Grants for Workplace Chargers for UK Fleet Managers

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a huge factor within fleet management as the UK moves towards a net zero outlook. EVs bring numerous benefits such as lower operating costs, reduced emissions, and alignment with business sustainability targets.

 

Although strides have been made, the UK remains behind on their 2035 deadline with the pain point for fleet managers being the availability of reliable charging infrastructure to ensure their EVs are charged conveniently and efficiently.

 

 

ZEV mandate

 

In December 2023, the UK government officially introduced the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate meaning each manufacturer has to register a minimum of 1 EV per 10 vans sold or incur significant fines (£15,000 per car and £9,000 for vans in the first year before rising to £18,000 per van).

 

 

Overview of Workplace Charging Grants

 

Currently, (as of May 2024), there are two commonly used grants for workplace charge point installations: The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) and the EV Infrastructure Grant.

 

These grants offer financial aid for the installation of charging infrastructure at sites so EV fleets can be charged at work, removing driver concerns about range anxiety, charging costs, and more. Additionally, they contribute to overall sustainability efforts encouraging zero-emission vehicles for both business and personal use as a strategic step towards a greener operation.

 

 

The difference between the WCS & Infrastructure grant

 

The WCS offers money towards the cost of a charge point socket whilst the EV Infrastructure Grant provides funding towards both the infrastructure and installation of charge points for staff and fleet drivers for small to medium businesses (up to 250 employees) across the UK.

 

You can, however, take advantage of both grants simultaneously – totalling up to nearly £30,000 of funding. Although, you cannot claim both grants for the same EV charging point.

 

 

Infrastructure Grant:

 

The EV Infrastructure Grant discounts the cost (up to 75% & a maximum of £15,000) of installing multiple charge point sockets for small to medium businesses (up to 250 employees) both now and, in the future. For example, the grant could cover wiring and posts costs.

 

• Up to £350 per charge point socket installed.
• Up to £500 per parking space enabled with supporting infrastructure.

 

If eligible, you could claim up to 5 grants across 5 different sites.

 

 

Workplace Charger Grants:

 

The WCS is a voucher-based service to lower the installation cost (up to 75%) of EV charge points in staff and fleet parking areas - capped at a maximum of:

 

• £350 per socket.
• 40 sockets across all sites per applicant.

 

To be site eligible, applicants must have designated off-street parking facilities suitable for charge point installations.

 

 

Maximise the impact of workplace charging infrastructure.

 

Make the most of your workplace charging infrastructure with several best practices, such as

 

• Strategic Placement: Place your charging stations in convenient locations with easy access for employees.
• Scalability: Take the future growth of your EV fleet into account by designing a scalable infrastructure that can handle an increased number of EVs over time.
• Accessible Scheduling: Apply a fair and transparent charge point scheduling system to prevent over booking.
• Employee Engagement: Educate your staff on the benefits of electric vehicles and workplace charging, providing resources and driver training.

 

 

Summary

 

EV charging grants present a unique opportunity to accelerate the transition to electric mobility by reducing the financial barriers associated with installing charging points such as upfront costs and infrastructure investment. Additionally, these grants align with sustainability goals, promoting cleaner transportation solutions and reducing carbon emissions.

 

 

How we can help

 

Once you apply for your suitable grant(s) simply contact your Northgate account manager and we’ll manage this for you, giving you peace of mind. Our charging specialist partner, ChargedEV, will oversee detailed site surveys for both domestic and commercial installations and carry out the installation to the highest regulation standards with full transparency throughout - so you have the charging infrastructure readily in place for your EV transition.

 

 

Hassle-free home charging bundleTop of Form

 

Our all-in-one electric vehicle and home charging bundle available on Northgate 12months+ hires with a 5-year warranty on the home charger and service and maintenance as standard removes the hassle of dealing with multiple suppliers with our in-house supplier ChargedEV.

 

The best part? No upfront costs. Just one simple regular payment* over the term of your hire for a convenient home charging solution for when your commercial vehicles are stored at your driver’s homes.

 

* Terms and conditions apply, costs may vary depending on the hire term.