The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is gathering pace, and UK businesses are increasingly looking for ways to support employees, visitors, and customers who drive electric. One of the most effective ways to do this is by installing EV charge points at your premises. However, the upfront costs of installation can sometimes be a barrier.
That’s where the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) comes in. Backed by the UK Government, this grant helps organisations reduce the cost of EV charger installation, making it easier to future-proof your workplace and demonstrate your commitment to sustainability.
In this guide, we’ll break down what the Workplace Charging Scheme is, who can apply, how much you can save, and why choosing an OZEV-approved installer like ProStar Energy is essential.
What Is the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)?
The Workplace Charging Scheme is a voucher-based government grant offered by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and administered by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
It provides support towards the upfront purchase and installation costs of EV charge points at workplaces. The aim is to encourage businesses, charities, and public sector organisations to make EV charging more accessible across the UK.
By taking advantage of the WCS, organisations can cut costs while playing an active role in supporting the UK’s drive towards net-zero emissions.
How Much Funding Is Available?
Through the WCS, eligible organisations can claim:
- Up to £350 per socket
- A maximum of 40 sockets per applicant
This means a single business could save up to £14,000 on EV charging installation.
The funding is applied as a discount on your invoice, so you don’t have to worry about claiming money back later. It’s a simple, straightforward way to reduce upfront costs.
Who Can Apply for the Workplace Charging Scheme?
The WCS is open to a wide range of organisations, provided they meet both applicant and site eligibility criteria. You may qualify if you are:
- A business of any size, including SMEs
- A charity looking to support staff and visitors
- A public sector organisation, such as schools, councils, or NHS facilities
Site Requirements
- You must have dedicated off-street parking for staff or fleet use.
- EV chargers must be installed at a site that is clearly linked to your organisation (e.g. office, warehouse, depot).
- The site does not need to currently have EVs in use, but the provision should be future-focused.
The scheme is available throughout England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, though it is not open to organisations in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Why Invest in Workplace EV Charging?
Installing EV charge points at your business premises isn’t just about accessing government grants — it comes with real long-term benefits:
- Employee benefits: Providing charging facilities at work encourages staff to switch to electric vehicles, reducing commuting costs and emissions.
- Future-proofing your business: As more drivers transition to EVs, workplaces without charging points may fall behind competitors.
- Customer and visitor convenience: Offering EV charging can attract more customers, tenants, or visitors who value accessible infrastructure.
- Sustainability goals: Installing charge points demonstrates your commitment to reducing carbon emissions and supports your corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda.
- Fleet management: Businesses with delivery or service fleets can save money in the long run by transitioning to EVs with on-site charging.
Why You Need an OZEV-Approved Installer
To benefit from the Workplace Charging Scheme, your EV charge points must be installed by an OZEV-approved installer. This ensures installations meet government standards for safety, efficiency, and quality.
At ProStar Energy, we are an OZEV-approved installer, offering:
- End-to-end installation tailored to your business needs
- Guidance through the funding application process
- Future-ready charging solutions that scale with your business
- Ongoing maintenance and support to keep your charge points running smoothly
By working with ProStar Energy, you can unlock grant funding, minimise costs, and guarantee compliance with government regulations.
How to Apply for the Workplace Charging Scheme
Applying for WCS funding is simple. Here’s how it works:
- Check eligibility – Ensure your organisation and site meet the requirements.
- Apply for a voucher – Submit your application online via the government portal.
- Choose ProStar Energy as your installer – We’ll guide you through the process and help you choose the right charging solution.
- Installation – Once approved, we’ll install your charge points to the highest standards.
- Claim the grant – ProStar Energy will redeem your WCS voucher directly, so you benefit from the discount upfront.
