Understanding OZEV Grants: What You Need to Know and How to Claim Them

The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) aims to incentivize and facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles through various grants and schemes. Keeping track of these offerings can be challenging due to their limited availability and specific eligibility criteria. Here's a comprehensive guide to the current grants and how you can benefit from them.

One of the well-known grants was the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS), which supported the installation of electric vehicle chargers at homes. However, this scheme ended on March 31, 2022.

Nevertheless, OZEV still provides a grant tailored for individuals living in flats or rental accommodations. This grant offers a subsidy of 75% towards the cost of purchasing and installing an electric vehicle charging socket, capped at £350.

Let's delve into the eligibility criteria and application process for the current OZEV grant:

Eligibility: To qualify for the current OZEV grant, you must be a resident owning or renting a flat or any residential property, including those under shared ownership schemes. You should own, keep, or lease an eligible electric vehicle with CO2 emissions under 50g/km and have access to private off-street parking. Proof of vehicle ownership or lease is required for eligibility verification. Property Requirements: The grant is applicable only for domestic properties in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland. Residents of flats must obtain permission from the property owner or managing agent for installation. Rented properties, including those under shared ownership schemes, are eligible, provided certain conditions are met. Private off-street parking is a prerequisite for grant eligibility, and the installer will assess the suitability of the parking space. How to Apply: An OZEV-approved installer will handle the application process on your behalf. Select an OZEV-approved residential charge point and request a quote from an authorized installer. Upon acceptance of the quote, the installer will submit your details to OZEV, and you'll receive an online form link via email for eligibility confirmation. Once approved, the installation must be completed within 90 days. The installer will claim the grant on your behalf post-installation, deducting the grant amount from your invoice. The grant is currently available until March 31, 2025.

Additionally, individuals in Scotland can benefit from the Energy Saving Trust (EST) Grant, providing further funding of up to £250 towards home charge points, with an additional £100 available for remote areas. This grant is reimbursed post-installation and is exclusive to Scotland.

For those without off-road parking, exploring the On-street Residential Charging Scheme (ORCS) with the local authority could be beneficial. This scheme offers funding for installing residential chargers in areas where off-road parking isn't available, subject to certain conditions.

Businesses, charities, and public sector entities can leverage the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), receiving up to 75% funding towards the procurement and installation of charging points, with a maximum cap per socket.

Understanding and leveraging OZEV grants can significantly alleviate the financial burden of transitioning to electric vehicles. Stay informed about the eligibility criteria and application procedures to make the most of these opportunities.