From 1 April 2026, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) will introduce a revised structure for its EV chargepoint grant schemes. The updated approach simplifies the portfolio, adjusts funding levels, and changes how certain applications are processed.
This article explains which grants are ending, which continue into 2026–27, how funding levels are changing, and what applicants and installers should consider when planning installations.
Overview of the changes
From April 2026:
-
Some schemes will close on 31 March 2026
-
Remaining schemes will continue until 31 March 2027
-
Several grants will increase to £500 per socket
-
The education-specific grant will reduce
-
A new digital service will be introduced for selected schemes
Overall, the revised structure places greater emphasis on funding installations rather than preparatory infrastructure works.
Schemes closing on 31 March 2026
The following grants will no longer accept applications after 31 March 2026:
Staff and fleets grant
This scheme supported SMEs with both chargepoint installations and enabling works. Its closure removes dedicated funding for projects focused primarily on preparing sites for future expansion.
Commercial landlord chargepoint grant
Commercial landlords will no longer have a dedicated OZEV scheme for chargepoint installations following March 2026.
Residential landlord infrastructure grant
The infrastructure-only route for residential landlords will close. Landlords will still be able to apply under the standard residential landlord chargepoint scheme where installations are planned.
What this means
With these closures, government support is shifting away from infrastructure-first projects and towards schemes that support the installation of operational chargepoints.
Schemes continuing from 1 April 2026
Funding will remain available until 31 March 2027 for the following:
Homes
-
EV chargepoint grant for flats and renters
-
EV chargepoint grant for residential landlords
-
EV chargepoint grant for households with on-street parking
Workplaces
-
Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
State-funded education institutions
-
Workplace Charging Scheme for state-funded education institutions
Changes to grant levels
Homes: increased funding
From 1 April 2026, the maximum grant for home-focused schemes will increase from £350 to £500 per socket. This applies across the flats and renters, residential landlord, and on-street parking grants.
Workplace Charging Scheme: increased funding
The Workplace Charging Scheme will also increase to £500 per socket for installations completed on or after 1 April 2026, regardless of the application date.
State-funded education institutions: reduced funding
The WCS grant for state-funded education providers will decrease from £2,500 to £2,000 per socket for new applications submitted from April 2026.
Applications made before 1 April 2026 may still receive the higher rate if vouchers are redeemed by 30 September 2026.
Changes to how some grants are delivered
Introduction of the Find a grant service
From April 2026, OZEV will introduce a new digital platform for:
-
flats and renters grant applications
-
residential landlord chargepoint grant applications
This service will replace the current portal in phases.
Key differences in the process
Under the updated system:
-
applicants will register and apply directly through the new platform
-
installers will receive claim links digitally
-
both customers and installers will receive decisions by email
-
installers will monitor claim progress via email rather than a portal
Initially, OZEV expects application and claim assessments to take up to 10 working days.
As with current arrangements, installations must not begin until eligibility has been confirmed.
Transition arrangements
Existing applications
Applicants who applied before 1 April 2026 may choose to submit a new application through Find a grant in order to access the revised funding levels. In these cases, the earlier application will be cancelled.
Applicants who do not wish to reapply may proceed under the current system at the existing funding level.
Key deadlines for closing schemes
For schemes ending in March 2026:
-
last date to apply: 31 March 2026
-
last date for installers to submit claims: 26 May 2026
-
final date to provide additional evidence: 6 July 2026
Installers should ensure projects can be completed within these timeframes before committing to new work.
What applicants should consider
For households and landlords
The increased funding levels may improve affordability for planned installations. However, applicants should allow time for approvals under the new system and ensure eligibility is confirmed before installation.
For workplaces
Businesses planning installations may wish to consider project timing carefully, particularly where installations could qualify for the revised funding cap from April 2026.
For education providers
Organisations wishing to access the current higher funding rate should consider applying before April 2026 and completing installations within the required timeframe.
Summary
The April 2026 changes simplify the EV chargepoint grant landscape while adjusting support levels across sectors. The revised structure places greater emphasis on delivering operational chargepoints while reducing support for preparatory infrastructure works.
Applicants and installers are encouraged to review timelines carefully and plan projects around the key transition dates.