What Is the Workplace Charging Scheme?

The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a UK government grant that helps businesses, charities, and public-sector organisations offset the cost of purchasing and installing EV charge points for their staff and fleet vehicles. Rather than paying the full upfront cost of hardware and installation, eligible organisations can claim a contribution towards each socket installed, up to a capped number per applicant. If your organisation is considering installing chargers at your premises, it is worth understanding the scheme's eligibility rules and application process before committing to a supplier. Drivers at workplaces with installed chargers often also benefit from having a Type 2 charging cable to use at untethered workplace sockets.

Who is eligible for the Workplace Charging Scheme?

Eligibility covers a broad range of organisations: registered businesses, charities registered with the relevant charity commission, public sector bodies, and certain accommodation providers such as hotels and holiday lets that want to provide charging for guests. Sole traders and home-based workers are generally not covered by the WCS, as the scheme is aimed at premises used by others rather than a single individual's home. The applicant must have dedicated off-street parking associated with the premises where the chargers will be installed. Always verify the current eligibility rules directly on gov.uk, as the scheme's terms can be updated between government spending reviews.

How does the application process work?

Unlike some grant schemes where you apply directly and then commission work, the WCS application is handled through an OZEV-approved installer. The organisation first registers for the scheme via the gov.uk portal and receives a voucher. That voucher is then handed to the approved installer, who applies for the grant contribution on the organisation's behalf as part of the installation contract. This means the supplier and installer you choose must be on the OZEV approved list: not every electrical contractor qualifies. It is worth getting quotes from at least two or three approved installers to compare both the quality of hardware offered and the total cost after the grant contribution.

What types of charge points qualify?

The scheme requires chargers that meet the government's smart charging requirements. This means the unit must be capable of communicating with a network or energy management system, scheduling charging, and in some cases responding to grid demand signals. Basic unconnected chargers with no smart functionality do not qualify. Most modern wallbox products from established manufacturers meet these requirements, but it is worth confirming with the installer that the specific unit being proposed is on the OZEV approved product list. The scheme also requires permanent installation: portable chargers or cable-based units without a fixed charge point do not qualify.

What are the tax implications for employers and employees?

Workplace charging has specific tax treatment in the UK. HMRC has historically provided a benefit-in-kind exemption for electricity provided to employees to charge their own electric vehicles at the workplace, meaning employees are not taxed on the value of the electricity they use. This is a meaningful saving compared with the normal benefit-in-kind rules that would apply to most perks. The rules around workplace charging for company cars and salary sacrifice schemes are more detailed: check the current HMRC guidance on gov.uk or speak to a payroll adviser, as the specifics can change with each Budget. Do not rely on historical advice: the current HMRC pages are the authoritative source.

What should employers consider when planning a workplace charging installation?

A few practical considerations beyond the grant itself. First, think about how many charge points you actually need relative to the number of staff with EVs today and your projection for the next three to five years: installing a scalable setup with load management is cheaper than returning to do it again. Second, consider access control: do you want chargers that require an RFID card or app to activate, so usage can be tracked and recharged to employees or departments if needed? Third, think about the electrical supply to your building: adding multiple 7kW chargers simultaneously draws significant current, and a load management system that distributes the available supply between active chargers is often necessary at sites with more than two or three units.

• Get the electrical supply capacity assessed early in the planning process
• Confirm which charger models are on the OZEV approved list before specifying hardware
• Check whether your organisation needs access control and usage reporting
• Ask your installer about future expansion, especially if your EV fleet is likely to grow

Frequently asked questions

Can a small business with just a few employees apply?

Yes. The WCS is open to businesses of all sizes provided they have dedicated off-street parking at the premises and meet the other eligibility criteria. There is a cap on the total number of sockets covered per applicant, which means small businesses can benefit but cannot claim for an unlimited number of units. Check the current cap on gov.uk, as it has changed over time.

Can employees apply for the WCS on behalf of their employer?

The scheme must be applied for by the organisation, not individual employees. However, an employee who drives an EV can certainly raise the scheme with their employer and point them to the gov.uk guidance. The employer makes the application and owns the installed hardware. The benefit to the employee is access to workplace charging, not a direct financial grant.

Does the WCS cover charge points in a car park shared with other businesses?

Shared or leasehold car parks introduce complications around ownership and installation consent. The OZEV guidance addresses some scenarios involving shared car parks, but the specific eligibility depends on who owns or controls the parking and whether the installation can be made permanent. Consult the gov.uk eligibility checker and consider taking legal or facilities advice if your car park arrangement is complex.

What happens to the charge points if the business moves?

The charge points installed under the WCS belong to the organisation and are permanently fixed to the premises. If the business moves, the units remain with the property unless the landlord agrees otherwise. This is worth considering at the planning stage: discuss ownership and dilapidations implications with your landlord before installation if you are a tenant rather than a freeholder.

Are there equivalent grants for home charging in the UK?

Yes. The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) has provided grants for home wallbox installations for eligible residents, though eligibility criteria have changed over time. Check the current position on gov.uk for home charging grants, as the scheme differs from the WCS and has had different eligibility rules at different points. Both schemes are administered by OZEV.

Do staff need their own cable to use an untethered workplace charger?

Yes, if the workplace charger is an untethered AC unit (a socket rather than a fixed cable), each driver needs to supply their own cable. For the vast majority of modern UK EVs, this means a Type 2 to Type 2 cable. It is worth employers communicating this clearly when workplace charging goes live, to avoid staff arriving with an EV but no cable. Our EV accessories range also includes cable storage bags and holders to keep cables tidy in the boot.

If your employer is exploring workplace charging, sharing the gov.uk WCS guidance is the most useful first step. For employees who already charge at work using an untethered socket, browse our Type 2 charging cables to find the right cable for your car. Our full range of EV charging accessories also includes cable bags and holders to keep your boot organised.