The UK government is increasing financial support for electric vehicle (EV) chargers at workplaces, aiming to accelerate the transition to cleaner fleets. From April 1, 2026, the Workplace Charging Scheme will offer up to £500 per charging socket – a 43% increase from the current £350 limit. This move comes as part of broader reforms to the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) grant programs.
Expansion of Workplace Charging Scheme
The Workplace Charging Scheme, launched in 2016, has already funded over 65,000 charging points at businesses across the UK. More than 7,500 were installed in the past year alone, showing rising demand. The new £500 per socket grant covers up to 75% of installation costs, potentially halving the financial burden for businesses.
Importantly, this higher rate applies retroactively to applications submitted after the April 2026 deadline, providing immediate incentives for fleets considering upgrades. The application window has also been extended to March 31, 2027, giving companies more time to plan and implement charging infrastructure.
Eligibility and Restrictions
The scheme is open to businesses with fewer than 250 employees, including charities, public sector organizations, and hospitality providers. Companies can claim funding for up to 40 sockets across multiple locations and re-apply if needed.
However, there are key restrictions: chargers must be in parking spaces specifically for employees (not customers) and businesses must own the spaces or have landlord permission. Dual-socket chargers, capable of charging two vehicles simultaneously, qualify for double funding.
Phase-Out of the Staff and Fleets Grant
While the Workplace Charging Scheme expands, the separate Staff and Fleets Grant – which offered up to £15,000 to SMEs – will be discontinued on March 31. The OZEV argues that many eligible businesses can still benefit from the revised Workplace Charging Scheme.
Business Reaction and Tax Benefits
Industry groups have welcomed the changes. Tina McKenzie, policy chair at the Federation of Small Businesses, noted that over half of small firms (51%) would adopt EVs faster with better charging infrastructure.
Beyond grants, businesses can further reduce costs by deducting 100% of charger expenses from profits, lowering their tax burden. Employee charging is also tax-free, even in carpools, encouraging wider EV adoption. The higher grant rate extends to home chargers installed for employees, though funding is limited to those in flats, rented accommodations, or on-street parking.
This strategic shift reflects the UK’s commitment to electrifying its fleet and reducing carbon emissions. The enhanced Workplace Charging Scheme addresses a key barrier for businesses: cost. By making chargers more affordable, the government hopes to accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation.
