Looking for EV charger grants in Northern Ireland? Good news—NI homeowners have access to multiple funding streams that can reduce home charger installation costs by £350-£700. This comprehensive guide covers every grant available to Northern Ireland residents in 2025.
Unlike England (where OZEV grants for homeowners ended), Northern Ireland maintains strong government support for home EV charging through devolved funding and UK-wide schemes for specific groups.
Quick Summary: NI Grants Available in 2025
| Grant | Amount | Eligibility | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| OZEV EV Chargepoint Grant | Up to £350 | Flat/apartment residents, landlords, tenants | Via OZEV-approved installer |
| Low Carbon Transport Loan | £35,000 (0% interest) | NI residents, businesses | Invest NI |
| Council Schemes | Varies (£100-£250) | Selected council areas | Direct to council |
| Workplace Charging Scheme | 75% (up to £350/socket) | NI businesses | OZEV |
Total Potential Savings: £350-£700 for qualifying residents
Understanding NI's Unique Position
Devolved Energy Policy
Northern Ireland has devolved energy policy, meaning energy and transport decisions are made by the Northern Ireland Executive at Stormont, not Westminster. This creates both opportunities and differences:
Advantages for NI Residents:
- Some grants available in NI that ended in England
- Potential for NI-specific schemes
- Access to both UK-wide and NI-specific funding
- Growing government commitment to EV infrastructure
Current Challenges:
- Fewer approved installers than mainland UK
- Some UK-wide schemes less developed in NI
- Tariff options slightly more limited
- Public charging infrastructure developing
Key Point: NI residents should check both UK-wide schemes (OZEV, Workplace Charging) and NI-specific programmes (Invest NI, council schemes).
Grant 1: OZEV EV Chargepoint Grant (£350)
Who Can Apply in Northern Ireland?
The UK Government's OZEV grant is available in Northern Ireland for:
Eligible Groups: ✅ Flat/apartment residents (owner-occupiers or tenants) ✅ Landlords (for rental properties) ✅ Tenants (with landlord permission) ✅ Social housing residents (via housing association)
NOT Eligible: ❌ Homeowners with off-street parking (standalone houses) ❌ Properties that already have a charger installed ❌ Non-residential properties (unless through Workplace Charging Scheme)
Grant Details
Amount: Up to £350 (or 75% of installation cost, whichever is lower)
What's Covered:
- OZEV-approved charger unit
- Standard installation costs
- Required electrical work
- DNO notification (if required)
What's NOT Covered:
- Costs exceeding £350
- Consumer unit upgrades (if extensive)
- Groundworks beyond standard
- Non-approved charger models
How to Apply in Northern Ireland
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Property must be flat/apartment OR you must be landlord/tenant
- Must have dedicated off-street parking
- No existing EV charger at property
Step 2: Choose OZEV-Approved Installer
- Must use installer registered with OZEV
- Installer handles grant application on your behalf
- You pay: Total cost minus £350 grant
Step 3: Installation & Paperwork
- Installer completes work
- Installer submits grant claim to OZEV
- Grant paid directly to installer
- You receive charger + certification
OZEV-Approved Installers in Northern Ireland
Finding NI Installers:
- Use OZEV installer search: gov.uk/electric-vehicle-chargepoint-grant
- Filter by Northern Ireland / postcode
- Confirm installer serves your area
NI-Based OZEV Installers (Examples):
- EV NI (Belfast area)
- Solmatix (NI-wide)
- Various NICEIC-registered electricians with OZEV approval
Important: Fewer OZEV-approved installers operate in NI compared to mainland UK. You may need to:
- Book further in advance (2-4 weeks typical)
- Accept wider travel charges for rural areas
- Compare 2-3 quotes as availability varies
Timeline
- Application: Via installer (same day as quote acceptance)
- Approval: Usually instant (installer's system)
- Installation: 1-3 weeks from booking
- Grant Payment: Installer receives within 6 weeks of claim
Grant 2: Low Carbon Transport Loan (Up to £35,000)
What Is It?
Invest Northern Ireland offers 0% interest loans for low carbon transport, including EV chargers. This isn't a grant (you repay the loan), but interest-free borrowing can save £hundreds compared to commercial finance.
Loan Details:
- Amount: £1,000 to £35,000
- Interest: 0% (unsecured personal loan)
- Term: Up to 6 years
- Repayment: Monthly direct debit
Who Can Apply?
Eligible: ✅ NI residents (personal use) ✅ NI businesses (commercial use) ✅ Homeowners, flat residents, landlords ✅ First charger or upgrade
What You Can Fund:
- Home EV charger purchase and installation
- Electrical upgrades needed for installation
- Solar panels (if combined with EV charging)
- Business charging infrastructure
How It Works
Example: Home Charger Installation
Total installation cost: £1,200
- Charger unit: £700
- Installation: £500
Without loan: Pay £1,200 upfront With loan: Borrow £1,200, pay ~£17/month over 6 years, total cost £1,200 (no interest)
Combination Strategy: If you qualify for OZEV grant (£350) AND take loan for remainder:
- Total cost: £1,200
- OZEV grant: -£350
- Loan amount: £850
- Monthly payment: ~£12/month over 6 years
How to Apply
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Visit Invest NI website
- Use eligibility checker
- Confirm loan amount needed
Step 2: Application
- Online application form
- Proof of NI residency
- Income verification
- Credit check (soft search initially)
Step 3: Approval
- Decision usually within 5-10 working days
- Funds transferred to your account
- Use funds for installation
Contact:
- Website: investni.com/low-carbon-transport-loan
- Phone: 0800 181 4422
- Email: info@investni.com
Grant 3: Local Council Schemes
Council EV Initiatives in Northern Ireland
Several NI councils have introduced or are developing EV support schemes. Availability and amounts change regularly—always check directly with your council.
Belfast City Council:
- Focus on public charging expansion
- Potential residential schemes in development
- Contact: Belfast City Council Climate Team
Derry City and Strabane District Council:
- Community charging initiatives
- Potential home charger support programmes
- Contact: Climate Action Team
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council:
- EV infrastructure development
- Home charging information and potential support
- Contact: Environmental Services
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council:
- Rural EV charging focus
- Community charging points
- Contact: Sustainability Team
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council:
- EV readiness programmes
- Potential residential support
- Contact: Environmental Services
How to Find Council Schemes
Step 1: Identify Your Council Northern Ireland has 11 councils. Find yours at: nidirect.gov.uk/local-councils
Step 2: Contact Climate/Environment Team
- Phone council main number
- Ask for Climate Action, Environmental Services, or Sustainability team
- Enquire about EV charging grants or support
Step 3: Check Council Website
- Look for: Climate, Environment, Transport, Grants sections
- News section may announce new schemes
- Subscribe to council newsletter for updates
What to Ask:
- "Do you have any grants for home EV charger installation?"
- "Are there any upcoming schemes planned?"
- "Do you know of any other NI funding I should apply for?"
- "Can you add me to a list for future scheme announcements?"
Grant 4: Workplace Charging Scheme (Businesses)
For NI Businesses
The UK-wide Workplace Charging Scheme is available in Northern Ireland for businesses wanting to install staff and fleet charging.
Grant Amount: 75% of installation costs, up to £350 per socket (max 40 sockets)
Potential Total: Up to £14,000 per business
Who's Eligible: ✅ Registered NI businesses ✅ Charities and not-for-profits ✅ Public sector organisations ✅ Must have dedicated off-street parking
Business Application Process
Step 1: Register as Scheme Applicant
- Create account on OZEV portal
- Provide business registration details
- Confirm parking arrangements
Step 2: Get Quotes
- Must use OZEV-approved installer
- Get itemised quote showing eligible costs
- Installer confirms grant eligibility
Step 3: Submit Application
- Online application via OZEV portal
- Upload quote and supporting documents
- Approval usually within 2 weeks
Step 4: Installation
- Complete installation within 4 months of approval
- Installer submits completion evidence
- Grant paid to installer
Encouraging Your Employer
If you're an employee wanting workplace charging, here's how to make the case:
Key Arguments:
- "75% of installation is grant-funded—minimal cost to company"
- "Attracts and retains staff with EVs"
- "Demonstrates environmental commitment"
- "Potential PR and sustainability reporting benefit"
- "Low running costs compared to petrol/diesel fleet"
Resources to Share:
- gov.uk/government/publications/workplace-charging-scheme-guidance
- OZEV application portal: gov.uk/workplace-charging-scheme
- Energy Saving Trust business advice: energysavingtrust.org.uk
Combining NI Grants for Maximum Savings
Strategy 1: Flat Resident
Eligible For:
- OZEV grant (£350)
- Low Carbon Transport Loan (if needed)
Process:
- Apply for OZEV grant via installer
- If total cost exceeds £350, consider loan for remainder
- Total out-of-pocket: £0-500 depending on installation complexity
Example:
- Installation quote: £1,100
- OZEV grant: -£350
- You pay: £750 (or finance via 0% loan)
Strategy 2: Landlord with Multiple Properties
Eligible For:
- OZEV grant (£350 per property)
- Workplace Charging Scheme (if business premises)
- Low Carbon Transport Loan
Process:
- Apply for OZEV grant for each rental property
- Consider WCS for any business properties
- Use loan to spread upfront costs
Example (3 rental flats):
- 3 x £1,000 installations = £3,000
- 3 x £350 OZEV grants = £1,050
- You pay: £1,950 (or finance via loan)
Strategy 3: Business Owner
Eligible For:
- Workplace Charging Scheme (75%, up to £350/socket)
- Low Carbon Transport Loan
- Corporation tax deductions
Example (10-socket installation):
- Installation quote: £12,000
- WCS grant (75%): -£9,000 (or 10 x £350 = £3,500, whichever lower)
- You pay: £3,000-£8,500
NI-Specific Considerations
Electricity Supply in Northern Ireland
Network Operator: NIE Networks (Northern Ireland Electricity Networks)
Key Differences from GB:
- NIE Networks handles all distribution (unlike multiple DNOs in GB)
- DNO notification process similar but via NIE
- Some rural areas may have supply constraints
For Home Charger Installation:
Standard 7kW Charger:
- Usually no DNO notification required
- Single-phase supply sufficient
- Most NI homes suitable
If Supply Upgrade Needed:
- Contact NIE Networks: nienetworks.co.uk
- Phone: 03457 643 643
- Allow 4-8 weeks for upgrade if required
Finding NI Electricians
NICEIC-Registered in Northern Ireland:
- Use NICEIC contractor search: niceic.com/find-a-contractor
- Filter by Northern Ireland
- Confirm EV charger installation experience
What to Check: ✅ NICEIC or NAPIT registered ✅ Experience with EV charger installation ✅ Familiar with NIE Networks requirements ✅ Can provide Part P certification ✅ Offers warranty on installation
Questions to Ask:
- "How many EV chargers have you installed in NI?"
- "Do you handle NIE Networks notification?"
- "What warranty do you provide?"
- "Are you registered with any charger manufacturers?"
Energy Tariffs in Northern Ireland
NI Energy Suppliers:
- SSE Airtricity
- Power NI
- Budget Energy
- Click Energy
- Electric Ireland (NI)
EV-Specific Tariffs: NI has fewer dedicated EV tariffs than GB, but options include:
- Economy 7 (overnight cheaper rate)
- SSE Airtricity Green tariffs
- Time-of-use tariffs where available
Smart Meter Rollout: NI smart meter rollout is behind GB schedule. Check with your supplier about:
- Smart meter availability
- Time-of-use tariff eligibility
- Future EV tariff plans
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Complete NI Home Charger Funding Process
Week 1: Research
- Confirm your eligibility (flat/landlord/tenant for OZEV)
- Check local council for additional schemes
- Research Invest NI loan if needed
Week 2: Quotes
- Find 2-3 OZEV-approved installers in NI
- Request itemised quotes
- Confirm OZEV grant will be applied
Week 3: Application
- Choose installer
- Installer submits OZEV application (if eligible)
- Apply for Invest NI loan if using
Week 4-6: Installation
- Installation appointment confirmed
- Pre-installation site survey (if required)
- Installation completed
- Certification provided
Post-Installation:
- Register charger with manufacturer app
- Set up energy tariff optimisation
- Keep all paperwork for records
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can homeowners in NI get the OZEV grant?
If you live in a house with off-street parking: No, the OZEV grant is not available (same as England).
If you live in a flat/apartment: Yes, you can apply for up to £350.
If you're a landlord/tenant: Yes, regardless of property type.
2. Are there any NI-specific grants for homeowners?
Currently, no NI-specific homeowner grants exist (as of March 2025). However:
- Check Invest NI for 0% loans
- Check your local council for emerging schemes
- Stormont may introduce NI schemes in future
3. How do I find OZEV-approved installers in Northern Ireland?
Use the official OZEV installer search at gov.uk/electric-vehicle-chargepoint-grant. Note that:
- Fewer installers operate in NI than mainland UK
- Some GB-based companies cover NI
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead for best availability
4. Is the installation process different in Northern Ireland?
Mostly the same as GB:
- Same electrical standards (BS 7671)
- Same charger types (Type 2, 7kW typical)
- NIE Networks instead of regional DNOs
- Same Part P certification requirements
5. What if I need a supply upgrade in NI?
Contact NIE Networks (03457 643 643). Process:
- Electrician identifies upgrade need
- Application to NIE Networks
- NIE assesses and provides quote
- Upgrade completed (4-8 weeks typical)
- Cost: £500-£3,000 depending on work required
6. Can NI businesses claim Workplace Charging Scheme?
Yes, the WCS is fully available in NI:
- 75% of costs, up to £350 per socket
- Maximum 40 sockets per application
- Must use OZEV-approved installer
- Same application process as GB
Future Outlook for NI EV Support
What's Coming?
Stormont Commitments:
- Northern Ireland Executive has climate targets
- EV infrastructure investment planned
- Potential for NI-specific schemes
Expected Developments:
- Expanded public charging network
- Possible residential grant schemes
- Enhanced support for rural areas
- Smart tariff availability expansion
Stay Informed:
- Sign up to Invest NI newsletters
- Follow NI Department for Infrastructure
- Check local council announcements
- Join NI EV owner groups (Facebook, forums)
Summary: Maximising Your NI Funding
For Flat Residents:
- Apply for OZEV grant (£350) via approved installer
- Use Invest NI 0% loan for any balance
- Check council for additional support
For Landlords:
- Claim OZEV grant per property (£350 each)
- Consider business schemes if applicable
- Use loan for cashflow management
For Homeowners (Houses):
- No OZEV grant available (unfortunately)
- Use Invest NI 0% loan to spread costs
- Watch for future NI-specific schemes
For Businesses:
- Apply for Workplace Charging Scheme (75%, up to £350/socket)
- Use loan for additional costs
- Claim corporation tax relief where applicable
Key Contacts:
- OZEV: gov.uk/electric-vehicle-chargepoint-grant
- Invest NI: 0800 181 4422
- NIE Networks: 03457 643 643
- Your local council: nidirect.gov.uk/local-councils
Last Updated: March 2025 | Always verify current grant availability directly with providers
