The OZEV Grant Has Changed — Here Is What You Can Claim in 2026

If you are thinking about getting a home EV charger installed, there is government money available to help — but the rules have changed, and the scheme will not be around forever. From 1 April 2026, the OZEV Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant increased from to per socket. It has also been confirmed that the scheme will run for one final year, ending on 31 March 2027.

This guide explains exactly who qualifies, how much you can get, and how to make sure you do not miss out before the funding ends.

Who Can Claim the EV Charger Grant?

The grant is not available to everyone. Since 2022, homeowners with dedicated off-street parking have not been eligible — the government decided that if you own a house with a driveway, you can fund your own charger. The grant now targets those who face more barriers to home charging.

Renters (private and social housing)

If you rent your home and have off-street parking, you can apply for the grant. You will need written permission from your landlord before the installation can go ahead. The grant covers up to 75% of the total installation cost, capped at per socket. One socket per household.

Flat owners and residents

If you own a flat (leasehold or share of freehold) with access to off-street parking, you are eligible. This includes apartment blocks, converted houses, and maisonettes. You will typically need permission from the freeholder or management company, and the parking space must be clearly defined and associated with your property.

Landlords

Landlords can claim for up to 200 sockets across their properties. The property must have off-street parking, and the grant covers 75% of costs up to per socket. For larger installations — such as apartment blocks — the total grant can be up to £30,000 per site. This is a significant incentive for landlords of multi-unit properties to install charging infrastructure.

Who cannot claim

Homeowners who own a house (freehold) with off-street parking are not eligible. New build properties completed after June 2022 are not eligible (they should already have a charger under Part S of the Building Regulations). Holiday lets and short-term rental properties are excluded.

How the Grant Process Works

You do not apply for the grant yourself. The process works through your installer.

Step 1: Contact a NAPIT-registered electrician who is also an OZEV-approved installer. Not all electricians are OZEV-approved — check before booking.

Step 2: The installer surveys your property, confirms eligibility, and recommends a suitable charger.

Step 3: The installer submits the grant application to OZEV on your behalf. You must not have the charger installed until OZEV confirms eligibility — installing before approval voids the grant.

Step 4: Once approved, the installation goes ahead. The grant amount is deducted from your bill — you only pay the balance.

Step 5: The installer submits the completion paperwork to OZEV and receives the grant payment directly.

The whole process from survey to installation typically takes two to four weeks, depending on OZEV processing times.

What the Grant Does Not Cover

The grant contributes to the cost of the charger unit and standard installation. It does not cover non-standard installation work that goes beyond a straightforward setup. Common additional costs that fall outside the grant include consumer unit upgrades needed to accommodate the new circuit, main fuse upgrades if the existing supply is too small, significant cable runs (for example, if the consumer unit is on the opposite side of the house from the parking space), civil works such as trenching across a garden for underground cable runs, and consumer unit replacement if the existing board cannot take an additional circuit.

These additional costs are part of the overall installation, not the grant. A good installer will be upfront about any extras during the survey stage so there are no surprises.

The Workplace Charging Scheme

If you run a business in South Yorkshire and want to install chargers for employees or customers, the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) provides separate funding.

From 1 April 2026, the WCS grant also increased to per socket. Businesses can claim for up to 40 sockets across all their sites, giving a maximum total grant of £20,000. The grant covers 75% of costs up to the cap per socket.

Eligible applicants include businesses, charities, and public sector organisations. The chargers must be for staff or fleet vehicles — they do not need to be publicly accessible. The installation must be at a workplace with dedicated off-street parking.

Why the Grant Matters for South Yorkshire

South Yorkshire has lower average household incomes than the national average. The difference between paying full price for an EV charger installation and getting off through the grant can be the difference between going ahead and putting it off.

For landlords, the maths is even more compelling. A landlord with a block of 10 flats could claim up to £5,000 in grants — making the installation of shared charging infrastructure commercially viable where it would not have been otherwise.

The grant is also driving demand for EV charger installations across Rotherham, Sheffield, Doncaster, and Barnsley. If you are eligible and thinking about it, the best time to act is now — before the scheme closes in March 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim the grant if I own my house?

No. Since April 2022, the grant has not been available to homeowners with off-street parking who own their home outright. It is available to renters, flat owners, and landlords.

How long will the OZEV grant last?

The scheme has been extended for a final year and will close on 31 March 2027. Once the funding is gone, there is no indication it will be renewed.

Can I choose any charger?

The charger must be a smart charger that meets the requirements of the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021. All chargers currently sold in the UK for home use should meet this standard, but your installer will confirm.

Do I need my landlord’s permission?

Yes. If you are a renter, you need written permission from your landlord before the installation can go ahead and before the grant application is submitted.

Can a landlord claim for multiple properties?

Yes. Landlords can claim for up to 200 sockets across their portfolio. Each property must have eligible off-street parking, and the grant covers 75% of costs up to per socket.

What if my consumer unit needs upgrading to fit the charger?

The cost of a consumer unit upgrade is not covered by the OZEV grant. However, if your consumer unit is old, upgrading it is a safety improvement for the whole house, not just the EV charger circuit.

If you want to find out whether you qualify for the OZEV grant and get a charger installed in Rotherham or South Yorkshire, give me a call on 07817 171954 or get in touch here. I am Mat from MP Electrical, a NAPIT-registered and OZEV-approved installer.