The government has announced important changes to the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) charge point grants, including a significant increase in funding and an extension of several schemes.

From 1 April 2026, many EV charger grants will rise from £350 to £500 per charge point and will run until 31 March 2027. At the same time, a small number of schemes will close in March 2026, with strict deadlines for applications and claims.

If you are a renter, landlord, flat owner, business owner or school, here is what you need to know.

The Headline Change: Grants Increasing to £500

From 1 April 2026, eligible applicants will be able to claim up to £500 per charge point. That is an increase of over 40% compared to the previous £350 level.

For many households and businesses, this could cover almost half the typical cost of installing an EV charge point.

This increase applies to:

  • People living in rented accommodation
  • Flat owners
  • Residential landlords
  • Households with on-street parking
  • Businesses using the Workplace Charging Scheme

For schools and state-funded education institutions, the maximum grant will be £2,000 per socket from 1 April 2026. However, if a voucher is applied for before that date, schools may still be able to claim up to £2,500 per socket, provided the installation and redemption meet the deadline requirements.

All of the above schemes will now run until 31 March 2027.

Which EV Charger Grants Have Been Extended?

The following schemes have been extended for a final year until 31 March 2027:

Home and Rental Grants

These schemes are designed to support people who do not have a traditional private driveway, helping to make home charging more accessible.

Workplace Grants

For businesses, the increase to £500 per socket strengthens the case for installing charge points for staff and fleet vehicles. For many organisations, it reduces the upfront investment required and makes workplace charging more achievable.

Which Grants Are Closing in March 2026?

Three schemes remain scheduled to close on 31 March 2026:

If you are planning to use one of these grants, timing is critical.

Key deadlines:

  • Last date to apply: 31 March 2026
  • Last date for installers to submit claims: 26 May 2026
  • Final resubmission deadline (if further evidence is requested): 6 July 2026

If a claim is not approved by the final deadline, it will be declined. Installations and paperwork must be completed within the required timescales.

Changes to the Application Process

From 1 April 2026, some schemes will move to the government's Find a Grant platform.

For the flats and renters grant and the residential landlord charge point grant:

  • Customers will apply directly through the government system.
  • Installers will submit digital claim forms rather than using a live claims portal.
  • Both parties will be notified of the outcome by email.

The government expects applications and claims to take up to 10 working days to assess, where no further evidence is required.

One important point: your EV charge point must not be installed before eligibility confirmation is received. Installing too early could invalidate your grant.

Why This Matters for EV Drivers and Businesses

The increase to £500 per charge point reduces upfront costs and could cover almost half of a typical installation.

It also makes the long-term savings of driving electric more accessible:

  • Home charging can cost as little as 2p per mile
  • EV drivers can save up to £1,400 per year compared to petrol or diesel

For different groups, the impact is clear:

  • Renters and flat owners: Greater support for properties without driveways, including on-street options
  • Landlords: Stronger financial incentive to meet tenant demand
  • Businesses: A more compelling case for workplace and fleet charging

The Bigger Picture

These changes sit alongside wider government investment in electric vehicles, including the £2 billion Electric Car Grant and continued expansion of the UK's public charging network.

The aim is clear: reduce upfront costs, remove charging concerns, and make electric driving accessible to more households and businesses.

For anyone considering installing an EV charge point, the extension to 31 March 2027 provides greater certainty. However, if you are relying on one of the schemes closing in March 2026, acting early is essential.

What Should You Do Next?

First, check which grant applies to your situation. Eligibility depends on property type, parking arrangements and whether you are applying as a homeowner, renter, landlord or business.

Second, make sure you understand the relevant deadlines. Some schemes close in March 2026, while others now run until March 2027.

If you are unsure where to start, Charge Wizard can guide you through choosing the right EV charge point and ensuring everything is installed in line with grant requirements.

Explore our OZEV-approved EV charge points or speak to our team for clear, practical advice.

Grants remain subject to change, and eligibility rules apply. Acting early gives you the best chance of securing available funding.

Sources: Department for Transport, Office for Zero Emission Vehicles