The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a UK government grant that gives eligible businesses, charities and public sector organisations up to £500 per socket, covering 75% of the cost of buying and installing electric vehicle chargepoints. For Norfolk businesses planning commercial EV charging installation, the grant can fund up to 40 sockets across your sites, capped at a maximum of £20,000. The scheme runs until 31 March 2027, after which it closes permanently.
As an OZEV-authorised installer and NICEIC Approved Contractor based near Norwich, Excel Electrical can survey your site, recommend the right setup and complete the work so you claim the grant correctly. Below is a clear guide to how the scheme works, who qualifies and how to apply before the window shuts.
What is the Workplace Charging Scheme?
The Workplace Charging Scheme is a voucher-based grant administered by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). It contributes towards the purchase and installation of EV chargepoint sockets at eligible workplaces, reducing the upfront cost of going electric for your staff or fleet.
Rather than paying the full cost yourself, the grant covers a share of the bill up to a fixed cap per socket. You apply for a voucher first, then have it redeemed by an authorised installer once the chargepoints are fitted.
How much is the workplace EV charging grant worth?
From 1 April 2026, the WCS covers up to 75% of the total cost of buying and installing chargepoints, including VAT, capped at the figures below. Installations completed before that date were capped at the previous £350 rate.
| Grant detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Grant per socket (from 1 April 2026) | Up to £500 |
| Proportion of cost covered | Up to 75% (including VAT) |
| Maximum sockets per applicant | 40 across all sites |
| Maximum total grant | Up to £20,000 |
| Scheme closing date | 31 March 2027 |
Source: GOV.UK Find a Grant, Workplace Charging Scheme.
Who is eligible for the Workplace Charging Scheme?
The scheme is open to a broad range of organisations, provided the premises meet OZEV’s parking requirements. You may be eligible if you are one of the following:
- A registered business installing chargepoints for staff or fleet vehicles
- A charity registered with the relevant regulator
- A public sector organisation, such as a local authority or NHS surgery
- A small accommodation business, such as a hotel or B&B
What are the site requirements?
The premises rules are where most applications succeed or stall. To qualify, your site must meet these conditions:
- You own the property, or you have written consent from the landlord
- The site has dedicated off-street parking clearly associated with the premises
- For businesses, the parking is for your staff or fleet, not solely for customer use
- The parking spaces are suitable for chargepoint installation
On-street parking does not qualify, even if the bays sit directly outside your building. You should have the site surveyed by an installer before you apply.
How do you apply for the Workplace Charging Scheme?
Applying for the grant is a straightforward process when you work with an authorised installer. The main steps are:
- Arrange a site survey with an OZEV-authorised installer to confirm eligibility and chargepoint numbers.
- Submit your application through the government’s online portal to request a voucher.
- Receive your voucher code by email, typically within five working days. The voucher is valid for 180 days.
- Have your chargepoints installed and the grant claimed by your installer within that 180-day window.
You will need to provide evidence such as a Companies House reference number, VAT registration number or a business rate bill. Retrospective applications are not accepted, so you cannot install first and apply afterwards. Full details are set out on the GOV.UK Workplace Charging Scheme page.
Why should Norfolk businesses act before the deadline?
OZEV has confirmed that 2026 to 2027 is the final year of the scheme. Once it closes on 31 March 2027, this level of grant support for workplace charging will no longer be available.
Installing chargepoints now also supports staff and visitors who drive electric vehicles, and there are potential tax advantages. Businesses can often claim the cost of installing a chargepoint as a capital allowance, and employees are not taxed on workplace charging where certain conditions are met. For guidance on your own position, check the current rules with HMRC or your accountant.
Why choose Excel Electrical for your installation?
Excel Electrical Services is a family-run firm based at Ashwellthorpe near Norwich, trading since 2001 and serving businesses across Norfolk and North Suffolk. We are a NICEIC Approved Contractor, a TrustMark registered company and a Norfolk Trusted Trader, so your installation is carried out to recognised safety and quality standards.
Our team handles the full process, from the initial site survey through to certification, and we have completed numerous commercial EV projects for local businesses. You can read more about our electrical testing and inspection services or explore our wider commercial and industrial electrical work.
Thinking about workplace EV charging in Norfolk? Get in touch with our team to arrange a site survey and we will help you claim the Workplace Charging Scheme grant before it closes; contact Excel Electrical today.
