Where cars are concerned, it certainly seems like the future’s electric. And while a majority of us are still filling up at the petrol pump, more Brits are switching over to electric vehicles. This year there were 1.3 million fully electric cars on UK roads, as of October 2024. And while there’s no shortage of electric vehicles or electric vehicle accessories, there are other reasons for a slower switch to EVs.

One of the biggest things holding UK motorists back is a concern about overnight charging locations. Most people keep their vehicles where they live, but installing electric chargers can be impractical or expensive. However, there is help to be had. Because the UK government wants all of us to switch to electric by 2035, there are ongoing initiatives to make that happen.

So, if you’re looking to install an EV chargepoint, government grants are out there to help cut the cost. But keeping up with what they are and when they’re available can be tough. That’s why we’re here to help simplify which charger grants are currently available, and what else you can do to make home charging easier...

Chargepoint grant for renters and flat owners

If you rent or own a flat in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you can apply for an EV chargepoint grant. You’ll need your own designated, off-street parking space, and it’ll help cover 75% of installing a chargepoint - capped at £350.

Which electric vehicles are eligible?

A whole range of electric vehicles are currently covered, including motorcycles, vans, trucks, taxis and wheelchair accessible vehicles. Drivers who lease or have an EV company car are also included, as are those who have an EV on order.

But what’s notably absent are grants for private car chargepoints in general. But since they were previously available (and the UK has such ambitious targets around electric cars) don’t be surprised to see them back.

Chargepoint for house owners

While if you own a flat you can get a grant for a chargepoint, house-owners can no longer get a grant. These were previously available, but ended back in March 2022. But those government targets around electric cars for new car sales suggest a likely return at some point.

Infrastructure grants for landlords

It’s not just tenants who get a helping hand. Landlords or property managers can apply too. This covers up to £500 per bay, for a maximum of 60 bays for residential car parks.

40% of younger drivers have already switched to electric. And since these are the people more likely to rent, rental properties with EV chargers are often more desirable.

Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)

Businesses aren’t left out either. Workplaces can claim for a maximum of 40 sockets, with 75% of the cost covered – capped at £350 per socket.

Installing an EV charging station

If you want to install a chargepoint at your property, one great option is an Ohme smart charger. Their smart chargers work with your existing tariff, making them much easier to integrate with your current home set up.

They currently offer two chargers: the larger Ohme Home Pro (which includes a colour screen) and the more compact Ohme ePod – which works with type 1 or 2 cables. (More on that below).

The other big win is Ohme take care of installation, so you can leave the tricky hook up to them. Once up and running, you can manage your electric vehicle charging on a handy app.

To find out more and start ordering, check out our Ohme page.

What charging accessories do I need?

The most important part has to be charging cables! A weatherproof charging cable is essential (especially for the British climate) and a standard 7.4 kW is compatible with electric vehicles. After that it will depend on how far your vehicle is from your chargepoint. Our 8 m charging cables come with a protective case so they can be safely stored when not in use.

What’s next?

For all the latest on the best EVs on two wheels, including scooters, hoverboards and e-bikes, check out our articles on Electric vehicles.