This guide covers everything you need to know about the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) for organisations and businesses. The WCS is a grant that you can claim for installing staff-only EV chargers at your site(s).
WCS Overview
The WCS (Workplace Charging Scheme) is a UK Government grant administered by OZEV (The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles). The scheme is designed to help with the upfront costs of installing new electric vehicle chargepoints. You can apply for the WCS if you are a business, charity or public sector organisation of any size.
The WCS saves you £350 for each chargepoint socket that you have installed. It operates as a voucher based system, meaning you benefit from an upfront cost reduction. OZEV limits the grant to a maximum of 40 sockets per organisation.
Under the scheme, charger usage is restricted to staff and fleet only. Customers and visitors are not permitted to use the chargepoints.
Owners and staff can also save money via the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme if an EV charger is installed at their home
Grant Eligibility
To apply for the WCS grant, you have to engage an OZEV WCS-authorised installer. The units you have installed need to be WCS-approved chargepoints.
In addition, you (or the applicant) must:
- be a registered business, a charity or public sector organisation
- be able to declare a need for vehicle charging equipment (or the intent to encourage staff uptake)
- install the charging stations within the UK
- have off-street parking that is dedicated wholly to staff and/or fleet
- own the land, or obtain owner consent for chargepoint installation
- not have exceeded de minimis state aid limits (see FAQ)
- be able to prove a charging site is linked to the organisation
- ensure accessible parking space for each chargepoint installed
Commitments
OZEV requires certain declarations and undertakings to be made by the WCS applicant.
For a period of 3 years:
- you must maintain the installed chargepoints
- you will need to have measures in place to provide ongoing usage data to OZEV
- chargepoints must have a full warranty (parts and installation)
- you will need to inform OZEV and the DVLA if a charger is taken out of commission or removed
- you must keep all grant / works documentation (invoices, certs. etc) and email this OZEV if requested
- you agree to comply with OZEV compliance audits involving third party organisation
How the grant scheme works
The grant operates as voucher based scheme. Your business or organisation applies online via OZEV's portal. When eligibility checks are complete, you receive a voucher for the number of required chargepoint sockets. You give this to your installer who will invoice you for the work, less the value of this voucher, e.g.:
After project completion, your installer will claim the value of the grant on your behalf. OZEV pays this amount directly to your installer.
Step by step process:
Useful Information
FAQs
Why do I need a voucher?
The voucher issued by OZEV is unique to your organisation and application. It is used as a reference for the scoped project and will be used in all documentation. Vouchers are non-transferable and are valid for 6 months from date of issue. If your voucher expires you'll need a new one.
What is the maximum value of the grant?
The maximum potential value of the grant is £14,000 (40 sockets x £350 per socket).
Can I get more than one grant / voucher?
Yes, you can apply for another voucher at any time. However, your voucher must be issued and valid before installation starts. Vouchers cannot be gained retrospectively. Work completed before a voucher is generated will not eligible for the grant. You can reapply as many times as you like as long as you do not exceed the 40 socket limit.
What type of chargepoints can I use?
Only WCS-approved charger models are eligible for the grant. OZEV keeps an updated list on their website. The list includes a range of wallbox units (3.5kW; 7kW; 11kW; 22kW) as well as larger DC rapid charging stations.
I want to provide charging for everyone - how does that work?
Customers and visitors must use separate chargepoint units to your staff. Those units will be ineligible for the WCS grant. Non-WCS chargepoints will need to be installed for separate parking spaces. WCS chargepoints require dedicated parking bays for each socket.
Will providing charging facilities create a taxable BIK?
Taxable benefit issues do not arise from the provision of employee charging at workplaces (as long as these required conditions are met).
Does a member of staff need to have an EV before we can claim the WCS grant?
It is not a requirement. You will be asked to declare a need for EV charging capability - or an intention to encourage staff/fleet EV uptake.
What are the state aid requirements of the workplace charging scheme?
The WCS grant was subject to de minimis state aid regulations when the UK was in the EU. An entity could not exceed €200,000 of aid over a 3-year fiscal period. However, EU State aid rules no longer apply to subsidies granted from 1st January 2021 in the UK. The Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) introduces a higher de minimis threshold of ~£350,000 over 3 years. OZEV has not yet updated their documentation for this, or the WCS declarations. If this affects your ability to claim, you may wish to seek legal advice.
How long does it take to apply?
The application can be completed quickly but it can take up to 5 working days to receive a voucher.
Are the chargepoints able to be moved in the future?
Yes, but you need to contact OZEV and tell them about a relocation. Moving a chargepoint will not qualify for the grant.
Can I get the grant for multiple sites for my business?
Yes, charging stations can be spread out across any number of sites up to the 40 socket limit.
What data will OZEV require and what are the terms?
OZEV's personal information charter explains how they collect and use your data. OZEV retains all grant and installation documentation relating to applicants. They also maintain chargepoint location and usage data for over 10 years.
Unanswered question about the grant? Send us an email
Links
Authorised installer list
Search for an WCS-authorised installer.
Approved chargepoint list
WCS-approved smart charging stations.
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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