decided to install an electric vehicle (EV) charger at your home or business in Peterborough or the surrounding East of England areas like Cambridge, Norwich, Chelmsford and more. It’s an exciting move towards a more sustainable future, but the cost of installation might have you pausing. Here at Story Electrical, based in Peterborough, we understand your concerns. The good news? There are several EV Charger Grants available that can make the investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure more affordable. These grants are designed to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles and to ease the financial burden of installing EV chargers at homes and businesses. In this blog, we’ll take you through the key grants available, how to apply, and why now is the best time to get started.

Table of Contents

  1. The Reality of Installing an EV Charger
  2. OZEV Grant: Your First Step Towards Affordability
  3. Leveraging Workplace EV Charger Grants with the WCS
  4. Don’t Overlook Local EV Grants
  5. Why Act Now?
  6. The Importance of Expertise
  7. Conclusion: Your Next Steps
  8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Reality of Installing an EV Charger

You might think that once you’ve decided to install an EV charger, everything will just fall into place. You’ll call an installer, get the charger fitted, and be good to go. But then you see the price tag, and suddenly, you’re reconsidering. It’s a common reaction, but one that doesn’t have to stop you in your tracks. The truth is, with the right support and a little bit of knowledge about the available grants, you can significantly reduce these upfront costs. According to Glimpse, the demand for EV chargers has been steadily increasing as more consumers adopt electric vehicles, making it crucial to take advantage of available grants now.

OZEV EV Grant: Your First Step Towards Affordability

The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) currently offers the EV Chargepoint Grant, which supports the installation of EV chargers for flat owners and renters. This grant helps cover the costs, making the transition to electric vehicles more affordable, especially for those in residential settings. At Story Electrical, we guide you through the grant application process to ensure you maximize your savings​.

For detailed information about the OZEV grants, including eligibility and how to apply, visit the official UK government page.

Some Eligibility Criteria:
  • You must live in a flat or rent your property.
  • You must have off-street parking.
  • The EV charger must be installed by an OZEV-approved installer like Story Electrical​.

Internal Tip: Use our Guide to Home EV Charging to better understand how this grant can benefit you.

home ev car charger install in peterborough by Story electrical

Leveraging Workplace EV Charger Grants with the WCS

The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a valuable resource for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint by installing EV charge points. The scheme offers up to 75% off the cost of installation, capped at £350 per socket, for up to 40 sockets. This program not only helps businesses contribute to sustainability but also provides added value to employees and customers.

Some Eligibility Criteria:
  • The business must have off-street parking.
  • You must own the property or have consent from the landlord to install the chargers.
  • The chargers must be installed by an OZEV-approved installer like Story Electrical.

Internal Tip: For a detailed look at how to implement commercial EV charging solutions effectively, check out our Commercial EV Charge Points Guide.

For more details about the WCS, visit the official UK government page.

Commercial ev charger install Rolec in Peterborough by Story Electrical

Don’t Overlook Local EV Grants

While national schemes like OZEV and WCS are widely known, there are often additional local EV grants available that can further reduce the cost of your installation. Many areas in the East of England may offer extra incentives specifically designed to promote electric vehicle adoption. It’s advisable to check with your local authority to see if there are any specific grants or incentives available in your area.

Tip: To find out more about local EV grants in your area, visit your local council’s website or contact them directly. Local councils often have information on regional incentives, funding opportunities, and support programs that can make your EV charger installation even more affordable.

Even if your local government authority doesn’t offer specific support, local initiatives can provide valuable alternatives. In Peterborough, for example, businesses can benefit from the Green Energy Switch (GES) initiative, which offers a scheme to install EV chargers at little to no cost. This program is particularly beneficial for local businesses looking to support the transition to electric vehicles, with many of the installation costs potentially covered through available grants and funding managed by GES. You can learn more about this initiative here.

Why Act Now?

The UK government has confirmed a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, as part of its plan to reduce carbon emissions and transition to a greener economy. According to the official announcement from GOV.UK, this move represents “a historic step towards achieving net-zero by 2050” and is part of a broader strategy to promote electric vehicles and cleaner energy sources. You can read more about this initiative here.

This shift is driving more people towards electric vehicles, and with that comes the need for reliable, accessible charging solutions. Installing an EV charger now not only future-proofs your property but also increases its value. Plus, with the current grants available, there’s no better time to take the plunge.

The Importance of EV Charger Expertise

It’s one thing to know about these EV grants, but it’s another to navigate the application process successfully. That’s where we come in. As a Peterborough-based, OZEV-approved EV installer, Story Electrical not only ensures that your installation is top-notch but also manages the grant application process for you. This way, you can focus on enjoying the benefits of your new EV charger without any of the stress.

ozev approved ev charger installer Story electrical

Customer Testimonials: Hear From Those Who’ve Made the Switch

At Story Electrical, we take pride in delivering top-notch service and ensuring our customers have a seamless experience when installing their EV chargers. But don’t just take our word for it—here’s what some of our satisfied customers have to say:

Scott Flisher
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Highly recommend Story Electrical! Mark and the team were professional, informative and efficient, making the whole EV charger installation process seamless. Fantastic local business!”

Gary Stewart
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Brilliant service. Came out and installed an EV charger at home. Was advised of best set up and a very tidy job. Would highly recommend.”

David Poole
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Had an EV charger installed. Nice workmanship. Tidy worker. Very helpful and quick to quote for the works. Arrived on time as promised.”

Conclusion: Your Next Steps

So, what’s next? It’s simple. If you’re in Peterborough or the surrounding areas of the East of England, and you’re ready to make the switch to an electric vehicle, contact Story Electrical today. We’ll guide you through every step of the installation process, from selecting the right charger to securing the best possible funding for your project.

Interested in installing an EV charger at home in Peterborough or surrounding areas? Call us at 01733 913133 to discuss your EV charger needs or simply fill in our Online Enquiry Form.

Let’s make your move to electric driving as seamless and cost-effective as possible.

home ev car charger install in peterborough by Story electrical

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How long does it take to install an EV charger?

Installation typically takes a few hours, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the installation and the specific requirements of your property.

Q2: Are there any ongoing costs after installation?

Once installed, the main ongoing cost is the electricity used to charge your vehicle. Regular maintenance may also be required to ensure your charger continues to operate efficiently.

Q3: Can I apply for multiple grants?

Yes, in some cases, local grants can be combined with national schemes like the OZEV grant, maximizing your savings

Q4: Do I need planning permission to install an EV charger?

In most cases, planning permission is not required for installing a home EV charger, but it’s always a good idea to check with your local council

Q5: Why choose a local EV installer like Story Electrical?

Choosing a local installer ensures that you receive personalized service with a deep understanding of local regulations and incentives. Plus, it supports the local economy!