Electric Car Charger Grants UK: Complete Guide to EV Charging Installation Support (2025)
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Current Grant Landscape for Electric Car Chargers (2025)
The landscape for electric car charger grants has changed dramatically over recent years. Understanding what support is currently available helps you make informed decisions about installing charging infrastructure for your electric vehicle.
What Happened to the Home Charging Grant?
The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS), which provided grants of up to £350 towards home charger installation, ended for homeowners in April 2022. This scheme had been instrumental in making home charging more accessible during the early stages of electric vehicle adoption across the UK.
The government discontinued the scheme for private homeowners because home charging infrastructure had become more established and affordable. However, targeted support continues for specific groups who face greater barriers to EV adoption.
Who Still Qualifies for Charger Grants in 2025?
Grant support remains available for several categories:
Landlords and property owners can still access support for installing chargers at rental properties, recognising that tenants cannot make permanent modifications without permission. This helps expand charging access for the significant portion of UK drivers who rent their homes.
Flat and apartment residents in buildings without dedicated parking continue to qualify for certain schemes, addressing one of the most challenging scenarios for EV charging infrastructure.
Businesses and workplaces can access substantial grants through the Workplace Charging Scheme, supporting both fleet electrification and employee benefits programmes like electric car salary sacrifice schemes.
Local authorities and social housing providers maintain access to specific funding streams designed to expand public charging infrastructure and support residents without private parking.
The Shift from Home Grants to Workplace Support
The policy shift reflects the government's recognition that workplace charging plays a crucial role in the UK's transition to electric vehicles. With approximately 80% of EV owners having access to home charging according to ZapMap's 2023 survey, policy focus has moved to supporting those without home charging options and encouraging businesses to facilitate employee EV adoption.
This transition aligns perfectly with the growth of company electric car schemes, where workplace charging infrastructure complements salary sacrifice benefits. Employees who lease an electric car through salary sacrifice benefit enormously from workplace charging facilities, making the business case for installation grants even stronger.
Workplace Charging Scheme: The Primary Grant Available
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) remains the most significant grant programme for electric car charger installation in 2025. This government-funded initiative supports businesses, charities, and public sector organisations in installing charging infrastructure for their employees and fleets.
Eligibility Criteria for the Workplace Charging Scheme
To qualify for the Workplace Charging Scheme, applicants must meet specific requirements:
Organisational eligibility includes private sector businesses, registered charities, public sector organisations, and partnerships. Sole traders and individuals cannot apply, as the scheme specifically targets organisational installations rather than personal use.
Installation requirements stipulate that chargers must be located at business premises or sites under the organisation's control, with dedicated parking for employees or fleet vehicles. The charging points must be networked and capable of providing data to the scheme administrators.
Technical specifications require that chargers meet safety and interoperability standards, are installed by OZEV-approved installers, and can be monitored remotely. These requirements ensure quality installations that integrate properly with the UK's charging infrastructure network.
Usage restrictions mean the chargers must primarily serve employees or fleet vehicles during working hours. Occasional public access is acceptable, but the primary purpose must align with workplace charging needs.
Grant Amount and Limits
The Workplace Charging Scheme provides substantial financial support:
Per-socket grant covers up to 75% of purchase and installation costs, with a maximum of £350 per socket. This significant contribution can dramatically reduce the upfront investment required for businesses considering workplace charging infrastructure.
Maximum sockets per applicant is limited to 40 charging sockets across all sites. For large organisations, this cap means strategic planning is essential to prioritise locations with the highest employee EV adoption or fleet electrification needs.
Calculation examples help illustrate the value:
Installing 10 sockets at £800 each = £8,000 total cost
Grant contribution: 10 × £350 = £3,500
Business pays: £4,500 (43.75% reduction)
For businesses implementing an electric car salary sacrifice scheme, this grant can significantly enhance the attractiveness of the programme. Employees considering the best electric cars to salary sacrifice will find workplace charging a major convenience factor.
How the Workplace Charging Scheme Benefits Employers
Beyond the direct financial grant, workplace charging installations provide numerous business benefits:
Employee attraction and retention improves significantly when workplace charging is available. In 2025's competitive employment market, green employee benefits like workplace charging differentiate employers and support employee retention strategies.
Fleet cost reduction becomes achievable as businesses transition to electric vehicles. Workplace charging eliminates fuel card administration and reduces per-mile costs compared to petrol or diesel alternatives.
Carbon footprint reduction supports corporate sustainability goals and helps businesses demonstrate commitment to net zero targets. This increasingly matters for tender opportunities and corporate partnerships.
Tax advantages include beneficial capital allowance treatment and potential business rates considerations. These stack on top of the grant itself, making workplace charging one of the most financially advantageous business investments available.
Combining Workplace Grants with Salary Sacrifice
The real magic happens when businesses combine Workplace Charging Scheme grants with an electric car salary sacrifice scheme. This creates a comprehensive package:
Employees save 20-50% on their electric car lease through salary sacrifice, benefit from the current 3% Benefit-in-Kind rate, and enjoy convenient, often subsidised charging at work. Meanwhile, employers receive grant support for installation costs, avoid administering company car schemes, and demonstrate commitment to workplace benefits that matter to employees.
This combination addresses one of the disadvantages of electric cars - the concern about charging access - particularly for employees without home charging facilities.
Alternative Funding Options and Support
While the Workplace Charging Scheme provides the most substantial grant funding in 2025, several alternative support mechanisms make electric car charger installation more affordable.
Zero-Rated VAT on Home Charger Installation
Perhaps the most universally accessible benefit is the zero-rated VAT on home charger installation, reduced from 20% in April 2024. This applies to all UK homeowners installing charging points and represents significant savings without requiring grant applications or complex eligibility checks.
Financial impact on typical installations:
Standard 7kW charger installation: £800-£1,200
Previous VAT (20%): £160-£240
Current VAT (0%): £0
Automatic saving: £160-£240
This benefit applies when you install any type of home EV charger, whether a basic unit or fast charging at home solution. There's no paperwork, no application process - the installer simply doesn't charge VAT on the installation service.
What's covered by zero-rated VAT includes the charger unit itself, installation labour, any necessary electrical work directly related to charger installation, and commissioning and testing. However, broader electrical upgrades unrelated to EV charging may still incur standard VAT rates.
Local Council Grant Schemes
Many local authorities across the UK offer their own charging infrastructure grants, particularly for on-street residential charging where the Workplace Charging Scheme and home installation options don't apply.
On-street residential chargepoint schemes help residents without driveways access charging near their homes. The government's On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) provides local authorities with funding to install chargers, though residents typically don't apply directly - instead, councils plan installations based on demand mapping.
Regional variation in support is significant. Some councils offer:
Additional grants for residents installing home chargers
Subsidised public charging in council car parks
Planning support for charger installations
Fast-tracked approval processes for charger installations
Finding local support requires checking your specific council's website or contacting their transport or sustainability department. Support levels vary dramatically between councils, with urban areas generally offering more comprehensive programmes than rural regions.
The Electric Car Scheme's Charger Bundling
One of the most effective alternatives to traditional grants is The Electric Car Scheme's approach to charger installation. Unlike traditional grant schemes that require separate applications and upfront payment, The Electric Car Scheme allows employees to bundle charger installation into their salary sacrifice package.
How charger bundling works:
When an employee chooses an electric vehicle through salary sacrifice, they can add a home charger to their package. The charger cost is included in their monthly pre-tax deduction, meaning they benefit from the same 20-50% savings through reduced Income Tax and National Insurance contributions.
Comparison with traditional grants:
Traditional route: Pay £800-£1,200 upfront (minus any available grants), separate transaction from vehicle acquisition
Salary sacrifice route: Include £800-£1,200 in package, pay approximately £400-£720 after tax savings, no upfront payment required, single convenient package
This approach particularly benefits employees who don't qualify for grants or prefer not to navigate application processes. The charger remains the employee's property even though they're leasing the electric car through The Electric Car Scheme.
Additional advantage: Employees can also access The Charge Scheme, which allows them to salary sacrifice their EV charging costs and save 20-50% on charging at home, at work, or in public. This comprehensive approach often delivers greater total savings than pursuing individual grants.
Energy Supplier Incentives
While not grants in the traditional sense, several energy suppliers offer incentives that effectively reduce charging costs:
Free or discounted charger installation promotions occasionally appear from major energy suppliers, particularly when customers switch to EV-friendly tariffs. These offers vary by provider and time of year, so checking current promotions is worthwhile.
Reduced electricity tariffs for EV owners can deliver ongoing savings that exceed one-time grant amounts. Tariffs offering electricity at 7-9p per kWh during off-peak hours compared to standard rates of 20-30p per kWh create substantial long-term savings on charging costs.
Smart charging rewards from some suppliers pay customers for flexible charging that supports grid stability. These programmes typically require smart chargers but can provide additional income that offsets installation costs over time.
Manufacturer Incentives
Some electric vehicle manufacturers offer charger installation support when purchasing or leasing certain models:
Included installation with premium electric vehicles occasionally features as part of manufacturer promotions, particularly for high-end models where margins allow for additional perks.
Discounted partner installations through manufacturer-approved installers can provide modest savings, though these typically don't match grant levels. However, the convenience of coordinated delivery and installation adds value beyond pure cost savings.
Charging credit packages sometimes accompany new EV purchases, providing credit for public charging networks. While not reducing installation costs, these can offset the need for home charging in some circumstances.
Installation Costs: With and Without Grants
Understanding the full cost picture for electric car charger installation helps you evaluate which support mechanisms deliver the best value for your specific situation.
Average Installation Costs Without Support
EV charger installation costs vary based on several factors, but typical ranges help with planning:
Standard 7kW charger installation:
Basic tethered charger unit: £400-£600
Standard installation labour: £300-£500
Total typical cost: £700-£1,100
Smart 7kW charger installation:
Smart charger unit: £500-£800
Installation labour: £300-£500
Total typical cost: £800-£1,300
Fast 22kW charger installation (requires three-phase electricity):
22kW charger unit: £700-£1,200
Installation labour: £500-£1,000
Potential electrical upgrade: £2,000-£5,000
Total typical cost: £1,200-£7,200
These figures assume straightforward installations where the consumer unit has sufficient capacity and the cable run from fuse box to parking area is relatively short. Complex installations with longer cable runs, necessary electrical upgrades, or challenging property layouts can significantly increase costs.
Factors affecting installation cost include:
Distance from consumer unit to parking area - each additional metre of cable run adds £10-£20 to installation costs. Properties where parking is far from the electrical supply point face higher charges.
Electrical capacity of your existing consumer unit may require upgrades if insufficient capacity exists for EV charging loads. This can add £500-£2,000 depending on work required.
Property type influences complexity - terraced houses, flats, and listed buildings often face additional challenges and costs compared to detached houses with driveways.
Charger type chosen affects both unit and installation costs, with untethered chargers generally cheaper than tethered models, but requiring you to supply your own charging cable.
Cost Scenarios With Available Support
Let's examine realistic scenarios showing how different support mechanisms affect total costs:
Scenario 1: Homeowner installing standard 7kW charger
Base cost: £1,000
Zero-rated VAT saving: £167 (saving on the 20% that would have been charged)
Total cost: £833
Net saving: 17% through VAT benefit alone
Scenario 2: Business installing 10 workplace chargers
Base cost: £10,000 (10 × £1,000)
Workplace Charging Scheme grant: £3,500 (10 × £350)
Zero-rated VAT: £1,667 additional saving
Total cost: £4,833
Net saving: 52% through combined grant and VAT benefits
Scenario 3: Employee using salary sacrifice charger bundling
Base cost: £1,000
Added to salary sacrifice package
Tax savings (40% tax bracket): £400 Income Tax saved
National Insurance savings: £20 NI saved
Zero-rated VAT: £167 saved
Effective cost: £413
Net saving: 59% through combined benefits
Scenario 4: Flat resident accessing landlord scheme
Base cost: £1,000
Landlord grant (where available): £200-£500
Zero-rated VAT: £167
Total cost to landlord: £333-£633
Tenant benefit: Free charging access installed
These scenarios demonstrate that salary sacrifice for electric cars combined with charger bundling often delivers superior savings compared to pursuing traditional grants, particularly for employees in higher tax brackets.
Long-Term Cost Considerations
Beyond installation costs, long-term charging expenses significantly impact total cost of ownership for electric vehicles:
Home charging costs typically range from £4-£12 for a full charge (60kWh battery) depending on your electricity tariff. Using an EV-friendly tariff with off-peak rates of 7-9p per kWh creates substantial ongoing savings.
Public charging costs vary dramatically from 25-85p per kWh depending on charger speed and network. Employees with workplace charging avoid these premium rates, making Workplace Charging Scheme grants even more valuable.
Maintenance and replacement costs for home chargers are typically minimal, with most units requiring no servicing and carrying warranties of 3-5 years. Smart chargers may require occasional firmware updates but these are usually free.
Calculating payback periods helps evaluate investment:
A standard installation costing £833 (after VAT benefits) used for a daily 40-mile commute saves approximately £800-£1,000 annually compared to public rapid charging. This creates a payback period of under one year, making home charging one of the best investments for electric car owners.
For businesses, workplace charging installation creates even faster payback when supporting company electric car schemes and fleet vehicles. The combination of grant support, tax benefits, and employee satisfaction typically delivers return on investment within 18-24 months.
How to Apply for Available Grants
Successfully accessing electric car charger grants requires understanding application processes and avoiding common pitfalls. Here's your step-by-step guide to securing available funding.
Workplace Charging Scheme Application Process
Applying for the Workplace Charging Scheme involves several distinct stages:
Step 1: Confirm eligibility
Before beginning your application, verify that your organisation meets eligibility criteria:
Registered business, charity, or public sector organisation
Intention to install chargers at business premises
Chargers will primarily serve employees or fleet vehicles
Willing to use OZEV-approved installers
Can meet technical requirements for networked chargers
Step 2: Choose approved installer
Visit the government's list of OZEV-authorised installers and obtain quotes from multiple providers. Installers familiar with the grant scheme streamline the process, handling much of the paperwork on your behalf. Ask potential installers about their experience with grant applications and success rates.
Step 3: Complete application
Applications are submitted through the government's online portal, requiring:
Organisation details and registration numbers
Site addresses where chargers will be installed
Number of chargers requested (maximum 40 sockets)
Installer details and quotations
Confirmation of charger specifications
Declaration of intended use
Your chosen installer typically assists with technical aspects of the application, ensuring specifications meet scheme requirements.
Step 4: Await approval
Processing times vary but typically range from 2-6 weeks. The scheme administrators may request additional information or clarification during review. Maintain responsive communication to avoid delays.
Step 5: Installation and claim
Once approved, coordinate installation with your chosen installer. After installation and commissioning, your installer submits claim documentation including:
Installation certificates
Photographic evidence
Invoice details
Commissioning reports
Step 6: Grant payment
The grant is typically paid directly to the installer, reducing the invoice amount you pay. Some installers may require full payment upfront with grant reimbursement coming later - clarify payment terms before proceeding.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Many grant applications face delays or rejection due to preventable errors:
Insufficient parking allocation - applications must demonstrate adequate parking for the proposed number of chargers. Installing 10 chargers but having only 6 dedicated parking spaces creates problems.
Non-compliant charger specifications - chargers must meet specific technical standards including networking capabilities. Purchasing chargers before confirming grant approval risks buying non-compliant models.
Incomplete installer accreditation - using installers who aren't OZEV-approved means no grant eligibility. Always verify installer credentials before obtaining quotes.
Missing organisational documentation - applications require proper business registration details. Sole traders and partnerships without formal business structure face eligibility challenges.
Unclear primary use - the scheme funds workplace charging, not public charging. Applications must clearly demonstrate primary use for employees or fleet vehicles, even if occasional public access is permitted.
Timeline Expectations
Understanding realistic timescales helps with planning:
Application to approval: 2-6 weeks depending on application complexity and any clarification requirements. Complex multi-site applications may take longer than single-site installations.
Approval to installation: 2-8 weeks depending on installer availability, any necessary groundwork, and site preparation requirements. Busy periods may extend waiting times.
Installation to grant payment: 2-4 weeks for claim processing and payment to installer. Some installers offer immediate invoice discounts, while others require full payment pending grant receipt.
Total timeline: 6-18 weeks from initial application to completed installation. Factor these timescales into your workplace benefits planning, particularly if coordinating with launch of an electric car salary sacrifice scheme.
Required Documentation Checklist
Prepare these documents before starting your application:
Organisational documents:
Business registration certificate or charity registration
VAT registration number (if applicable)
Company letterhead for formal declarations
Director or trustee authorisation for grant application
Site information:
Proof of site ownership or lease agreement
Site address and parking area dimensions
Electrical supply capacity documentation
Planning permission (if required)
Technical specifications:
Charger model numbers and specifications
Installation quotes from OZEV-approved installers
Electrical capacity survey results
Proposed charger locations and layouts
Usage declarations:
Confirmation of primary employee/fleet use
Expected utilisation rates
Integration with existing or planned company car schemes
Charging management policies
Getting Help With Applications
Several resources assist with grant applications:
OZEV support - the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles provides guidance documentation and helplines for applicants navigating the scheme.
Installer expertise - experienced OZEV-approved installers handle hundreds of grant applications and provide invaluable practical advice. Their involvement significantly increases application success rates.
Professional advisors - for larger installations or complex multi-site applications, engaging consultants specialising in EV infrastructure grants may prove worthwhile despite additional costs.
The Electric Car Scheme support - businesses implementing salary sacrifice schemes receive guidance on coordinating workplace charging installation with programme launch, maximising the combined benefits for employees considering the best electric cars to salary sacrifice.
Why Salary Sacrifice Often Beats Traditional Grants
For many employees and employers, salary sacrifice for electric cars combined with bundled charger installation delivers superior value compared to pursuing traditional grant schemes. Here's why this approach increasingly makes sense.
Direct Comparison: Grants vs Salary Sacrifice
Let's compare outcomes for a typical employee considering a £35,000 electric vehicle with home charger installation:
Traditional grant approach:
Purchase/lease EV independently: £500/month
Install home charger: £1,000
Less available grant: £0 (homeowner grant discontinued)
Plus zero-rated VAT benefit: -£167
Charger net cost: £833
Total monthly cost: £500 + £70 (charger amortised over 12 months) = £570/month
Salary sacrifice approach:
EV through The Electric Car Scheme: £350/month after tax savings
Charger bundled in package: £70/month before tax
After tax savings on charger: £42/month (40% tax bracket)
The Charge Scheme savings: £50/month on charging costs
Total monthly cost: £350 + £42 - £50 = £342/month
Monthly saving: £228 (40% less than traditional approach)
This comparison assumes a 40% taxpayer. Even for 20% taxpayers, salary sacrifice typically delivers 25-35% savings compared to traditional routes.
Tax Efficiency Advantages
Salary sacrifice schemes leverage tax system structure to create savings impossible through grant schemes:
Income Tax savings occur because the salary sacrificed for your EV and charger isn't subject to Income Tax. At 40% tax rate, every £100 sacrificed saves £40 in Income Tax. At 20% rate, you save £20.
National Insurance savings apply to both employee (up to 12%) and employer (13.8%) contributions. For employees, this typically adds 2% to savings beyond Income Tax benefits.
Benefit-in-Kind tax efficiency - electric vehicles enjoy a 3% BiK rate for 2025/26, dramatically lower than petrol or diesel alternatives reaching up to 37%. This creates enormous tax advantages for company cars that grants cannot match.
Compounding effect - unlike one-time grants, salary sacrifice tax savings apply to every monthly payment throughout your lease term. A three-year lease means 36 months of tax-advantaged payments, amplifying total savings far beyond grant amounts.
Administrative Simplicity
Beyond financial advantages, salary sacrifice offers practical benefits:
No application processes - unlike grant schemes requiring documentation, approvals, and wait times, salary sacrifice typically involves straightforward enrollment through your employer. Ordering your electric car becomes remarkably simple.
No upfront payment - grants still require you to pay installation costs upfront (even if partially reimbursed). Salary sacrifice spreads costs across monthly deductions with no initial outlay.
Single integrated package - rather than separately arranging vehicle lease, charger purchase, installation scheduling, and grant applications, salary sacrifice bundles everything into one coordinated package.
Ongoing support - The Electric Car Scheme provides comprehensive support throughout your lease term, handling any issues with both vehicle and charger. Grant schemes provide no ongoing assistance after installation.
Flexibility and Choice
Salary sacrifice approaches offer flexibility that traditional grants cannot:
Vehicle choice - unlike some manufacturer-linked incentives, salary sacrifice typically allows you to choose from a wide range of vehicles. Explore the best electric cars to salary sacrifice or consider specific models like Nissan, Tesla, BMW, or Volkswagen options.
Charger specifications - choose the type of home EV charger that best suits your needs, whether fast charging at home capability or smart scheduling features.
Term flexibility - lease terms typically range from 24-48 months, allowing you to match your commitment to career plans and vehicle upgrade preferences. Grants provide one-time benefits regardless of how long you keep your vehicle.
Upgrade paths - when your lease ends, easily transition to a newer electric vehicle model without worrying about depreciation or resale. Your charger remains for use with your next EV.
Employer Benefits
For businesses, salary sacrifice schemes combined with Workplace Charging Scheme grants create powerful employee benefits packages:
Attract talent - offering electric car salary sacrifice differentiates your organisation in competitive hiring markets. Candidates increasingly value green benefits and cost-saving opportunities.
Retain employees - providing meaningful benefits that deliver substantial financial savings improves employee retention. Employees benefiting from salary sacrifice schemes typically demonstrate higher job satisfaction and loyalty.
No net cost - unlike traditional company car schemes, salary sacrifice arrangements involve no net cost to employers. The scheme administration runs through providers like The Electric Car Scheme, eliminating administrative burden whilst providing valuable benefits.
Support sustainability goals - combining workplace charging installation (grant-funded) with salary sacrifice schemes accelerates your organisation's journey toward net zero emissions and demonstrates tangible commitment to environmental sustainability.
National Insurance savings - employers also save 13.8% National Insurance on sacrificed salary, creating a financial benefit that can be reinvested in further workplace improvements or passed to employees through enhanced packages.
Real-World Comparison: Case Study
Consider a mid-sized business with 50 employees implementing both Workplace Charging Scheme and salary sacrifice:
Year 1 Investment:
10 workplace chargers installed: £10,000
Less Workplace Charging Scheme grant: -£3,500
Less VAT saving: -£1,667
Net business investment: £4,833
Year 1 Employee Benefits:
15 employees join salary sacrifice scheme
Average savings per employee: £3,600/year
Total employee savings: £54,000/year
Year 1 Employer Benefits:
National Insurance savings on sacrificed salaries: £7,425
Enhanced recruitment capability: Qualitative benefit
Sustainability reporting improvements: Qualitative benefit
Net financial benefit: £2,592 (NI savings minus installation costs)
Years 2-5:
No further installation costs
Continued employee savings: £54,000/year
Continued employer NI savings: £7,425/year
Cumulative 5-year employee benefit: £270,000
This demonstrates how salary sacrifice, particularly when combined with workplace charging infrastructure supported by grants, creates win-win scenarios far exceeding the value of one-time installation grants alone.
The Charge Scheme: Additional Savings Layer
The Charge Scheme represents the newest innovation in salary sacrifice benefits, allowing employees to save 20-50% on charging costs through salary sacrifice for EV charging.
How it works:
Employees opt into The Charge Scheme alongside their vehicle salary sacrifice
They receive an app and charging card for tracking mileage and charging sessions
Charging costs at home, work, or public networks go through salary sacrifice
Tax and National Insurance savings apply to charging costs, delivering 20-50% savings
Annual savings potential:
Average UK driver: 10,000 miles annually
Average EV efficiency: 3.5 miles per kWh
Annual electricity needed: 2,857 kWh
At 20p per kWh average: £571 annual cost
Through The Charge Scheme (40% tax bracket): £343 annual cost
Annual saving: £228
Cumulative benefit: Over a typical three-year salary sacrifice lease, The Charge Scheme saves an additional £684 beyond the vehicle and charger installation savings. This compounds the already substantial benefits of electric car salary sacrifice, making it the most comprehensive cost-saving approach available.
When Grants Still Make Sense
Despite salary sacrifice advantages, traditional grants remain valuable in specific circumstances:
Businesses without salary sacrifice schemes should absolutely pursue Workplace Charging Scheme grants when installing charging infrastructure. The 52% cost reduction through grants and VAT benefits represents substantial savings even without salary sacrifice integration.
Homeowners not employed by scheme-offering employers must rely on zero-rated VAT benefits and any available local council schemes. For these individuals, ensuring maximum benefit from available support mechanisms becomes crucial.
Landlords and property investors installing charging infrastructure at rental properties should access available grants and VAT benefits, as they're purchasing infrastructure rather than acquiring vehicles through employment benefits.
Large-scale installations exceeding salary sacrifice practicality benefit from Workplace Charging Scheme grants. Installing 40 chargers for a fleet transition creates savings of £14,000 through grants alone, making grant pursuit essential regardless of salary sacrifice availability.
Making Your Decision
Evaluating your optimal approach requires considering your specific circumstances:
Questions to ask:
Does my employer offer an electric car salary sacrifice scheme?
If not, would my employer consider implementing one? (Why employers should offer salary sacrifice)
What's my tax bracket, and how much would I save through salary sacrifice?
Do I have off-street parking for home charging installation?
Would my employer benefit from Workplace Charging Scheme grants?
What are my typical driving patterns and charging needs?
Decision framework:
If employed by organisation with salary sacrifice: Salary sacrifice typically delivers superior overall value, especially when bundling charger installation. Calculate your personal savings using The Electric Car Scheme's calculator.
If employed by organisation without salary sacrifice: Encourage your employer to consider implementing a scheme, emphasising the benefits to businesses. Meanwhile, pursue any available grants and VAT benefits for your own installation.
If self-employed or employer definitely won't implement salary sacrifice: Focus on maximising grant and VAT benefits, considering local council schemes, and exploring energy supplier incentives.
If business owner: Implement both - use Workplace Charging Scheme grants for installation and offer salary sacrifice to employees, creating a comprehensive package that benefits everyone whilst supporting your sustainability goals.
Conclusion: Maximising Your Charging Infrastructure Investment
The landscape of electric car charger grants has evolved significantly, with support shifting from individual homeowner grants toward workplace charging and innovative salary sacrifice solutions. Understanding the full range of available support mechanisms ensures you make informed decisions that maximise financial benefits whilst supporting your transition to electric vehicles.
Key Takeaways
For homeowners: Zero-rated VAT on installation provides automatic 17% savings on charger costs. Whilst the home charging grant has ended, this VAT benefit combined with long-term charging cost savings makes home charging infrastructure a sound investment. Consider whether your employer offers salary sacrifice schemes that could bundle installation into tax-advantaged packages.
For businesses: The Workplace Charging Scheme remains highly valuable, providing up to £350 per socket for 40 chargers. Combined with salary sacrifice schemes, workplace charging creates powerful employee benefits that cost nothing whilst delivering substantial value. The business case for installation grows stronger as more employees transition to electric vehicles.
For employees: Salary sacrifice schemes often deliver superior value compared to traditional grants, particularly when bundling charger installation and accessing The Charge Scheme for ongoing charging savings. The combination of vehicle, charger, and charging cost savings through salary sacrifice creates the most comprehensive cost-reduction package available for electric car adoption.
For everyone: The shift from grants to tax-advantaged schemes reflects electric vehicle infrastructure maturation. Rather than pursuing decreasing grant opportunities, focus on accessing the most effective financial mechanisms available - whether through salary sacrifice, workplace schemes, or VAT benefits.
Next Steps
If you're an employer:
Assess your current workplace benefits offering and employee interest in electric vehicles
Apply for Workplace Charging Scheme grants for installation
Implement an electric car salary sacrifice scheme to complement charging infrastructure
Promote integrated benefits to attract and retain talent
Book a demo with The Electric Car Scheme to explore how salary sacrifice and workplace charging work together.
If you're an employee:
Check whether your employer offers salary sacrifice schemes
Calculate your potential savings through salary sacrifice versus traditional leasing
Explore available electric vehicle options
Consider your charging needs and whether bundled installation makes sense
Get an instant quote to see how much you could save on both your electric car and charging infrastructure.
If you're a business owner:
Apply for Workplace Charging Scheme grants before installing chargers
Implement salary sacrifice to provide cost-effective employee benefits
Consider The Charge Scheme to help employees save on ongoing charging costs
Use integrated approach to support sustainability commitments
The Future of Charging Support
Whilst traditional grant schemes may continue declining, tax-advantaged approaches through salary sacrifice are gaining momentum. The UK government's commitment to electric vehicle adoption means support will continue, albeit through evolving mechanisms that encourage both employer and employee participation in the transition to zero-emission transport.
The Electric Car Scheme represents the forefront of this evolution, combining vehicle salary sacrifice, bundled charger installation, and charging cost savings through The Charge Scheme. This integrated approach delivers total savings of 20-50% across all aspects of electric vehicle ownership, far exceeding what traditional grant schemes ever provided.
As charging infrastructure becomes ubiquitous and electric vehicle adoption accelerates, the focus shifts from installation grants to operational efficiency. Smart charging, optimal tariff selection, and tax-advantaged schemes become the primary savings mechanisms - exactly what The Electric Car Scheme provides through its comprehensive approach.
Whether you're considering your first electric vehicle, planning workplace charging infrastructure, or looking to maximise savings on charging costs, understanding the full landscape of available support ensures you make decisions that deliver maximum financial benefit whilst supporting your journey to zero-emission driving.
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Last updated: 06/10/2025
Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme’s terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
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