Workplace Charging Scheme
UK Workplace Charging Scheme
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a UK government-funded grant to assist with the cost of installing electric charging points for businesses. Eligible applicants can receive a contribution of up to 75% off the cost of installing and purchasing an EV charging point.
The scheme has been funded by the Office for Zero-Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and is targeted specifically towards businesses. Anyone firm can claim WCS assistance on up to forty electric charging points for business – providing they meet the relevant criteria.
Eligibility For The Workplace Charging Scheme
To qualify for the workplace charging scheme your business must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a registered business, charity, or public sector organisation. Proof of evidence may be provided through your Company House reference number, VAT registration number, or HMRC registration letter.
- You must be either: a public authority (government department, local authority, NHS, emergency service, armed forces) OR have received less than €200,000 of public support in the last three fiscal years.
- You must show a need for electric charging points for business OR the intention of converting to an EV fleet/ encouraging staff to switch to electric vehicles.
- Your business must be located in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, or England.
- Your business must have dedicated off-street (not blocking public access) parking for staff/ your fleet.
- You must own the property OR have consent from the landlord for business electric charging points to be installed.
For further information, and to check all requirements, the workplace charging scheme publication can be viewed on the gov website here.
The Workplace Charging Scheme Voucher
The Workplace Charging Scheme is voucher-based, with the intention of providing eligible applicants with adequate financial support. This voucher is valid for six months from the date of issue; and once the electric charging points for business have been installed, the installer will claim the grant directly from OZEV.
The expiry date will be printed on the voucher and installation must be completed by an authorised OZEV approved vendor – such as System EV. Be aware that even if you receive the workplace charging scheme voucher it can only be redeemed by OZEV approved installers.
The use of the WCS voucher for installing electric charging points for business must be approved before any installations take place. You cannot retroactively claim for installations of electric charging points for business, even if these took place whilst waiting for grant approval.
You also cannot claim with an expired voucher code, although installation applications submitted before the expiration date may still be honoured if subject to delays. If in doubt, it’s a good idea to apply as soon as possible after receiving your voucher
Workplace Charging Scheme benefits
We’ve previously touched on the benefits of installing electric charging points for businesses, however here are some of the key ways the workplace charging scheme can help elevate your business practices:
- Save upwards of £1000 a year per 10,000 miles;
- Pay less tax on electric vehicles;
- Offering electric vehicle charging to employees may help with staff retention;
- Claim back tax on company cars through a “benefit in kind” option, reducing overall costs;
- Exempt from low emission zone charges;
- Reduced C02 emissions can help your business reach its ecological goals.
For a more in-depth look at the benefits of workplace EV charging feel free to read over our page on electric car charging for businesses.
Why System EV?
With our wealth of electrical experience, it’s no wonder we’re listed as an OZEV approved installer. This is why we offer to apply for the WCS grant on your behalf – speeding up the application process and getting your new EV charging point/s installed ASAP.
So if you’re yet to apply for the workplace charging scheme then by all means browse our selection of EV chargers and let us handle the rest!