Workplace Charging Scheme explained - are you eligible and how do you claim it?

By Danny Morgan

Last updated: Nov 28th 2023

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Learn how you can reduce the cost of installing fast electric car chargers at your workplace through this Government scheme.

To encourage businesses to switch to electric vehicles, the government has created a funding scheme called the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS). Here, we explain what it is, who is eligible and how you claim it.

What is the Workplace Charging Scheme?

The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is Government funded scheme that provides financial support to businesses wishing to have electric vehicle charge points installed at their work premises. The WCS is a voucher-based scheme that contributes up to £350 towards the upfront costs of a car charging point purchase and installation.

It is managed by the Government OZEV department (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles).

How much is it worth?

The scheme will contribute up to 75% of the purchase and installation costs up to £350.

Who is eligible for the Workplace Charging Scheme?

If you’re a business, charity or public authority, you are eligible to claim the grant.

You must have dedicated off-street parking for staff or fleet use only in order to be eligible for the grant. According to OZEV "All parking must be designated to the applicant, although the rest of the car park may be shared with other organisations".

Each site must also:

• have a minimum power supply of 3kW to each individual socket that is not diminished by their simultaneous use
• have no more than one socket installed for each accessible parking space
• be for staff and/or fleet use

The scheme is available in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and crown dependencies are not eligible for this scheme.

Linked enterprises will also be considered a single entity.

Can I use the Workplace Charging Scheme if I work from home?

Yes, however, your home address must be your primary place of work and be listed on Companies House or with the HMRC as your place of business before you can use the grant towards the cost of an EV charging point.

This means that you cannot use the workplace charging scheme as a contribution towards the cost of installing electric vehicle chargepoints at your employee's homes, even if they work from home.

Employees that are flat owners or live in rental accommodation however can receive up to £350 towards the cost of a home charge point using the EV Chargepoint Grant for tenants and flat owners, which replaced the electric vehicle homecharge scheme (better known as the OZEV grant) in March 2022.

Landlords and social housing providers can also receive a £350 contribution to help with the cost of installing EV charging points on their properties via the EV Chargepoint Grant for landlords and social housing providers.

Do I need to prove eligibility for the Workplace Charging Scheme?

Yes, you will need to prove that the site of installation is linked to the business and that parking is dedicated to staff or fleet use. This means you will need to have a parking policy in place or photographic evidence that the parking is only for business staff/fleet.

You will also need to have evidence of the following:

• Companies House Reference or VAT Registration Number.
• If you’re a charity, you will need to upload your certificate of registration to the Charity Commission.
• You will need photographic evidence of your dedicated off-street parking that is for staff or fleet use only.

Which charge points are eligible?

Charge points must be “smart” in order to be eligible. You can find a list of Workplace Charging Scheme approved charge points here.

At the time of writing, the Easee Charge, Ohme Home Pro, Pod Point Solo 3 Untethered, Pod Point Solo 3 tethered, Simpson & Partners Home 7 and Andersen A2 are WCS-approved chargers that Smart Home Charge sells and installs.

Three-pin chargers are not eligible nor can you use a second-hand charge point.

Is there a limit to the number of claims/charge points?

You can claim the voucher more than once for up to a maximum of 40 charge point sockets.

The limit of 40 charge point sockets applies to each applicant and not the site itself. For example, if you have two sites/offices for your business you could have up to 20 charge point sockets installed at each.

If you do not claim the grant for 40 sockets, you can claim it for more sockets up to 40 at a later date. For example, if you install 20 sockets but decide that you want to install an additional 20 later on, you will be eligible to claim the grant again.

How do I claim back the Workplace Charging Scheme voucher?

As a Workplace Charging Scheme approved installer, Smart Home Charge apply your voucher discount at the point of purchase (if you are eligible). We then claim the voucher funds on your behalf as it has already been discounted from your invoice.

How long is the WCS voucher valid for?

The Workplace Charging Scheme voucher is valid for six months from the issue date.

Do you need an electric car to claim the Workplace Charging Scheme voucher?

No, you don’t need an EV to apply for the voucher. You need to declare either an existing need for an electric car charging setup or your intention to encourage EV driving and charging among your staff or fleet.

Do I need off-street parking for the Workplace Charging Scheme?

Yes, off-street parking is required to be eligible. If you are in the middle of constructing a dedicated off-street parking arrangement or you are discussing planning permission with the council, then you must wait until this is completed.

You cannot apply for the WCS voucher without dedicated off-street parking.

You can still apply if you have access to off-street parking via a third party, such as a garage or private car park but you will need written permission from the landlord/owner as evidence.

When do you apply for the Workplace Charging Scheme voucher?

The voucher is applied for in advance of arranging any installation. You should check your eligibility and apply for the WCS voucher first. Once you have the voucher, then you can contact an WCS-approved installer such as Smart Home Charge.

Can I apply for the Workplace Charging Scheme more than once?

Yes, you can apply on more than one occasion as long as you don’t exceed the charge point socket limit of 40.

Can I backdate a claim under the Workplace Charging Scheme?

If you have already installed charge points in the past then you cannot claim the grant against these. The WCS voucher only applies for new charge point installations.

You also cannot claim against installation made prior to the WCS voucher being issues. You must apply for the voucher before any chargepoints are installed.

Can I move the charge point after installation?

You will need to contact [email protected] requesting permission to move your workplace electric car charger.

How do I get the Workplace Charging Scheme voucher and get an installation?

To claim the voucher you will need to apply for it online before arranging an installation. You can apply for the Workplace Charging Scheme here.

You will be asked to:

• Provide information about your business
• Provide the number of charge point sockets you’d like installed
• Complete a de minimis declaration (if applicable)

If you are eligible you will be issued a voucher code via confirmation email. This can take up to five working days.

Once you have the voucher, you can contact an authorised Workplace Charging Scheme installer such as Smart Home Charge and follow these steps:

1. Compare electric car chargers and choose a WCS-approved charge point
2. Select "Request a Quote" on your chosen charger
3. In the subsequent form, enter your WCS voucher when requested
4. We will then guide you through the installation process, starting with sending you a link to your own Online Site Survey – this allows us to give you an honest and accurate quote upfront before any work begins.

If you have any questions upfront, please feel free to give us a call on 03333449234.

I have more questions about the Workplace Charging Scheme – who do I contact?

If your query relates directly to the installation or choosing a charger for your workplace, please get in touch with our support team via:
[email protected]
03333449234

If you have questions about the Workplace Charging Scheme application, please contact [email protected]