Key Takeaways
- The WCS grant increases from £350 to £500 per chargepoint socket for installations from 1 April 2026
- Businesses can claim for up to 40 sockets across all sites
- The scheme has been extended for a final year and ends 31 March 2027
- Chargers must be for staff or fleet use, not customer/public charging
- You must use an OZEV-authorised installer — Wire Now is authorised
How Much Is the Workplace EV Charging Grant in 2026?
From 1 April 2026, the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) grant increases from £350 to £500 per chargepoint socket. This means a business installing 10 dual-socket chargers (20 sockets) could receive up to £10,000 toward the installation costs. The scheme allows claims for up to 40 sockets across all your sites, and has been extended for a final year, ending 31 March 2027.
This is the most generous the workplace grant has been since its introduction, making 2026–2027 the optimal window for businesses to install EV charging infrastructure.
Who Is Eligible?
The Workplace Charging Scheme is available to:
- Businesses (including sole traders and partnerships)
- Charities
- Public sector organisations (local authorities, NHS trusts, etc.)
Key eligibility requirements:
- You must own the property or have written consent from the landlord
- The parking must be dedicated off-road parking clearly associated with the premises
- The parking must be for staff or fleet vehicles, not for customer or public use
- You must be registered with Companies House or the Charity Commission
Residential landlords and homeowners are not eligible for the WCS but may qualify for other OZEV grant schemes.
What Are the Technical Requirements?
Chargepoint units must meet the minimum technical specification and be on the OZEV approved commercial chargepoint model list at the time of installation. Key requirements include:
- Minimum 7kW output
- Smart charging capability (able to receive and respond to signals)
- Must be networked (connected to a charge point management system)
- Compliant with the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021
Your OZEV-authorised installer will ensure the specified chargepoint meets all requirements.
Do I Need an OZEV-Authorised Installer?
Yes. The grant can only be claimed by an OZEV-authorised installer on your behalf. Using a non-authorised installer means the grant cannot be claimed, regardless of the quality of installation.
Wire Now is an OZEV-authorised installer for the Workplace Charging Scheme. We handle the grant application and claim process as part of our installation service, so you receive the grant as a deduction from your invoice.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
- Contact Wire Now for a free site survey and quote
- We assess eligibility and confirm the grant amount
- You apply through the OZEV portal (we guide you through this)
- You receive a grant code confirming approval
- We install the chargepoints to OZEV and BS 7671 standards
- We claim the grant on your behalf — it's deducted from your final invoice
The application process is straightforward. The most common reasons for rejection are ineligible parking (customer/public use) or non-approved chargepoint models.
What Happens After 31 March 2027?
OZEV has confirmed this is the final extension of the Workplace Charging Scheme. After 31 March 2027, no further government grants for workplace EV charging are currently planned. Businesses that have not yet installed charging infrastructure should take advantage of the increased £500 grant before the scheme closes.
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Part of our [Commercial EV Charging Guide](/blog/commercial-ev-charging-installation-guide-uk) series.
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