UK Workplace Charging Scheme WCS: EV Grant for Businesses

Key Takeaways

• The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) provides a grant covering up to 75% of EV chargepoint purchase and installation costs.
• The grant is capped at £350 per socket (August 2026).
• Eligible organisations can claim for a maximum of 40 sockets across all their sites.
• The scheme is available to businesses, charities, and public sector organisations in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

What is the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) EV Grant?

The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a voucher-based grant from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). It supports eligible applicants with the upfront costs of purchasing and installing electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints. The scheme covers up to 75% of the total costs, inclusive of VAT, capped at a maximum of £350 per socket (August 2026).

This grant is designed to encourage organisations to provide EV charging facilities for their staff and fleets.

WCS Grant Details (August 2026)

| Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) | Voucher-based scheme for EV chargepoint purchase and installation. | Up to 75% of total costs, capped at £350 per socket | Purchase and installation of EV chargepoints | Businesses, charities, public sector organisations meeting criteria | England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland | Figures as of August 2026.

Who can apply for the WCS Grant?

The WCS grant is available to businesses, charities, and public sector organisations. This includes government departments and their agencies, the armed forces, local governments, the NHS, and emergency services. To be eligible, organisations must meet specific applicant and site criteria. If you are unsure about your organisation's eligibility, you can contact the DVLA at workplacechargingscheme@dvla.gov.uk.

The scheme is available across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. It does not apply to the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

How do you apply for the WCS Grant?

The application process for the WCS grant is online. You apply using an online application form. Successful applicants receive a unique identification voucher code by email. This voucher code is then given to an OZEV-authorised commercial chargepoint installer.

The installer claims the grant from OZEV on your behalf once the chargepoint(s) have been installed. The chargepoint installation must be completed and the voucher claimed within 6 months of its issue date. Claims against expired vouchers will not be paid. Installers must not charge applicants for the grant in advance of payment being made by OZEV. The cost will be discounted from your final invoice after OZEV reimburses the installer.

We checked the official guidance on gov.uk on 23 August 2026 to verify this process.

What are the requirements for chargepoints and parking?

For a chargepoint socket to be eligible under the WCS, it must be a Mode 3 or Mode 4 EV chargepoint socket. Each socket must have at least a 3kW supply that is not diminished by simultaneous charging. Modes 1 and 2, such as a normal 3-pin socket, are not eligible.

The parking facilities where the chargepoints are installed must be off-street and designated to the applicant for staff or fleet use. The parking cannot be primarily for customer use. These facilities must be clearly associated with the applicant's premises, either on-site or a reasonable distance from the place of work. Local residents may use the chargepoints outside office hours, provided the primary use remains for staff or fleet.

How many sockets can be claimed, and can grants be combined?

An applicant can claim for up to 40 sockets across all their sites under the WCS. You can submit additional applications until this limit is reached.

The WCS grant can be used in conjunction with the EV infrastructure grant for staff and fleets. Both grants may be used for the same site, but they cannot be used for the same chargepoints. This means you could use one grant for the infrastructure and another for the chargepoints themselves, provided they are distinct elements of the installation.

Important considerations and scheme changes

OZEV reserves the right to terminate or change the rules of the WCS grant scheme at any time. This includes changes to the grant level. OZEV states it will endeavour to provide up to 4 weeks' notice for such changes. Voucher codes issued before any changes will be honoured.

It is important to note that any attempt to claim the same chargepoint twice by submitting both a WCS and an EV grant application for the same chargepoint may be viewed as fraud. This could result in action being taken against you. We advise careful review of all application guidelines to ensure compliance.

The Workplace Charging Scheme guidance was noted as withdrawn on 8 February 2024. The information presented here is based on the guidance available as of our check on 23 August 2026, which states "Read the latest guidance on how to apply for the Workplace Charging Scheme." We have not verified if the current scheme details differ from those outlined in the fetched material. Always consult the most current guidance on the official gov.uk website before making decisions.