EV Charger Grant Rejection: Appeals and Solutions UK 2025

EV Charger Grant Rejection: Appeals and Solutions UK 2025

Receiving an OZEV grant rejection can be frustrating and confusing—especially when you believed you met all eligibility criteria. With £350 potentially at stake, understanding why grants get rejected and how to successfully appeal or find alternative solutions is crucial for UK homeowners planning EV charger installations.

The good news? Most OZEV grant rejections are resolvable. Common issues include documentation errors, installer mistakes, misunderstood eligibility criteria, or temporary technical problems—not permanent disqualification. With the right approach, many rejected applicants successfully secure grant funding on second attempts.

This comprehensive guide explains the most common OZEV grant rejection reasons, provides step-by-step appeals processes, offers practical solutions to fix eligibility issues, and outlines alternative funding options if appeals fail.

Understanding OZEV Grant Rejections: The Numbers

Rejection Rates

While OZEV doesn't publish official rejection statistics, industry estimates from OZEV-approved installers suggest:

Initial approval rate: ~85-90% Rejection rate: ~10-15% Successful appeal rate: ~60-70% (of rejections)

Translation: Of 100 grant applications:

• 85-90 approved initially
• 10-15 rejected
• 6-10 approvals after appeal
• Final approval rate: 91-97%

These numbers reveal an important truth: most rejections are fixable. The majority of denials stem from correctable issues rather than fundamental ineligibility.

Timeline Context

Understanding OZEV grant processing timelines helps set realistic expectations:

Standard approval: Instant to 48 hours (most applications) Rejection notification: Usually within 24-72 hours Appeal submission: Within 14 days of rejection Appeal review: 7-21 days Installation scheduling: 2-4 weeks after approval

Total timeline from rejection to installation: 6-8 weeks (typical)

Top 10 OZEV Grant Rejection Reasons (And How to Fix Them)

1. Ineligible Property Type

Rejection message: "Property does not meet eligibility criteria for the EV chargepoint grant."

Common causes:

• Single-occupancy house with off-street parking: The grant ended for standard houses in April 2022. Only flats, apartments, and rented accommodation now qualify.
• Commercial property: Business premises don't qualify (see Workplace Charging Scheme instead)
• Property classification error: Listed as "house" when actually "flat" or vice versa

Solution:

If genuinely ineligible (detached house, owner-occupied): Unfortunately, no appeal will succeed. Consider:

• Local council grants (some offer £200-£500 for houses)
• Energy supplier incentives
• Unsubsidised installation (typically £800-£1,400 total)

If incorrectly classified:

• Provide title deeds or Land Registry documents proving property is flat/apartment/rental
• Submit council tax documentation showing property classification
• Include lease agreement (for leaseholds)
• Installer resubmits with correct property classification

Success rate: High (90%+) if documentation proves correct classification

2. No Valid Off-Street Parking

Rejection message: "Applicant does not have access to eligible off-street parking."

Common causes:

• On-street parking only (kerbside parking doesn't qualify)
• Shared parking without clear access rights
• Parking space not clearly associated with property
• Communal parking without written confirmation

Solution:

Allocated parking space:

• Provide lease/title deed showing parking space allocation
• Submit parking space number/designation documentation
• Include site plan marking parking space

Shared/communal parking:

• Obtain written confirmation from freeholder/managing agent stating you have access to off-street parking
• Include building residents' agreement for shared charging installation
• Provide site plan showing parking area and proposed charger location

Driveway/private parking:

• Submit photographic evidence of driveway/parking area
• Include site plan showing parking relative to property
• Confirm ownership via Land Registry documents if boundary unclear

Success rate: High (85%+) with proper documentation

3. Non-OZEV Approved Charger

Rejection message: "Selected charger model is not OZEV-approved."

Common causes:

• Installer quoted older charger model no longer on approved list
• Charger model number entered incorrectly
• Pre-June 2022 "non-smart" charger proposed
• Unbranded/imported charger not meeting UK standards

Solution:

Check current approved list: Visit gov.uk/government/publications/electric-vehicle-homecharge-scheme-approved-chargepoint-model-list

Common approved chargers (2025):

• Wallbox Pulsar Plus
• Ohme Home Pro
• Zappi v2
• Easee One
• EO Mini Pro 3
• Pod Point Solo 3
• Hypervolt Home 3.0
• Andersen A2

Resolution: Installer resubmits with correct OZEV-approved model. No impact on approval—simple administrative correction.

Success rate: 100% (purely administrative fix)

4. Non-OZEV Authorised Installer

Rejection message: "Installer is not OZEV-authorised for EV chargepoint grant scheme."

Common causes:

• Installer authorisation expired/lapsed
• Installer not registered with OZEV scheme
• Installer registration suspended (compliance issues)
• Wrong installer ID entered

Solution:

Verify installer status: Check gov.uk/government/publications/electric-vehicle-homecharge-scheme-authorised-installers

If installer not authorised:

• Find alternative OZEV-authorised installer from official list
• Reschedule installation with authorised installer
• Original installer may forfeit deposit (check contract terms)

If installer authorisation lapsed:

• Wait for installer to renew authorisation (typically 1-2 weeks)
• Installer resubmits application once authorisation renewed

If administrative error:

• Installer corrects registration number/details
• Immediate resubmission

Success rate: 100% with authorised installer (but may require changing installer)

5. Insufficient or Incorrect Documentation

Rejection message: "Application lacks required documentation to verify eligibility."

Common missing documents:

• Proof of property ownership (title deeds, mortgage statement)
• Proof of EV ownership/order (V5C, purchase agreement)
• Landlord/freeholder consent (for rentals/leaseholds)
• Parking allocation proof (lease, parking permit)
• Planning permission (listed buildings/conservation areas)

Solution:

Proof of property:

• Land Registry title document
• Recent mortgage statement
• Council tax bill with your name

Proof of EV ownership:

• V5C logbook (vehicle registered to your name)
• Purchase/lease agreement for ordered EV
• Company car agreement (for company EVs)

Landlord consent (rentals):

• Written permission from landlord on letterhead
• Email confirmation forwarded to installer
• Lease clause explicitly allowing alterations

Freeholder consent (leaseholds/flats):

• Managing agent approval letter
• Freeholder written consent
• Building consent documentation

Planning permission (if required):

• Local authority planning approval
• Conservation area consent
• Listed building consent

Resubmission: Installer compiles complete documentation package and resubmits. Average approval time: 48-72 hours after complete submission.

Success rate: Very high (90%+) once documentation complete

6. Duplicate Grant Application

Rejection message: "Grant already claimed for this property/applicant."

Common causes:

• Previous owner claimed grant
• You claimed grant at previous address
• Landlord claimed grant before renting property
• Administrative error (rare)

Solution:

Previous owner claimed grant: Unfortunately, OZEV grants are one per property, not per owner. If previous owner claimed the grant:

• Check Land Registry records to confirm previous grant claim
• Accept you're ineligible for OZEV grant at this property
• Explore alternative funding (local council grants, energy supplier schemes)

You claimed at previous address: OZEV grants are one per person as well. If you've claimed before:

• No appeal will succeed
• Install charger without grant (£800-£1,400)
• Potential exception: If circumstances changed dramatically (e.g., previous claim was for rental property you no longer occupy), contact OZEV directly to explain circumstances—rare exceptions granted case-by-case

Administrative error: If you're certain no previous claim exists:

• Request OZEV provide evidence of previous claim (date, property, applicant details)
• If error confirmed, OZEV will approve application
• Resolution time: 7-14 days for investigation

Success rate: Low (unless genuine administrative error, then 100%)

7. Property Not Eligible for Grant (End of Standard Housing Scheme)

Rejection message: "Standard housing grant scheme closed April 2022. Property not eligible under current criteria."

Explanation: The OZEV grant for standard owner-occupied houses ended April 1, 2022. Current scheme covers only:

• Flats and apartments
• Rental properties
• Properties in multiple occupation

Solution:

No appeal possible: This is policy, not error. Houses with off-street parking are no longer grant-eligible.

Alternative funding:

• Local council grants: Many councils offer £200-£500 for home chargers (check your local authority)
• Energy supplier schemes: Octopus Energy, OVO, British Gas occasionally offer installation discounts
• Manufacturer incentives: Some EV manufacturers include free/discounted charger installation with vehicle purchase
• Interest-free credit: Many installers offer 0% APR financing over 6-12 months

Unsubsidised costs: £800-£1,400 for standard installation

Success rate: Zero (policy-level ineligibility)

8. EV Not Registered to Applicant

Rejection message: "Vehicle ownership cannot be verified for applicant."

Common causes:

• EV registered to spouse/partner, not applicant
• Company car not clearly documented
• EV ordered but not yet delivered
• Lease agreement not provided

Solution:

Partner's EV:

• If married/civil partnership: Submit marriage certificate + V5C showing partner's name
• If cohabiting: Some applications accepted with joint proof of address + relationship declaration
• Alternative: Partner applies for grant instead (if they meet other criteria)

Company car:

• Provide company car agreement clearly showing:
  • Your name as designated driver
  • Employer's name and business registration
  • Vehicle details (make, model, registration)
• Employer letter confirming you have home charging rights

Ordered EV:

• Supply purchase agreement or order confirmation showing:
  • Your name
  • Vehicle specification
  • Expected delivery date
• OZEV accepts applications for vehicles on order (common practice)

Lease car:

• Provide lease agreement showing:
  • Your name as lessee
  • Vehicle details
  • Lease terms and duration

Success rate: High (85%+) with proper vehicle ownership documentation

9. Installation Does Not Meet Technical Requirements

Rejection message: "Proposed installation does not comply with OZEV technical specifications."

Common technical issues:

• Charger not "smart" (pre-2022 requirement change)
• Installation doesn't meet BS 7671 standards
• Charger not compatible with UK grid (G99 requirements)
• Power rating exceeds or falls short of requirements

Solution:

"Smart" charger requirement: All OZEV-approved chargers are now smart by default. If rejected on this basis:

• Confirm charger model on current OZEV approved list
• Installer resubmits with correct smart charger specification

BS 7671 compliance:

• Installer must be registered with competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA)
• Installation certificate (EIC) must be provided
• Consumer unit work must comply with 18th Edition regulations

G99 grid compliance:

• All OZEV-approved chargers meet G99 by design
• Confirm installer has submitted G99 notification to DNO
• Provide DNO acknowledgement

Resolution: Installer addresses technical non-compliance and resubmits with:

• Updated installation plan
• Competent person registration proof
• Electrical certificates
• G99 DNO notification

Success rate: High (90%+) with competent installer

10. Application Submitted After Installation

Rejection message: "Grant must be claimed before installation commences."

OZEV rule: Grants must be applied for before charger installation begins. Post-installation applications are automatically rejected.

Solution:

No appeal possible: OZEV is strict on this point. If charger already installed, grant cannot be claimed retrospectively.

Prevention: Always confirm installer applies for grant before starting work. Reputable OZEV-authorised installers handle this automatically, but verify explicitly:

• "Have you submitted the OZEV grant application?"
• "What is the grant application reference number?"
• "Will installation only proceed after grant approval?"

If caught in this situation:

• Unfortunately, you'll pay full installation cost without grant
• Report installer to OZEV if they failed to apply before installation (violation of authorised installer terms)
• Check if installer contract included grant application guarantee—potential breach of contract claim

Success rate: Zero (strict policy rule)

Formal OZEV Grant Appeal Process

When to Appeal vs When to Reapply

Appeal (formal challenge to rejection):

• You believe rejection is incorrect/unjust
• You have new evidence supporting eligibility
• Administrative error by OZEV or installer

Reapply (new application addressing issues):

• Rejection reason is clear and correctable (e.g., missing documents)
• Faster than formal appeal process
• Installer can fix issue and resubmit

Recommendation: For most rejections (documentation, installer errors, technical issues), reapplication is faster than formal appeal. Reserve appeals for disputed eligibility or administrative errors.

Step-by-Step Appeal Process

Step 1: Obtain Full Rejection Details (Day 1)

Contact installer for complete rejection notification including:

• Exact rejection reason
• OZEV reference number
• Date of rejection
• Specific documentation issues cited

Step 2: Gather Supporting Evidence (Days 1-5)

Compile documentation proving eligibility:

• Property ownership/rental proof
• Parking allocation evidence
• EV ownership documentation
• Any additional evidence addressing rejection reason

Step 3: Submit Formal Appeal (Within 14 days of rejection)

Contact OZEV customer service:

• Email: customerservice@ozev.org.uk
• Phone: 0844 375 9750 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm)

Appeal letter template:

Subject: Formal Appeal - OZEV Grant Rejection [Reference Number]

Dear OZEV Customer Service,

I am writing to formally appeal the rejection of my OZEV EV Chargepoint Grant application (Reference: [REF NUMBER]), rejected on [DATE].

Rejection reason stated: [EXACT REJECTION MESSAGE]

Grounds for appeal: [Clearly explain why you believe rejection is incorrect, supported by evidence]

Supporting documentation attached: - [List all supporting documents]

I respectfully request OZEV review this decision and approve the grant application. I am available to provide any additional information required.

Thank you for your consideration.

Yours faithfully, [Your name] [Address] [Contact details]

Step 4: OZEV Review (7-21 days)

OZEV reviews appeal and supporting evidence. They may:

• Request additional documentation
• Contact installer for clarification
• Request site visit (rare)

Step 5: Appeal Decision (Days 7-21)

Outcomes:

• Approved: Grant proceeds, installation scheduled
• Partially approved: Conditional approval pending specific requirements
• Rejected: Appeal unsuccessful, final decision

Step 6: Installation or Next Steps (Days 21+)

If approved: Schedule installation If rejected: Explore alternative funding or accept unsubsidised installation

Appeal Success Rates by Rejection Type

High success (80%+ approval on appeal):

• Administrative errors
• Documentation issues
• Property classification errors
• Installer authorisation problems

Moderate success (40-60% approval):

• Parking eligibility disputes
• EV ownership verification issues
• Technical compliance questions

Low success (<10% approval):

• Duplicate grant claims (genuine)
• Policy ineligibility (post-April 2022 houses)
• Post-installation applications

Alternative Funding If Grant Rejected

1. Local Council EV Charging Grants

Many UK councils offer additional or alternative grants:

Scotland:

• Up to £400 additional funding in some local authorities
• Stackable with OZEV (if eligible)

London:

• Various borough schemes (check individual London councils)
• Some offer £200-£500 for residents

Other regions:

• Check your local authority website for "EV charging grants" or "low carbon vehicle schemes"

Application: Directly through council website, usually separate from OZEV process

2. Energy Supplier Installation Incentives

Octopus Energy:

• Occasional £100-£250 discounts for Intelligent Go tariff customers
• Free installation promotions (periodic)

OVO Energy:

• Charge Anytime members sometimes receive installation credits

British Gas:

• EV tariff customer discounts on Pod Point installations

Strategy: Check with your energy supplier before installation—incentives change regularly

3. Employer Workplace Charging Scheme

If you work from home or have employer support:

• Employers can claim £350 per socket (up to 40 sockets)
• Employer installs charger at your home under Workplace Charging Scheme
• You benefit from home charging without personal grant

Requirements:

• Employer registers for WCS
• Charger installed as company asset
• Formal home-working arrangement

Advantage: Even if you're personally ineligible for residential grant, employer may qualify for workplace grant

4. EV Manufacturer Incentives

Tesla:

• Previously offered free Wall Connector with vehicle purchase (check current offers)

BMW:

• Occasionally bundles charger installation with new EV purchases

Mercedes-Benz:

• Installation packages with EQ model purchases

Strategy: Negotiate charger installation as part of EV purchase deal

5. 0% Finance Options

Many installers offer interest-free payment plans:

Typical terms:

• 6-12 months interest-free
• £100-£150 deposit
• Monthly payments of £60-£120

Example: £900 installation over 12 months = £75/month (0% APR)

Benefit: Spreads cost while still achieving home charging savings (£30-£50/month vs public charging)

6. Energy Supplier Loans

Green Deal Finance (if available):

• Some energy suppliers offer green home improvement loans
• Repayable via energy bill

Credit unions:

• Low-interest green loans (typically 3-6% APR)
• Less stringent credit requirements than banks

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reapply for the OZEV grant after rejection?

Yes, provided you address the rejection reason:

Correctable issues (documentation, installer problems): Reapply immediately once fixed Property ineligibility: Cannot reapply unless circumstances change (e.g., property reclassified) Duplicate claims: Cannot reapply (one grant per person/property)

No limit on reapplications for correctable issues. However, each reapplication goes through full review process (24-72 hours).

Recommendation: Have installer thoroughly verify all eligibility criteria before reapplying to avoid repeated rejections.

How long do I have to appeal an OZEV grant rejection?

14 days from rejection notification for formal appeals. After 14 days, appeals may not be accepted unless exceptional circumstances.

However: There's no strict deadline for reapplications. If you need time to gather documentation or fix issues, you can reapply weeks or months later—though obviously delays your installation.

Best practice: Act quickly. Most rejection issues are resolvable within 7-10 days with proper documentation and installer cooperation.

What if my installer made a mistake causing grant rejection?

Installer error scenarios:

• Wrong charger model entered
• Incomplete documentation submitted
• Incorrect property classification
• Application submitted post-installation

Your rights:

Contract terms: Check your installation contract. Many installers guarantee grant application and offer compensation if their error causes rejection:

• Typical remedy: Installer covers grant amount (£350) via discount
• Some installers offer free reapplication service

OZEV complaint: If installer violated OZEV authorisation terms, report to customerservice@ozev.org.uk. OZEV can:

• Investigate installer conduct
• Suspend installer authorisation
• Require installer to rectify situation

Legal action (last resort): If installer contract explicitly guaranteed grant and their negligence caused rejection, you may have breach of contract claim for £350 + additional costs.

Recommendation: Most installer errors are honest mistakes. Work collaboratively with installer to fix and reapply before escalating.

Does grant rejection affect future EV charger installations?

No permanent record against you. Grant rejections don't create "black marks" preventing future applications.

However:

• Duplicate claim rejections: If genuinely ineligible due to previous claim, this is permanent
• Fraud: If rejected for fraudulent application, this creates serious future issues (rare)

Future eligibility: If you move house or circumstances change, you can apply afresh—rejection at previous address doesn't affect new applications.

Can I install the charger without the grant?

Yes, absolutely. The OZEV grant is optional financial assistance, not a requirement.

Unsubsidised installation costs:

• Standard: £800-£1,400
• Complex: £1,200-£2,000

Financial consideration: £350 grant represents 20-40% of installation cost. Without grant:

• ROI timeline extends by 3-6 months
• Still substantially cheaper than ongoing public charging costs

Long-term value: Even at full price, home charging saves £500-£800/year vs public charging (10,000 miles). Installation pays for itself within 18-30 months.

What documentation is essential for successful grant applications?

Universal requirements:

1. Proof of property ownership/tenancy:

• Land Registry title deed
• Mortgage statement
• Rental agreement + landlord consent

2. Proof of EV ownership:

• V5C logbook (registered to your name)
• Purchase agreement for ordered vehicle
• Lease agreement

3. Proof of off-street parking:

• Parking space allocation (for flats)
• Driveway photos
• Lease showing parking rights

Conditional requirements:

4. Planning permission (if applicable):

• Local authority approval for listed buildings/conservation areas

5. Freeholder consent (leaseholds/flats):

• Written approval from freeholder/managing agent

6. Business documentation (company cars):

• Company car agreement
• Employer authorisation letter

Best practice: Compile complete documentation package before installer submits application. This eliminates most rejection causes.

Are there different appeals processes for flats vs houses?

No, the appeal process is identical for all property types.

However, flats face additional documentation requirements:

• Freeholder/managing agent consent
• Parking space allocation proof
• Building insurance notification

Flat-specific rejections often involve:

• Unclear parking allocation
• Missing freeholder consent
• Shared parking eligibility questions

Resolution: Provide comprehensive building consent documentation, parking allocation proof, and site plans clearly showing charger location relative to your flat.

Success rate: Flat appeals succeed at similar rates to houses (70-80%) when proper documentation provided.

What happens if both the grant appeal and reapplication are rejected?

Final rejection after appeal means:

1. Accept ineligibility: If rejection is policy-based (e.g., standard house post-April 2022), no further recourse

2. Ombudsman complaint (rare): If you believe OZEV decision is unjust or processually unfair:

• Contact Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
• File complaint detailing why you believe decision is incorrect
• Ombudsman reviews OZEV decision-making process
• Note: Very few grant rejection cases reach ombudsman level

3. Alternative funding: Pursue local council grants, energy supplier schemes, or unsubsidised installation

4. Wait for policy changes: Occasionally, grant scheme criteria expand. If currently ineligible, future policy changes may create new opportunities

Practical reality: If multiple rejections and appeals fail, you're likely genuinely ineligible under current criteria. Focus energy on alternative funding rather than continued appeals.

Conclusion: Persistence Pays

Receiving an OZEV grant rejection is disappointing but rarely final. The majority of rejections stem from correctable administrative issues, documentation gaps, or installer errors—not fundamental ineligibility.

Key takeaways:

1. Understand rejection reason precisely: Request detailed explanation from installer and OZEV
2. Act quickly: Appeal within 14 days, or fix issues and reapply immediately
3. Gather comprehensive documentation: Complete, verified evidence eliminates most rejection causes
4. Work with installer: Reputable OZEV-authorised installers will support reapplication at no extra cost
5. Consider alternatives: Even without grants, home charging delivers substantial long-term savings

Success path:

• 85-90% of applications approved initially
• 60-70% of rejections approved on appeal/reapplication
• Final success rate: 91-97%

Your rejection is most likely temporary. With proper documentation, competent installer support, and persistence, the £350 OZEV grant remains within reach for eligible UK homeowners and flat dwellers.

Next steps after rejection:

1. Contact installer immediately for full rejection details
2. Identify specific issue causing rejection
3. Gather corrective documentation within 3-5 days
4. Reapply or appeal within 14 days
5. Explore alternative funding simultaneously (don't wait for appeal outcome)
6. Proceed with installation once approved or with alternative funding secured

Don't let an initial rejection derail your home EV charging plans. Most rejections are stepping stones to approval, not final barriers.