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Government Grants for Electric Cars in the UK

Considering an Electric Car? Discover the latest UK government grants and incentives to help you switch to electric. Learn about charging point grants, tax breaks, and more. Your guide to making the electric transition smoother and more affordable.

Electric Car Maintenance

Are there any government incentives to buy an electric car?

Currently, there are no government grants to help with purchasing an electric car. However, several grants are available to help with installing charging points. These are:

The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS)

A scheme aimed at those who either own or rent a flat, the EVHS covers up to £350 of the costs of installing a home charge point. To claim it, you must own an eligible electric car, have off-street parking, and use an approved EV installer to complete the work.

Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)

A voucher-based scheme, the WCS helps businesses install electric car charging points on their premises. It covers up to 75% of the installation costs, capped at £350 for each socket, for up to 40 sockets. To apply, you’ll need to have a Companies House Registration Number, own the premises or have permission to install, and use an approved installer. You’ll also need to ensure the voucher is issued before the final installation date as retrospective applications cannot be used.

On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS)

The ORCS is designed for electric car owners who don’t have access to off-street parking. It gives funding to local authorities, allowing them to install on-street charge points in residential areas. The scheme is run by the Energy Saving Trust (EST) and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is the Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG)?

The Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG) was a scheme introduced by the government in 2011 and provided a discount of up to £5,000 on a new EV. This was one of the main grants and incentives to buy an electric car, helping with the initial upfront costs.

The PiCG was discontinued by the government in 2022, with a renewed focus on improving the public charging network. With EVs now more affordable and flexible finance options, electric cars are now more accessible than ever before.

Your power source for all things EV

Want to know more about electric cars? Explore our Electric Car Hub and find all the information you need – from charging and maintenance to incentives and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still get a grant for electric cars?

There are still some grants available to help make electric cars more accessible and easier to own. These include grants and schemes to help with installing charging points which you can find more information on above.

What discounts can I get on an electric car?

Businesses can enjoy discounts in the form of a lower Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax rate of 2% with an electric car. Other exclusive discounts may be available on electric cars for ‘blue light’ workers such as those in the NHS, the military, or the police.

Is an electric car 100% tax deductible?

The government states that new electric cars will qualify for a 100% first-year allowance. This means businesses can deduct the full cost from their profits before tax during the first year. For more information, visit the government website.

Who is eligible for electric car grants?

This depends on the specific grant. For instance, the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) is only open to flat owners or renters who have off-street parking. You can check your eligibility for an electric car grant on the government’s website, where you’ll find the full criteria.

Can I buy an electric car through my business?

Yes, you can. At Vertu, we’re an Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) retailer, meaning we’re well-placed to help you lease an EV for your business or expand your fleet. Get in touch with us today to discuss your needs, and our expert team will be happy to help.