Urgent: The Workplace Charging Scheme Is Ending – What It Means for Your Business
The UK Government’s Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) has been a major driver in helping businesses install electric vehicle (EV) charge points at their premises. But this support will not be around forever.
Funding for the scheme is currently confirmed only until 31 March 2026, after which the grant is scheduled to close to new applications.
At the time of writing, no replacement scheme has been announced, meaning businesses have a finite window to secure help with the cost of installing EV chargers.
If your organisation has been “thinking about it” rather than acting, the next few months are critical.
What is the Workplace Charging Scheme?
The Workplace Charging Scheme is a government grant, administered by OZEV (the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) and the DVLA, designed to reduce the upfront cost of installing EV charge points at workplaces.
In simple terms, it helps pay for charge points for:
- Businesses of all sizes
- Charities
- Public sector organisations
- Small accommodation businesses (e.g. B&Bs, small hotels)
The goal is to make it easier and more affordable for organisations to support staff, fleet and visitors who drive electric, and to accelerate the switch to zero-emission transport.
How Much Funding Is Available?
Under the current rules, the WCS can cover:
- Up to 75% of the total cost of purchase and installation (including VAT)
- Capped at £350 per socket
- Up to 40 sockets per applicant across all sites
That means a business can receive up to £14,000 of support towards EV charge point installation (40 sockets × £350).
For many organisations, that’s the difference between EV charging being a “nice idea” and a commercially attractive investment.
When Does the Scheme End?
The Workplace Charging Scheme was originally due to end earlier but has been extended to 31 March 2026.
Key points about the end date:
- Applications must be submitted before 31 March 2026.
- Voucher-based approvals have a validity period (typically 120–180 days depending on guidance at the time), so you cannot leave it until the last minute and still expect to complete installation in time.
- There is no confirmed successor scheme, and guidance regularly emphasises that businesses should act while current funding is available.
In other words: if you’d like to benefit, you need a plan in place well before March 2026.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, your organisation generally needs to:
- Be a UK-registered business, charity or public sector body (with Companies House number, VAT registration, or equivalent proof).
- Have off-street parking associated with your site (for staff, fleet or visitors).
- Have the right to install charge points at the property (as owner, or with landlord consent).
- Use an OZEV-approved installer and approved charge point hardware.
You do not need to already have EVs in your fleet, but you must show a current or future need (for example, staff interest in EVs, planned fleet transitions, or customer use).
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until 2026
Even though 31 March 2026 sounds a way off, in practical terms it isn’t – especially if you’re starting from scratch.
Here’s why organisations are moving now rather than later:
- Installation lead times
Site surveys, quotes, internal approvals, grid checks, and installation works all take time. Installers’ diaries often fill as deadlines approach. - Voucher expiry windows
Once you’re approved, your voucher is only valid for a limited period. If you miss that window, you may have to reapply – assuming the scheme is still open. - No guarantee of future funding
Guidance from government and industry consistently refers to 31 March 2026 as the end date, without committing to any continuation. Waiting risks having to fund 100% of costs yourself. - Rising demand for workplace charging
EV uptake continues to grow, and employees increasingly expect access to charging at work. Acting now supports retention, recruitment and ESG commitments.
Business Benefits Beyond the Grant
The Workplace Charging Scheme is more than just a subsidy – it’s a chance to future-proof your business.
Installing EV chargers can help you:
- Cut operating costs by transitioning company vehicles to cheaper-to-run EVs
- Attract and retain staff who drive (or want to drive) electric
- Enhance your sustainability credentials and support net zero targets
- Improve customer experience, especially if visitors can charge on-site
- Reduce scope 1 and 3 emissions by enabling cleaner commuting and fleet operations
The grant simply makes these benefits more affordable – for a limited time.
What Businesses Should Do Before the Deadline
If you want to take advantage of the WCS before it ends, here’s a straightforward path:
- Assess your current and future EV needs
- How many staff, visitors or vehicles might need to charge now and in the next 3–5 years?
- Do you operate pool cars, vans or company vehicles that could transition to EVs?
- Identify suitable sites and parking areas
- Prioritise locations with secure off-street parking used regularly by staff or fleet.
- Consider power availability and where chargers would be most convenient and safe.
- Book a professional site survey
- A survey will confirm electrical capacity, cabling routes, charger numbers, and any civil works needed.
- This step also helps ensure your plan complies with OZEV requirements.
- Choose your equipment and strategy
- Decide on charger speeds (e.g. 7kW vs 22kW), smart charging features, access control, and back-office software.
- Think about how charging will be used (free to staff, reimbursed, or charged per kWh).
- Apply for the Workplace Charging Scheme
- Submit your online application to receive a voucher.
- Once approved, share the voucher with your installer, who will redeem the grant on completion.
- Install, commission and communicate
- Your installer completes the works and claims the funding.
- Promote the new chargers to staff and customers, and build them into your sustainability and fleet strategies.
How Enexus Can Help Before the Scheme Ends
To make the most of the scheme before 31 March 2026, we’re offering:
- Free, no-obligation site survey – to assess your premises, discuss your objectives and identify the most suitable EV charging solution.
- Full Workplace Charging Scheme application support – we’ll guide you through eligibility, documentation and the online application, helping you avoid mistakes that could delay or jeopardise funding.
- Project management through to installation – from technical design to installation and commissioning with OZEV-approved partners.
- Strategic advice – aligning your EV charging plans with wider net zero, ESG and fleet goals.
Don’t Miss the Window
The Workplace Charging Scheme has helped thousands of organisations reduce the cost of EV infrastructure – but it will not be available indefinitely. With funding confirmed only until 31 March 2026 and no successor scheme guaranteed, now is the time to act while up to 75% of your installation costs can still be covered.
If you’d like to explore what’s possible at your sites, we can:
Arrange a free, no-obligation site survey
Support your Workplace Charging Scheme application from start to finish
