Workplace Charging Scheme Complete Guide 2025

The UK Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) provides financial support for businesses, charities, and public sector organisations installing electric vehicle charge points at their premises. With generous grants covering up to 75% of installation costs, the scheme makes workplace EV charging affordable and accessible for organisations of all sizes.

This comprehensive guide explains eligibility requirements, grant amounts, application procedures, and practical considerations for implementing workplace charging under the 2025 scheme rules.

What is the Workplace Charging Scheme?

Scheme Overview

The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a UK government grant programme administered by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) that provides vouchers toward the cost of purchasing and installing EV charge points at workplace locations.

Key Benefits:

• £350 per socket grant contribution (up to 40 sockets)
• Maximum funding: £14,000 per applicant
• Covers purchase and installation costs
• Available across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland
• Open to businesses, charities, and public sector organisations

Scheme Objectives:

• Accelerate workplace EV infrastructure deployment
• Support employees driving electric vehicles
• Reduce workplace transport emissions
• Encourage EV adoption among commuters

Who Can Apply?

The scheme is open to:

Eligible Organisations:

• Private sector businesses (limited companies, partnerships, sole traders)
• Registered charities
• Public sector organisations (councils, NHS trusts, universities)
• Social enterprises and community interest companies

Eligible Locations:

• Business premises with dedicated parking
• Office buildings and industrial sites
• Retail locations with staff parking
• Educational institutions
• Healthcare facilities
• Public sector buildings

Ineligible Applicants:

• Residential properties (use OZEV EV Chargepoint Grant instead)
• Charge point installers applying on behalf of customers
• Organisations providing public charging as primary business
• Locations already funded through other OZEV schemes

Grant Amount and Funding Limits

2025 Grant Rates

Standard Grant:

• £350 per socket installed
• Maximum 40 sockets per applicant
• Total maximum grant: £14,000

Eligible Costs Covered:

• EV charge point hardware (must be OZEV-approved)
• Installation labour and materials
• Electrical work (consumer unit upgrades, cabling)
• DNO (Distribution Network Operator) connection costs
• Post-installation commissioning

Non-Eligible Costs:

• Groundworks (trenching, resurfacing, civil engineering)
• Car park construction or line marking
• Ongoing maintenance and servicing
• Electricity supply costs
• Upgrades to main electrical infrastructure beyond charge point connection

Cost Example Calculations

Example 1: Small Business (5 Sockets)

• Total installation cost: £6,000
• WCS grant (5 × £350): £1,750
• Business contribution: £4,250
• Grant covers: 29% of costs

Example 2: Medium Business (20 Sockets)

• Total installation cost: £18,000
• WCS grant (20 × £350): £7,000
• Business contribution: £11,000
• Grant covers: 39% of costs

Example 3: Large Business (40 Sockets - Maximum)

• Total installation cost: £32,000
• WCS grant (40 × £350): £14,000
• Business contribution: £18,000
• Grant covers: 44% of costs

Eligibility Requirements

Organisational Eligibility

Business Requirements:

• UK-registered organisation
• Dedicated off-street parking available
• Charge points for employee/fleet use (not primary public access)
• Compliant with UK electrical and safety regulations

Premises Requirements:

• Off-street parking (not public roads or kerbside)
• Adequate electrical capacity (or upgradeable)
• Appropriate planning permissions (if required)
• Landlord consent (if applicable)

Excluded Locations:

• Residential addresses
• Public on-street parking
• Charge point installer business premises
• Previously funded locations (under same ownership)

Charge Point Requirements

Technical Specifications:

• Must be on OZEV-approved charge point list
• Smart charging capability required
• Minimum 3-year warranty
• OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) compliant
• CE/UKCA marked and safety certified

Approved Charge Points (Examples):

• Wallbox Pulsar Plus
• Ohme Home Pro / ePod
• Zappi V2
• Pod Point Solo 3 / UC04
• EO Mini Pro 3
• Rolec AutoCharge
• Project EV

Check Current Approved List: OZEV Approved Chargepoint List

Installer Requirements

OZEV-Approved Installer: All installations must be carried out by OZEV-approved installers registered with the Workplace Charging Scheme.

Installer Qualifications:

• Registered with competent person scheme (e.g., NICEIC, NAPIT)
• OZEV-authorised for WCS installations
• EV charging installation qualifications (City & Guilds 2919, IET Code of Practice)
• Public liability insurance (minimum £2 million)
• Compliant with BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations)

Finding Approved Installers:

• Search OZEV installer database
• Request quotes from multiple approved installers
• Verify current OZEV authorisation status
• Check installer reviews and references

Application Process

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1: Assess Your Requirements

Determine Needs:

1. Survey employee EV ownership (current and projected)
2. Identify suitable parking locations
3. Assess electrical capacity at premises
4. Calculate number of charge points needed
5. Budget for total installation costs

Planning Considerations:

• Current EV drivers: Immediate charging needs
• Future EV adoption: 3-5 year projections
• Fleet vehicles: Company car charging requirements
• Visitor charging: Customer or contractor access

Step 2: Obtain Installation Quotes

Quote Requirements:

1. Contact 2-3 OZEV-approved installers
2. Request site surveys and detailed quotes
3. Ensure quotes specify:
   • Number and type of charge points
   • Installation costs (labour and materials)
   • Electrical work required
   • Timeline and delivery schedule
   • Post-installation support

Quote Comparison:

• Total cost per socket
• Charge point model and features
• Installation warranty terms
• Ongoing maintenance options
• Payment terms and schedules

Step 3: Complete Online Application

Application Portal: Visit: https://www.gov.uk/workplace-charging-scheme

Required Information:

1. Organisation Details:

   • Company name and registration number
   • Business address and contact details
   • Organisation type (private/charity/public sector)
   • Number of employees

2. Installation Details:

   • Installation address (if different from business address)
   • Number of sockets requested
   • Estimated installation cost
   • Installation date (projected)

3. Installer Information:

   • OZEV-approved installer name
   • Installer authorisation number
   • Contact details

4. Supporting Documents:

   • Installer quote or proforma invoice
   • Proof of organisation registration
   • Landlord consent (if applicable)
   • Planning permission (if required)

Step 4: Application Review

Review Timeline:

• Standard processing: 5-10 working days
• Additional information requests: May extend timeline
• Approval notification: Email confirmation with voucher code

Possible Outcomes:

• Approved: Voucher code issued for installer redemption
• More information required: OZEV requests additional documentation
• Rejected: Application does not meet eligibility criteria

Step 5: Installation and Voucher Redemption

Post-Approval Process:

1. Confirm installation date with approved installer
2. Installation completed by OZEV-authorised installer
3. Installer claims voucher from OZEV (not applicant)
4. Applicant pays balance to installer (total cost minus grant)
5. Installation evidence submitted to OZEV by installer

Installation Evidence Requirements:

• Photographic evidence of installed charge points
• Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
• Commissioning documentation
• Serial numbers of installed charge points

Payment Structure:

• Grant paid directly to installer by OZEV
• Applicant pays installer: Total cost - grant amount
• Payment typically due on completion

Installation Requirements and Considerations

Electrical Infrastructure

Power Supply Assessment:

Single Charge Point (7kW):

• Requires 32A dedicated circuit
• Standard single-phase supply sufficient
• Minimal electrical upgrades usually needed

Multiple Charge Points (5-10 sockets):

• May require consumer unit upgrade
• Load balancing equipment recommended
• DNO notification likely required (>20kW total load)

Large Installation (20+ sockets):

• Three-phase supply typically required
• Substation or transformer upgrades possible
• DNO application and approval necessary
• Load management system essential

DNO Notification: Distribution Network Operators must be notified for installations exceeding:

• Single-phase: 3.68kW per phase (approximately 1-2 charge points)
• Three-phase: Total connected load >11kW per phase

DNO approval can take 6-12 weeks for large installations.

Load Balancing and Smart Charging

Why Load Balancing?

• Prevents electrical system overload
• Optimises available power across multiple charge points
• Reduces need for expensive electrical upgrades
• Enables more charge points with existing capacity

Load Balancing Types:

Static Load Balancing:

• Fixed power allocation per charge point
• Simple configuration
• Less flexible but predictable
• Example: 10 charge points, 40kW available = 4kW per point

Dynamic Load Balancing:

• Real-time power distribution based on demand
• Maximises charging efficiency
• More complex installation
• Adjusts automatically when vehicles plug in/out

Smart Charging Benefits:

• Schedule charging during off-peak hours
• Integrate with renewable energy (solar)
• Monitor usage and costs
• Remote management via apps
• Future-proof for V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid)

Planning Permission and Legal Requirements

Planning Permission:

Generally not required for workplace charge points if:

• Installed within existing parking areas
• No significant visual or structural changes
• Not in conservation areas or listed buildings

Planning Permission Required For:

• Listed buildings or conservation areas
• Significant structural alterations
• New canopy or covered structures
• Large-scale installations impacting site layout

Consult local planning authority for specific site requirements.

Landlord Consent:

If you lease your premises:

• Written landlord consent required before installation
• Submit consent documentation with WCS application
• Negotiate terms for charge point ownership upon lease end
• Consider lease implications for electrical upgrades

Building Regulations:

• Electrical work must comply with Part P Building Regulations
• OZEV-approved installers ensure compliance
• Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) issued post-installation

Workplace Charging Policies and Management

Creating a Workplace Charging Policy

Key Policy Elements:

1. Eligibility and Access:

   • Who can use charge points? (employees only, visitors, fleet)
   • Registration and access card procedures
   • Priority rules if demand exceeds capacity

2. Charging Costs:

   • Free charging vs. cost recovery
   • Pricing structure (per kWh, per session, flat rate)
   • Payment methods (payroll deduction, RFID cards, apps)
   • Tax implications (Benefit-in-Kind considerations)

3. Usage Guidelines:

   • Maximum charging duration per session
   • Overstay penalties or notifications
   • Etiquette (move vehicle when fully charged)
   • Booking systems (if applicable)

4. Maintenance and Support:

   • Reporting faults and issues
   • Emergency contact procedures
   • Regular maintenance schedules
   • Warranty and support terms

Cost Recovery Models

Option 1: Free Charging (Employer-Funded)

Pros:

• Strong employee benefit and recruitment tool
• Simple administration
• Encourages EV adoption
• Positive environmental message

Cons:

• Employer bears all electricity costs
• Potential Benefit-in-Kind tax implications
• Risk of overuse or abuse
• Unfair to non-EV drivers

Option 2: Cost Recovery (Pay-Per-Use)

Pros:

• Fair to all employees
• Covers electricity costs
• Discourages excessive use
• Clearer tax treatment

Cons:

• Requires payment infrastructure
• Administrative overhead
• Less attractive employee benefit

Typical Pricing:

• At-cost: £0.15-£0.25/kWh (covers electricity only)
• Cost-plus: £0.30-£0.45/kWh (covers electricity + infrastructure amortisation)
• Subsidised: £0.10-£0.15/kWh (employer partially funds)

Option 3: Hybrid Model

• Free allowance (e.g., 100kWh/month per employee)
• Pay-per-use above allowance
• Balances benefit with cost control

Tax Implications

Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) Tax:

As of 2024/25 tax year:

• Workplace charging provided by employer: £0 BIK (tax-free)
• Applies to charging at or near workplace
• Includes company car and personal vehicle charging
• No tax liability for employees using workplace chargers

Employer Perspective:

• Electricity costs for employee charging generally allowable business expense
• Capital allowances available for charge point equipment
• Enhanced capital allowances for energy-efficient equipment

VAT Treatment:

• Standard VAT (20%) applies to charge point purchase and installation
• Businesses can reclaim VAT on eligible expenses
• Electricity costs: Standard rate VAT applies

Usage Monitoring and Reporting

Key Metrics to Track:

• Total energy dispensed (kWh)
• Number of charging sessions
• Average session duration
• Peak usage times and days
• Cost per kWh and total electricity costs
• Carbon emissions saved (vs. petrol/diesel)
• Utilisation rate per charge point

Monitoring Benefits:

• Justify investment and expansion decisions
• Identify underutilised or oversubscribed locations
• Optimise charging schedules and tariffs
• Report sustainability metrics
• Forecast future charging infrastructure needs

Monitoring Tools:

• Charge point manufacturer apps (Wallbox, Ohme, Zappi)
• Third-party management platforms (Monta, ev.energy, Zap-Map Business)
• Energy monitoring systems
• Custom dashboards and reporting

Benefits for Employers and Employees

Employer Benefits

Recruitment and Retention:

• Attractive employee benefit in competitive job market
• Supports corporate sustainability commitments
• Demonstrates environmental leadership
• Enhances employer brand

Cost Savings:

• WCS grant reduces capital investment by up to 44%
• Lower fleet running costs (if transitioning to EVs)
• Potential energy cost savings with smart charging and solar
• Tax benefits and capital allowances

Sustainability and CSR:

• Reduces Scope 3 emissions (employee commuting)
• Supports net-zero carbon targets
• Positive PR and stakeholder engagement
• Aligns with Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) reporting

Operational Efficiency:

• Supports fleet electrification
• Reduces business mileage reimbursement costs
• Enables flexible working (employees confident in charging access)

Employee Benefits

Convenience and Cost Savings:

• Convenient charging during work hours
• Eliminates range anxiety for commutes
• Lower cost than public rapid charging
• Tax-free benefit (no BIK charge)

Supports EV Adoption:

• Makes EV ownership viable for employees without home charging
• Reduces financial barriers to EV purchase
• Builds confidence in EV technology

Wellbeing:

• Reduces commuting stress
• Supports sustainable lifestyle choices
• Pride in working for environmentally responsible employer

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Limited Electrical Capacity

Problem: Existing electrical infrastructure insufficient for multiple charge points.

Solutions:

• Install load balancing system to optimise available power
• Phase installation (start with fewer charge points, expand later)
• Upgrade electrical supply (budget for DNO costs)
• Use lower-power charge points (3.7kW instead of 7kW)
• Implement smart charging schedules (off-peak charging)

Challenge 2: Demand Exceeds Available Charge Points

Problem: More employees want to charge than available sockets.

Solutions:

• Implement booking system (rotate access fairly)
• Time limits per charging session (e.g., 4 hours max)
• Priority rules (e.g., longest commuters, carpoolers)
• Overstay notifications and penalties
• Plan phased expansion with additional WCS applications

Challenge 3: Cost Recovery and Administration

Problem: Managing payments and cost allocation complex.

Solutions:

• RFID-enabled charge points with integrated billing
• Third-party management platforms (Monta, Zap-Map Business)
• Payroll deduction arrangements
• Simplified flat-rate monthly fees
• Outsource to charging network operator

Challenge 4: Planning Permission Delays

Problem: Listed buildings or conservation areas require lengthy approval.

Solutions:

• Engage with local planning authority early
• Use sympathetic charge point designs (colour-matched, discreet)
• Explore alternative locations on site
• Engage conservation officers proactively
• Demonstrate environmental benefits in application

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can small businesses apply for the Workplace Charging Scheme?

Yes, businesses of all sizes can apply for the Workplace Charging Scheme, including sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies. There is no minimum employee number or turnover requirement.

The scheme is designed to be accessible to small businesses with just a few employees as well as large corporations. Even if you only need 1-2 charge points initially, you can apply for WCS funding.

Small business example: A local plumbing company with 3 employees and 2 electric vans can apply for WCS to install 2 charge points, receiving £700 grant funding (2 × £350).

Eligibility requirements:

• UK-registered business
• Dedicated off-street parking
• Use OZEV-approved installer
• Charge points primarily for employee/fleet use (not public charging business)

How long does the WCS application take to process?

The standard WCS application processing time is 5-10 working days from submission to approval decision.

Timeline breakdown:

• Application submission: Submit online via OZEV portal
• Initial review: 2-3 working days
• Additional information (if required): 3-5 working days
• Approval and voucher issue: 1-2 working days

After approval:

• Installation must be completed within 120 days of voucher issue
• Installer has 30 days after installation to claim grant from OZEV

Factors that may delay approval:

• Incomplete or incorrect application information
• Missing supporting documents (landlord consent, quotes)
• High application volumes during busy periods
• Queries about eligibility or installation details

Pro tip: Ensure your application is complete and accurate with all required documentation attached to avoid delays.

Is the £14,000 grant limit per site or per organisation?

Per applicant (organisation), not per site.

The £14,000 maximum grant (40 sockets × £350) applies to each legal entity that applies to the scheme. However, organisations with multiple sites can apply separately for each location, up to the 40-socket limit total.

Multi-site organisations: If you operate from multiple locations, you can install charge points at different sites, but the total grant across all sites cannot exceed £14,000 (40 sockets) per applicant.

Example:

• Head office: 20 sockets = £7,000 grant
• Regional office: 15 sockets = £5,250 grant
• Warehouse: 5 sockets = £1,750 grant
• Total: 40 sockets = £14,000 grant (maximum reached)

Separate legal entities: If you have multiple companies (separate legal entities with different Companies House registrations), each entity can apply for its own £14,000 grant allowance.

Can charities and public sector organisations apply?

Yes, charities and public sector organisations are fully eligible for the Workplace Charging Scheme with the same grant rates as private businesses.

Eligible public sector organisations:

• Local councils and authorities
• NHS trusts and hospitals
• State schools, colleges, and universities
• Police and emergency services
• Central government departments
• Public libraries and leisure centres

Eligible charities:

• Registered charities (England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland)
• Charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs)
• Community interest companies (CICs)
• Social enterprises

Grant terms:

• Same £350 per socket funding
• Same 40-socket (£14,000) maximum
• Same eligibility and installer requirements

Special considerations for public sector:

• Procurement rules may apply for installer selection
• Budget approval processes may take longer
• Consider accessibility requirements (public-facing buildings)
• Opportunity to demonstrate environmental leadership

What happens if I need more than 40 charge points?

If you require more than 40 sockets, you can still proceed with installation, but only the first 40 sockets receive WCS grant funding (£14,000 maximum). Sockets beyond 40 must be funded entirely by the applicant.

Options for large installations:

Option 1: Phase the Installation

• Install 40 sockets initially with WCS grant
• Apply for additional funding if WCS rules change in future
• Self-fund additional charge points as demand grows

Option 2: Multiple Applicants

• Separate legal entities (if applicable) can each apply for 40 sockets
• Group companies with different registrations qualify separately
• Ensure legitimate separate entities (not scheme abuse)

Option 3: Alternative Funding

• Local authority grants or green business schemes
• Green business loans and finance packages
• Energy supplier partnerships
• Corporate sustainability budgets
• Lease or rental charge point agreements

Cost considerations: Large installations benefit from economies of scale. Cost per socket typically decreases for installations beyond 20-30 units due to shared infrastructure costs (electrical upgrades, load balancing systems).

Can I install charge points for customer use and claim WCS?

The Workplace Charging Scheme is specifically for employee and fleet charging, not primary public or customer charging.

Eligible use cases:

• Employee personal vehicles
• Company fleet vehicles
• Pool cars and vans
• Visiting staff from other offices

Ineligible use cases:

• Primary customer/public charging facility
• Destination charging as core business offering
• Charge point operator business premises
• Solely visitor/guest charging

Mixed-use scenarios: If you want to provide both employee and occasional customer charging, this may still qualify for WCS if:

• Primary purpose is employee charging
• Customer access is incidental and limited
• Charge points not marketed as public charging destination

Example: A retail business installs 10 charge points primarily for staff. Occasionally, customers use them when staff spaces are available. This is likely acceptable.

For customer/public charging: Consider alternative funding routes like local authority public charging grants or commercial charge point operator partnerships.

How does WCS interact with company car tax benefits?

Workplace charging provided by employers is fully tax-free for employees, with no Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax liability, regardless of whether the employee drives a company car or personal vehicle.

Company car drivers:

• EV company cars: Already benefit from low BIK tax (2% of P11D value 2024/25)
• Workplace charging: Additional £0 BIK (tax-free benefit)
• Home charger: Employer-provided home charger may incur BIK (check current HMRC guidance)

Employees with personal EVs:

• Workplace charging: £0 BIK (tax-free)
• No tax liability for using employer-provided charging
• Applies to charging at or near workplace premises

Employer reimbursement: If employer reimburses employees for home charging (electricity costs), this is treated differently:

• May be taxable as benefit
• Advisory Electricity Rate (AER) for EVs applies
• Current AER: 9p per mile (check latest HMRC rates)

Tax-efficient EV benefits package:

1. EV company car (2% BIK)
2. Workplace charging (0% BIK)
3. Mileage reimbursement at AER (9p/mile)

Do I need to provide charging for all employees or just EV drivers?

You are not required to provide charging for all employees, and workplace charge points can be exclusively for EV drivers. This is not considered discriminatory as it's based on vehicle choice, not a protected characteristic.

Common approaches:

EV-only access:

• Charge points reserved for employees with electric vehicles
• Registration system to identify eligible users
• RFID cards or app access limited to EV drivers
• Most common approach for workplace charging

Fair allocation concerns:

• Non-EV drivers may perceive unfairness
• Consider phased rollout: "First X employees who switch to EV get access"
• Communicate environmental benefits to all staff
• Position as encouragement for EV adoption

Inclusive messaging:

• "Workplace charging available to support employees choosing electric vehicles"
• Highlight other employee benefits available to all (cycle-to-work, public transport loans)
• Emphasise company sustainability commitments

Future-proofing: Install sufficient capacity for future EV adoption rates among workforce. Survey employee EV ownership plans to forecast 3-5 year needs.

Conclusion

The Workplace Charging Scheme provides significant financial support for UK organisations installing EV charge points, reducing installation costs by up to 44% through grants of £350 per socket (maximum £14,000).

Key takeaways:

1. Eligibility: Open to all UK businesses, charities, and public sector organisations with dedicated off-street parking
2. Grant funding: £350 per socket, up to 40 sockets (£14,000 maximum)
3. Simple application: Online process via OZEV portal, typically approved within 5-10 working days
4. OZEV-approved installer required: Must use authorised installer from official list
5. Tax-free benefit: Employees pay no BIK tax on workplace charging
6. Flexibility: Supports installations from 1 to 40+ sockets across single or multiple sites

With the UK's commitment to phasing out new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, workplace charging infrastructure will become essential for supporting the transition to electric mobility. The WCS makes this transition affordable and accessible for organisations of all sizes.

Ready to get started?

1. Survey employee EV charging needs
2. Request quotes from OZEV-approved installers
3. Submit WCS application online
4. Install charge points and claim grant
5. Implement workplace charging policy

Further resources:

• OZEV Workplace Charging Scheme Official Guidance
• OZEV Approved Chargepoint List
• OZEV Approved Installer Database

Related guides:

• Complete Home EV Charger Installation Guide UK 2025
• OZEV Grant Complete Application Guide 2025
• Best Home EV Chargers UK 2025: Expert Reviews & Comparison