Businesses considering workplace EV charging could benefit from government funding of up to £500 per socket. With the current scheme scheduled to close in March 2027, here’s what organisations need to know.
For businesses planning to introduce electric vehicle charging at their premises, the cost of installation is often an important consideration. The good news is that government funding remains available to help eligible organisations invest in workplace charging infrastructure.
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), administered by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), has been extended until 31 March 2027, with increased financial support introduced in April 2026.
But before applying, it’s worth understanding what the scheme covers, who qualifies and how to make sure the charging infrastructure is appropriate for your business.
How much funding is available?
Under the current Workplace Charging Scheme, eligible organisations can claim funding towards the purchase and installation of EV chargepoints.
The grant covers:
- Up to 75% of eligible purchase and installation costs, including VAT.
- A maximum of £500 per charging socket.
- Up to 40 sockets per applicant, spread across one or more sites.
This means an organisation installing ten eligible charging sockets could receive up to £5,000 in government support, depending on the installation costs.
The increased £500 rate applies to installations completed on or after 1 April 2026.
It’s important to remember that the funding is calculated per socket, rather than per charger. A charger with two sockets may therefore qualify for funding against both sockets, subject to the scheme’s conditions.
Who is eligible for the Workplace Charging Scheme?
The scheme is available to eligible businesses, charities, public sector organisations and small accommodation businesses across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Applicants generally need to demonstrate that they have suitable off-street parking associated with their premises and either own the property or have permission from the relevant landlord or landowner.
There are also important restrictions on how the charging infrastructure can be used.
For most businesses, chargers funded through the scheme are intended primarily for staff and fleet vehicles, although local residents may be permitted to use them outside working hours.
Different user-access rules apply to charities, public authorities and eligible small accommodation businesses, which may also provide charging for visitors, customers or guests.
Businesses considering charging infrastructure primarily for public or customer use should therefore check their eligibility carefully before proceeding.
Why the type of charging matters
Although the grant can make workplace charging more affordable, the availability of funding shouldn’t be the only factor influencing an installation.
The right infrastructure depends on how the business operates.
For example, a workplace where employees park for eight hours may have very different charging requirements from a distribution depot where vehicles return for relatively short periods between journeys.
Similarly, an organisation gradually introducing electric company vehicles may need a different approach from one planning to electrify a substantial proportion of its fleet.
Before selecting charging equipment, businesses should consider:
- Vehicle usage: How far do vehicles travel, and when are they available to charge?
- Parking duration: Will vehicles remain parked for several hours or require faster turnaround?
- Electrical capacity: Can the existing electrical supply support the proposed installation?
- Future requirements: How might the number of electric vehicles change over the next few years?
- Operational management: How will charging access, energy usage and ongoing performance be managed?
These considerations can help determine whether AC charging, DC charging or a combination of solutions is the most practical approach.
How do businesses apply?
The Workplace Charging Scheme operates through a voucher system.
Businesses should first establish their eligibility and have their proposed installation assessed by an appropriate installer.
Once an application has been approved, the organisation receives a voucher that can be passed to an OZEV-authorised installer.
The installer completes the work, deducts the approved grant contribution from the customer’s invoice and claims the funding through the scheme.
Vouchers are valid for 180 days, during which the installation must be completed and the grant claimed.
Importantly, businesses should not have the chargepoints installed before receiving confirmation of grant eligibility.
What happens after March 2027?
The government has confirmed funding for the Workplace Charging Scheme until 31 March 2027, describing the extension as a final year.
At present, there is no confirmed continuation beyond that date.
For businesses already considering workplace EV charging, this provides a useful opportunity to assess their requirements while financial assistance remains available.
However, planning should begin with the operational need rather than simply the availability of a grant.
Start with the operation, not the charger
At Hydra EVC, we believe effective charging infrastructure starts with understanding how a business operates.
The number of vehicles, their daily movements, available charging time and future growth plans should all influence the charging solution.
Government funding can help reduce the initial investment, but selecting infrastructure that supports the operation both today and in the future is equally important.
Whether you’re introducing your first workplace chargers or planning infrastructure for an expanding electric fleet, Hydra EVC can help you explore the charging options available.
Planning workplace EV charging? Talk to Hydra EVC about finding the right solution for your operation.
Grant information is based on UK government guidance available in November 2026. Eligibility, funding and scheme conditions may change. Visit the official Workplace Charging Scheme guidance for the latest information.
