EV Grants and Incentives in the UK for 2026

The UK government has scaled back several EV purchase grants in recent years, but financial incentives still exist in a number of areas: charger installation grants, company car tax advantages, and various local authority and workplace schemes. The picture changes regularly, so any specific figures here should be verified on gov.uk before you rely on them. The most dependable incentives right now are around home and workplace charger installation rather than the vehicle purchase price itself. If you are setting up home charging, understanding what help is available can meaningfully reduce your upfront cost, especially if you choose a portable charger or a fixed wallbox.

Is there still a grant for buying an electric car?

The Plug-in Car Grant for private buyers was closed to new applications in 2022. The government's position since then has been that the EV market has matured enough to proceed without direct purchase subsidies, and that support is better targeted at infrastructure. There may be future reintroductions or new schemes, particularly if EV uptake slows below ZEV Mandate targets, but there is no confirmed general consumer purchase grant at the time of writing. Always check gov.uk for current scheme status before assuming nothing has changed.

What charger installation grants are still available?

The EV Chargepoint Grant (formerly OZEV's EVCG) has been refined over time. At the time of writing, it is targeted at people who live in flats or who rent their home, covering a proportion of the cost of a home chargepoint installation. Homeowners with off-street parking are currently excluded from this specific residential grant, though this could change. The Workplace Charging Scheme remains active for businesses, charities, and certain accommodation providers, offering a contribution toward the cost of charger installation at business premises. The amounts and eligibility criteria change, so verify on the OZEV section of gov.uk before planning your installation.

How does company car tax help EV drivers?

If you receive a company car, or participate in a salary sacrifice scheme, the Benefit in Kind (BIK) tax rate on a fully electric car is far lower than on a petrol or diesel equivalent. This makes electric company cars attractive for both employers and employees, which is why salary sacrifice schemes offering EVs have grown rapidly. The exact BIK percentage rises incrementally each tax year, so check the current and future rates on gov.uk or HMRC before making a decision, as the trajectory matters for a multi-year scheme. Even with the incremental rises, the gap between EV and petrol BIK rates is expected to remain significant for several years.

Does an EV save money on road tax?

Historically, EVs were exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty entirely. From 2025, the government brought EVs into the VED system, meaning they now pay some road tax, though the rates differ from petrol and diesel cars. The first-year rate for new zero-emission cars differs from subsequent years, and the exact figures are set by the Treasury and can change. Check the current VED tables on gov.uk, as stating specific figures here risks being out of date. The overall tax position for EVs remains advantageous compared to combustion cars even with VED now applying.

Are there any local or regional incentives?

Some local authorities offer additional support for EV charging infrastructure on residential streets, particularly in areas with high demand and limited off-street parking. A small number of councils have offered subsidised on-street charger installations or partnerships with charge point operators. The availability and generosity of local schemes varies enormously, so it is worth checking with your local council directly and looking at the schemes operated by your regional Distribution Network Operator. Our guides section covers on-street charging options in more detail.

Frequently asked questions

Has the government removed all EV grants?

Not entirely. The private car purchase grant ended in 2022, but grants for charger installation, workplace charging, and public charging infrastructure investment remain active. The position evolves, so check gov.uk regularly, particularly as ZEV Mandate compliance pressures and EV uptake figures change the policy context.

Can I get a grant if I rent my home?

At the time of writing, yes. The EV Chargepoint Grant is currently targeted specifically at renters and flat dwellers, as these groups have historically faced more barriers to home charging. You will need your landlord's agreement for installation. Check current eligibility criteria on gov.uk before applying, as the scheme details have changed and may continue to do so.

What is the Workplace Charging Scheme?

The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a government-backed voucher scheme that contributes toward the upfront cost of purchasing and installing EV charge points at business premises. It is administered by OZEV. Eligible organisations include businesses of all sizes, charities, and small accommodation providers. Apply via the gov.uk portal before committing to an installation, as the grant must be approved in advance.

Do salary sacrifice EV schemes still make sense?

For many employees, yes, particularly given the low BIK rate on electric cars. The tax and National Insurance savings through salary sacrifice can make a new EV substantially cheaper than buying privately. The benefit depends on your tax rate, the car's value, and current BIK rates, so model the numbers for your specific situation using the HMRC calculator or ask your employer's fleet team.

Are there grants for public charging infrastructure?

Yes. The government provides funding to local authorities, charge point operators, and housing associations to expand the public charging network. This is less visible to individual drivers but is the main mechanism through which the public network is growing. The On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme and Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund are the main vehicles for this public-side investment.

Will there be new EV grants in future?

Policy evolves, and future grants could be introduced if EV uptake lags behind ZEV Mandate targets or if the government wants to accelerate adoption. There is no confirmed new consumer purchase grant at the time of writing, but checking gov.uk periodically is worthwhile, especially if you are planning a purchase over the next year or two.

The incentive landscape changes regularly, so always verify on gov.uk before acting. For practical guidance on setting up home charging, browse our guides section, or find your ideal EV charging cable by car.