Getting the Electric car Home Charger grant (EVHS)

The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) is a Government grant that provides a 75% contribution to the cost of one charge point and its installation. A grant cap is set at £350 (including VAT) per installation. 

Installing a Home charger

See the basic information about installing a home charger.

Beware of Free installation

Although vehicle manufactures have their preferred installer they may wish to only do a minimal job, rather than what you need. Some have pre-requirements before they will do their part of the installation. However, you are at liberty to use any installer on the OLEZ list who complies with the rules.

Evidence required

Customers must provide evidence of keepership, lease, be named as the primary user of an eligible electric vehicle or have a vehicle on order to be able to qualify for the grant.

  • Both the vehicle model and installer must be on the OLEZ, formally OLEV, approved list. Note that it’s in alphabetical order and, surprisingly, many installers don’t show phone or web details.
  • The customer’s property must have designated, private off-street parking
  • The charger to vehicle cable must not cross a pubic right of way – see this example of an application failure.
  • The claim is put in by the installer
  • The vehicle registration number, or proof of an order, is required on the application form. The vehicle must be in possession for a minimum of six months

You will need the installer to confirm that there is sufficient electricity supplied to the property to provide for existing needs plus those for charging the vehicle. Most homes should be OK.

Beware Grant failure

Emma Jackman failing to get the OLEV grant

Although vehicle manufactures have their preferred installer they may wish to only do a minimal job, rather than what you need. Some have pre-requirements before they will do their part of the installation. However, you are at liberty to use any installer on the OLEV list who complies with the rules.

Generally, UK houses can take the extra load of charging an EV but the supply to a few places will, unfortunately, be insufficient.