Free government help toward the cost of installing a home charger still exists in 2026 — but it's narrower than it used to be, and the rules changed again this year. Here's who currently qualifies and how to apply.
Up to £500
maximum grant, covering up to 75% of install cost
31 Mar 2027
scheme funded until (extended in 2026)
Who can apply
- You live in a flat that you own, or you rent any residential property (house or flat).
- You have dedicated off-street parking you have a legal right to use (a driveway, allocated space, or similar — on-street parking doesn't qualify).
- You own, lease, or have already ordered an eligible electric vehicle.
- You (or the property) haven't received this grant, or its predecessors (the old Electric Vehicle Homecharging Scheme), before.
- If you rent, or don't own the freehold, you'll need your landlord's or freeholder's written permission before applying.
Who doesn't qualify
- Owner-occupiers of a standalone or semi-detached house (a separate, no-longer-running scheme used to cover this group).
- Lodgers living with their landlord.
- Anyone without their own dedicated off-street parking.
How to apply
- Get a quote from an OZEV-approved installer.
- Apply for the grant yourself directly through GOV.UK's "Find a Grant" service (as of April 2026, installers can no longer apply on your behalf) — you'll need your installer's OZEV registration number.
- Wait for OZEV to confirm you're eligible before any work starts — approval up front is now required, rather than claiming the grant back afterwards.
- Once approved, your installer fits the charger and the grant is applied directly to your bill.
Good to know
- Approval is currently taking longer than the stated 10 working days for many applicants — budget a few weeks either side of when you want the charger fitted.
- The grant amount and rules have changed more than once in the last couple of years, so treat the figures above as a starting point and always confirm the current terms before you commit to an installer.