What is the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)?

The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a government initiative managed by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). It helps businesses, charities, and public sector organisations cut the cost of installing electric vehicle (EV) charge points.

With grants covering up to 75% of installation costs (up to £350 per socket, for up to 40 sockets per applicant). The Workplace Charging Scheme can help to dramatically reduce the cost of installing electric vehicle chargepoints at your business.

If your organisation is interested in investing in electric cars or supporting your employees in driving them, the scheme can make sure the switch to electric is affordable and cost-effective for your company. The Workplace Charging Scheme is a valuable policy your business should take advantage of.

Understanding the Workplace Charging Scheme

To help your organisation benefit from the Workplace Charging Scheme, here we’ll explain how the scheme works. We’ll run through how to apply to the Workplace Charging Scheme and what benefits it can bring your organisation and your employees.

Who can apply?

The scheme is open to:

Businesses of any size
Charities
Public sector organisations
Small accommodation providers (e.g. hotels, B&Bs, holiday parks, campsites)

Organisations must be based in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland (not currently available in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man).

Eligibility requirements

Chargepoints must be installed by an OZEV-authorised installer
The site must have dedicated off-road parking
Organisations must either already operate electric vehicles or plan to adopt them soon
If the site is a mixed residential/commercial property, it must be registered at Companies House

How much funding can I apply for via the Workplace Charging Scheme?

The WCS will fund:

Up to 40 chargepoint sockets per applicant (all at one site, or across multiple sites)
Up to 75% of purchase and installation costs, capped at £350 per socket

How do I apply for the Workplace Charging Scheme?

The Workplace Charging Scheme uses vouchers that give you a discount when paying an OZEV-approved business to install chargepoints.

It works like this:

Complete a WCS application form online to apply for a grant
If your application is successful, you’ll be emailed a voucher code (usually within five working days)
Choose an OZEV-approved installer and provide them with your voucher
Once installation is complete, the installer redeems the voucher with OZEV
Installation and grant redemption must be completed within 180 days of voucher issue

What are the benefits of the Workplace Charging Scheme?

Benefits for your organisation:

Lower running costs with EVs vs petrol/diesel fleets
Enhance employee benefits and attract talent with workplace charging
Support sustainability goals and present a greener brand image
Potential to offer customer charging as an additional service

Benefits for your employees:

Lower motoring costs through EV charging at work
Reduce employees’ ‘Benefit-in-Kind’ tax for company cars
Eliminate range anxiety with reliable workplace charging
Make EV ownership more accessible and practical to support your team to go electric sooner

Deadline

The Workplace Charging Scheme is currently funded until 31 March 2026, so now is the time to act.

Find out more about EV charging with DriveElectric

The Workplace Charging Scheme is a simple and cost-effective way for your organisation and your employers to go electric. It represents a great opportunity for any business that’s interested in investing in electric vehicles. Currently, the WCS is funded until 31 March 2026, so apply when you can.

Find out more about workplace EV charging solutions and charging electric vehicles at work with DriveElectric.

Alongside helping you install electric vehicle chargepoints, at DriveElectric we can help your business get access to the right electric vehicles with our competitive electric vehicle leasing and our EV Salary Sacrifice schemes.