The UK’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is a key component of its strategy to achieve net-zero targets by 2050. Central to this is the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), which has introduced various initiatives to make EV adoption more accessible to businesses and individuals across the country.
From financial incentives for drivers to investments in charging infrastructure, OZEV’s support has played a crucial role in the growth of EV adoption. This article explores how OZEV funding is shaping the UK’s EV landscape, backed by statistics and expert insights.
The Impact of OZEV Funding on EV Registrations
One of the clearest indicators of OZEV’s success is the sharp increase in EV registrations over the past few years.
- In 2020, (the year OZEV was introduced) a total of 108,205 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were registered in the UK, comparing that figure to 2024’s you see an extreme upward trend reaching 381,970 registrations.
- The market share of BEVs reached 19.6% of new car sales in 2024, up from 16.5% in 2023, indicating a steady upward trend.
This growth has been driven in part by OZEV incentives such as grants for purchasing EVs and tax benefits for businesses adopting electric fleets. While direct grants for private EV buyers have been phased out, funding remains available for businesses, taxis, and commercial fleets, which are increasingly shifting towards electric models.
Investment in Charging Infrastructure
A major challenge to EV adoption is reducing the stress of ‘range anxiety’ by ensuring a widespread and reliable charging infrastructure. OZEV funding has supported the development of both public and private charging solutions, ensuring that drivers have access to charging points wherever they need them.
As of February 2025, the UK has:
- 75,675 public charging points at 38,350 locations
- With 15,109 of these chargers being rapid or higher (50kW +)
The government has set a target to expand public charging points to 300,000 by 2030, representing a massive increase.
Grant Charging Schemes
In addition to public charging, OZEV provides grants to support home and workplace charging installations.
- Domestic Property Grants: There are 3 currently available domestic property (home) grants available for landlords and owners/ tenants to utilise.
- Workplace Grants: There are also 3 different grants available for workplaces and other commercial properties to help with public and staff utilisation of these chargers.
- Educational Facility Grant: There is one current grant available for educational facilities to benefit from being the highest covering grant available.
By subsidising installation costs, these schemes make it easier for individuals and businesses to transition to EVs, ensuring convenient charging options at home and at work.
Economic and Environmental Impact
OZEV funding is not only accelerating EV adoption but also driving economic benefits. The shift towards electric mobility is creating new jobs in the green economy, from EV manufacturing to charging infrastructure development.
From an environmental perspective, increased EV adoption directly contributes to the UK’s carbon reduction goals. Transport accounts for around 26% (2021) of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, and replacing petrol and diesel vehicles with electric alternatives is essential to achieving net zero by 2050.
TL;DR
OZEV funding is a key driver of EV adoption, contributing to record sales and increased market share. The UK now has over 75,675 public charging points, with a goal of reaching 300,000 by 2030. Multiple grant charging schemes have made EV ownership and charging infastucture more accessible. EV adoption is helping reduce transport emissions, supporting the UK’s net-zero ambitions. Challenges remain, including infrastructure expansion and ongoing government support to sustain momentum.
OZEV’s continued investment in EV funding and infrastructure will be crucial to ensuring that the UK remains a global leader in electric mobility.