The OZEV Electric Car Grant Changes

When thinking about switching to an EV, it can feel like there are lots of new things to consider. At ev.energy, we’re here to help, bringing you the latest news on government grants to save you money, as well as tips on how to make your Co2 emissions even lower using our ev.energy app.

For drivers making the switch to EVs, where and how to stay charged are often the first things on their minds, and for good reason. The shift from filling up at any petrol station to planning routes based on recharging points can feel huge. And what about charging at home? Installing a home charging point could make the switch feel prohibitively expensive, but that’s where grants come in – and the Office for Zero-Emission Vehicles (OZEV) is making changes to their electric vehicle home charge scheme in 2022.

What is the OZEV electric car grant?

The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) is part of the grant offering from OZEV. This government initiative is designed to support drivers like you make the switch to electric vehicles.

The Office for Zero-Emission Vehicles has been set up with a specific target. You guessed it: decreasing emissions. In May 2020, OZEV announced £2 billion towards EV-boosting schemes, including grants for the installation of electric vehicle chargers.

With more and more drivers opting to switch over to EVs, this government grant is designed to lower the cost of purchasing EV cars and EV chargers, making the transition smoother and more accessible. The idea is this in turn will lead to more EVs on the road and lower Co2 emissions overall.

Who are the OZEV electric car grants for?

OZEV have grants for many different purposes to enable workplaces, landlords and property developers to install charge points on their premises’, making it easier for EV drivers to stay charged at every stage of their journey. The OZEV Homecharge grant is available to all homeowners who wish to install a charge point on their property.

How could I benefit?

If you’re a homeowner or renter looking to install a home charging point, the OZEV grant is for you. The grant covers 75% of the cost of installing a smart home charge point. It also helps cover the purchase price. With a maximum value of up to £350, most eligible drivers usually get the full amount. But do be aware that changes are coming, and the grant will no longer be available to homeowners after 31 March 2022.

Who qualifies for the grant?

Not everyone can apply for the OZEV grant. You need to meet a few criteria to qualify:

• You must own or be leasing an electric or plug in hybrid car
• Your property must have private off-street parking
• The installation needs to be carried out by an OZEV approved installer
• To benefit from this scheme, charge points must be installed by 31 March 2022 and claims must be submitted by 30 April 2022

How does it work?

It’s simple. The grant is removed from the total price before you pay your installer, so you won’t be out of pocket. The installer then claims the grant back from OZEV.

How is the OZEV grant changing?

From 1 April 2022, there will be some changes to the plug-in vehicle grant from OZEV. The EVHS grant, or Homecharging scheme, is one of the most significant changes to come. It’s good news for landlords, social housing providers and owners of apartment blocks – and their tenants – as they’ll now be able to claim an EVHS grant for the first time. By taking the responsibility for installation away from individual flat owners, this should make charging points more accessible in apartment blocks.

However, the Homecharge Grant will no longer be available for house owners with off-street parking. So, if you’re thinking of installing a charging point at home, now’s the time to do it. The EVHS grant is still available to renters and those who live in flats.

Another change is that the grant scheme will be administered through a new online system, rather than the paper-based process that exists at the moment.

Interested in learning more about the grant? You can find further information on the Gov UK website. Whether you apply or not, save when you charge with the ev.energy app, a greener, cheaper, simpler way to charge your EV.

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