Workplace EV charging has shifted from “nice to have” to a genuine business decision. Staff are driving more EVs, fleets are electrifying, visitors increasingly expect charging, and many sites are trying to future-proof without overbuilding infrastructure.

That’s why the OZEV Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) keeps coming up in conversations. It’s one of the clearest support routes available for organisations that want to install chargepoints at workplaces, and 2026 brings an important update.

Under the government’s latest changes, the WCS is extended until 31 March 2027, and from 1 April 2026 the maximum grant rate increases from £350 to £500 per socket for installations completed from that date.

In other words, if workplace charging is on your plans, the next year is a useful window to get designs ready, secure vouchers, and schedule installations in a controlled way.

A quick recap, what the Workplace Charging Scheme actually is

The Workplace Charging Scheme is a voucher-based grant that supports eligible applicants with the upfront purchase and installation costs of EV chargepoints at workplaces. It applies across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

It’s run by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and administered by the DVLA.

What’s changing in 2026

The headline update is the new maximum grant level.

The WCS remains available until 31 March 2027.
From 1 April 2026, businesses and other workplaces will be eligible for up to £500 per socket, as long as the installation is completed from that date (even if the voucher was applied for earlier).

The scheme still focuses on helping workplaces get chargepoints in place where they are needed, rather than funding home charging.

Who can use the workplace grant?

WCS is open to eligible:

businesses
charities
public sector organisations

There are specific guidance pages for charities and small accommodation businesses too, which confirms the scheme is aimed at workplaces with a genuine need for EV charging.

If you’re not sure whether your site qualifies, it usually comes down to the practical basics, your organisation, your parking arrangements, and whether you’re installing at a qualifying location.

How the voucher route works

The WCS is designed to be admin-light for businesses.

Typically:

You apply and receive a voucher
You use an OZEV-authorised installer
Once the work is completed and commissioned, the installer uses the voucher to claim the grant as part of the process

That installer requirement is important. The grant is designed to ensure installations meet standards and can be audited, so it’s not a DIY scheme.

The part many businesses miss, design matters more than chargers

The grant is helpful, but it’s not the reason a workplace charging project succeeds. The winners are the sites that plan properly.

A good workplace rollout usually starts with:

a simple view of who’s charging (fleet, staff, visitors)
how long vehicles are parked (all day vs quick turnaround)
whether you need load management (most multi-bay sites do)
a phased plan (install what you need now, but design for growth)

This is where businesses avoid the classic problems: too few bays, chargers that aren’t managed fairly, and infrastructure that can’t scale.

What about other OZEV grants?

The government’s EV chargepoint grant guidance lists other grant routes and highlights that rules and timelines vary by scheme.

If you’re approaching workplace charging via a landlord model or education setting, it’s worth checking the latest position first, because different grants have different criteria and deadlines.

A sensible next step for businesses

If you’re considering workplace charging, the smartest move is usually:

get a site survey
map your current and expected EV demand
decide whether you want staff-only, fleet-only, visitor, or mixed use
then apply for the voucher once the scope is clear

That way, the voucher supports a plan you can actually deliver, rather than rushing into a layout that doesn’t fit the way your site operates.

Want help planning workplace EV charging?

If you’d like to explore workplace charging and whether the OZEV Workplace Charging Scheme can support your installation, we can help you plan a system that’s practical now and scalable later, just contact us here.

Grant rules and funding levels can change. Always check the latest official guidance before proceeding.