Workplace Charging Scheme Explained

In today’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape, electric vehicles (EVs) represent a pivotal shift towards sustainability and environmental stewardship. For businesses looking to join this green revolution, the UK government’s Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) offers a golden opportunity. This initiative is designed to make the transition to electric more accessible and affordable for businesses, charities, and public sector organisations.

What is the Workplace Charging Scheme?

The Workplace Charging Scheme is a governmental grant aimed at reducing the cost of installing EV charging points at workplace premises. By covering up to 75% of the purchase and installation costs for EV charge points, with a maximum of £350 per socket and up to 40 sockets per applicant, it significantly lowers the barrier for organisations to support EV adoption among their workforce and visitors.

The aim of the scheme

The primary objective of the WCS is to accelerate the infrastructure development for electric vehicles across the UK. Therefore, making it easier for individuals to charge their vehicles at their place of work. This not only supports the UK’s broader environmental goals by promoting the use of electric vehicles but also assists businesses in enhancing their green credentials and future-proofing their operations.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility for the WCS extends to a variety of UK-based entities, including businesses of all sizes, charities, and public sector organisations. To be eligible for the grant, applicants must own the property or have landlord permission for chargepoint installation. The site needs off-road parking linked to the premises, requiring landowner consent if not owned. A pre-application site survey by an authorised installer is advised.

Working from home

Home-based businesses qualify if registered officially or shown on business rate bills, with off-road parking and use of an authorised dual-use chargepoint. Employers may install charge points at employee residences for company vehicles, needing proof of employment and installation permission. Applications are manual, sent to a specific email, and must use approved equipment.

Parking

For parking, evidence that spaces are designated for staff or fleet is required, not for customer use, and must be suitably located. Charge Points are for business use but can be shared with residents outside business hours. Public entities face no user restrictions. Compliance with Public Chargepoint Regulations 2023 is mandatory if opened to the public. Installation must be by an authorised installer to qualify for the grant.

Financial Assistance and required evidence

You are allowed to receive up to £315,000 in minimal financial assistance (MFA) is allowed over three financial years, which includes:

• State grants
• Subsidies
• Alternative government funded financial incentives

When applying for the grant, your total minimal financial assistance, including this grant, should not surpass £315,000 within a span covering the current and previous two financial years. Public authorities are exempt from declaring this financial assistance during their application.

For the grant application, you’ll need to provide specific documentation such as:

• Companies House reference
• VAT number
• a business rates bill.

Alternative documents are acceptable for charities, NHS surgeries, and educational institutions not covered by standard requirements. These include registration confirmations, NHS portal registrations, or school details matching the applicant’s email domain. Combining this grant with the EV infrastructure grant for staff and fleets is possible, but regulations prevent claiming for the same charge point under both grants to avoid fraudulent claims.

When does the grant close?

Funding for the scheme is secure until March 31, 2025. While the grant is currently available, the government retains the authority to modify or conclude the program at any time. Should there be any alterations or cessation of the grant, the government aims to provide a four-week notice period. Additionally, applications submitted prior to any official changes being announced will be processed and honoured in line with the existing criteria of the grant.

How to apply

Applying for the WCS involves a straightforward process. Applicants must first ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, then select an OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) authorised installer to assess their site and install the charge points. The application itself is completed by the installer on behalf of the organisation, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

It’s also essential to be aware of the specific tax issues associated with acquiring vehicles. For cars with zero emissions purchased new before April 1, 2025, a 100% allowance is applicable. Ex-demonstrator vehicles are also considered new for this purpose, providing businesses with the opportunity to take advantage of this relief.

Acquiring vehicles for business purposes

Acquiring vehicles for business purposes involves numerous tax considerations that should not be overlooked. Understanding the reliefs, benefits, and charges associated with vehicles is essential for making informed decisions and optimising tax savings. 

For cars with zero emissions purchased new before April 1, 2025, a 100% allowance is applicable. Ex-demonstrator vehicles are also considered new for this purpose, providing businesses with the opportunity to take advantage of this relief.

Other cars, however, qualify for slower tax relief. Cars with up to 50g/km CO2 emissions qualify for 18% per annum allowances, while those above 50g/km qualify for 6% per annum allowances. These allowances are given on a “reducing balance” basis, meaning that the tax relief is spread over several years.
If an employer makes a car available for private use by an employee or director, an annual benefit-in-kind charge applies. This charge covers all incidental costs associated with the car, except private fuel. You can learn about how your business can maximise tax benefits when acquiring vehicles here.

Advice tailored to your circumstances

The Workplace Charging Scheme represents a significant step forward in the UK’s drive towards an electric vehicle future. By providing financial support for the installation of EV charging points, the scheme not only benefits businesses but also contributes to the broader societal shift towards sustainable transportation. With the scheme now open, there has never been a better time for organisations to embrace electric vehicles and play their part in this important environmental transition.

If you are interested in finding out more about the subjects mentioned above, please get in touch with us at Carpenter Box for advice tailored to your circumstances.