This guide covers everything you need to know about the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS). Find out about grant eligibility, how it works, and what you'll need to apply.
EVHS Overview
The EVHS (Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme) is a government grant for residential property. The scheme is administered by OZEV (The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles). The broad aim of the scheme is to encourage the change to zero-tailpipe-emission vehicles.
The current EVHS grant offers a £350 contribution towards the cost of an EV charger installed at home. The scheme functions as an upfront cost reduction, not a rebate.
If you are a business owner, you can also obtain the Workplace Charging Grant and charge at your commercial premises
Grant eligibility
To qualify for the EVHS grant, there are some conditions set by OZEV.
You (or the applicant) must:
- own, lease, or have ordered a qualifying vehicle (new or second hand)
- have dedicated, private off-street parking at the property
- claim only one chargepoint per vehicle
- purchase an EVHS-approved charger
- use an EVHS-approved installer
Naturally, there are some extra conditions that affect eligibility. Let's break these down below.
Customer Requirements
If you have previously claimed the EVHS or its predecessor, the Domestic Recharge Scheme, you cannot benefit from the grant again. This is true even if you move house, change car or upgrade charger.
However, an exception exists when a second vehicle is owned concurrently. In this instance you can apply for a second grant.
Vehicle Requirements
Your vehicle will qualify for the grant if it is included on the EVHS eligible vehicles list. The list contains cars, bikes and vans that are ultra-low emission.
You will also need to confirm one of these ownership statuses for the vehicle:
- you are the registered keeper
- you have ordered the vehicle
- you are leasing or have a finance agreement for the car (for a minimum of 6 months)
- you are named by your employer as nominated user (for a minimum of 6 months)
- you are leasing the vehicle via salary sacrifice scheme
For short-term rolling leases, you can only claim the grant after 6 months.
Property Requirements
As the name suggests, the EVHS is for domestic properties only. The installation must be at your place of residence.
- available for existing homes only (not new-builds)
- your parking space can be separate to your property
- applicable third party permissions need to be in place - freeholder, managing agent etc
- your off-street parking can't be rented or shared, or be an access route for other properties
- you can only claim for a maximum of 2 chargers at your property
How the grant scheme works
The installer will apply for the grant on your behalf. OZEV pays the £350 directly to the installer at a later date.
The process:
- select an EVHS-approved installer
- choose an eligible chargepoint
- let the installer know you want to claim the grant
- the installer will check that your vehicle, property and usage qualify
- you agree on the work and price
- you supply any required evidence to the installer
- you receive an invoice for the agreed price less the grant amount, e.g.:
- you sign the declarations on the EVHS Installation Form (given by the installer)
- on works completion, the installer submits your application to OZEV
With Selfcharge's free site survey, your engineer will verify EVHS eligibility for you. They can also help you choose the right grant-approved charger.
Our team always complete as much of your grant process and paperwork as possible. We'll let you know how to obtain any additional evidence (if needed), and send you a completed form to sign digitally.
Evidence Needed
Vehicle ownership
If you are the registered keeper of the vehicle, no further evidence is required.
If the vehicle is on order, leased, or obtained via an employer, you will need to supply evidence. This printable sheet shows you the required evidence for each ownership status.
Property
If your parking space is separate to your property, you will need to provide the land registry title deeds etc.
OZEV's guidance for customers provides further information.
Useful Information
FAQs
Is it possible to get 3 chargers with the grant?
You can only have a maximum of 2 installed chargepoints with the grant. However, there are approved dual-socket units enabling up to 4 charging outlets.
Why aren't all EV chargers approved for the grant?
Chargers need to be 'smart' and have a shared data connection.
Can I get a second EVHS grant if I move house AND get a new car?
No. A customer who has previously claimed the grant cannot claim it again. This has been confirmed by the EVHS team. The only exception is when you own a second eligible vehicle concurrently.
If I move house can I take the charger with me?
Yes. It's your charger to take or leave as you choose.
I'm moving to a house with an EV charger already installed. Can I get the grant?
Charger replacement is allowed under the scheme - but only if you have not claimed the grant before.
What is OLEV?
OLEV (Office for Low Emission Vehicles) rebranded as OZEV in 2021. This was to align with the government's net-zero ambitions.
What data will OZEV collect?
OZEV's personal information charter outlines what data they collect and why. Usage data and application information is kept by OZEV. This includes your contact details, vehicle information, site photos, signatures etc.
Will I be contacted by OZEV?
They might ask you for feedback. Otherwise, you shouldn't need to contact them - even if you move house.
Unanswered question about the grant? Send us an email
Links
Approved installer list
Search for an EVSE-approved installer near you.
Approved chargepoint list
Verify if your desired EV charger is 'smart' and EVHS eligible.
Eligible vehicles list
Check that your vehicle is eligible for the grant.
OZEV personal information charter
Find out how OZEV collects and uses your data.
Book your free site survey
Schedule a no-obligation survey with a Selfcharge engineer.
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