EV & OZEV approved installer
Types of different electric charging points
Tethered charge point
A tethered electric charging point comes with a long cable attached to the unit and allows you to connect to either a type 1 or type 2 connecter. The major benefit of a tethered charging unit is that you can plug straight into the car but are limited on the connector type.
The majority of electric vehicles manufactured in the UK come with a type 2 connecter but it is always best to check. We will talk through all of the options available with you to ensure you get the correct charging point.
Socketed charge point
A socketed electric charging point does not come with a cable. They are fitted with all the correct safety devices so that you, your car and home are protected. The benefit of a socketed charge point is that it is universal and can be used with any charger.
This helps when choosing your vehicle as you can accommodate all electric vehicles so if you decide to change your car you are not limited on the connector. We will talk through all of the options available with you to ensure you get the correct charging point.
The benefit of using a car charger vs a standard socket?
Charging an electric car through a standard plug is the slowest charging method available. Unless you already have an outdoor plug near your driveway, plugging into a standard socket means running a cable out through an open window or door.
It is also not recommended as your primary charging method because standard sockets are not ideally suited to supplying high levels of power for a long time. Extension reels or cables should not be used at all, as they are not intended to carry full rated current for lengthy periods and can overheat.
Newer models also typically offer smart features that allow you to track you’re spending and switch the charger on/off remotely, meaning a home charger will give you extra information and control, as well as the extra speed
Ready to get started with home charging?
Electric car charging points grant
EV chargepoint grant for flat owner-occupiers and people living in rented properties (formally Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme)
The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) is now called the EV chargepoint grant for flat owner-occupiers and people living in rented properties. The EVHS is no longer available to homeowners (including people with mortgages) who live in single-unit properties such as bungalows and detached, semi-detached or terraced housing.
As its name suggests, the EV chargepoint grant for flat owner-occupiers and people living in rented properties is available to you:
- If you live in flat
- If you live in rental accommodation (including flats and single-use properties)
The EV chargepoint grant offers you a contribution of up to 75% of the total purchase and installation price for one chargepoint, capped at £350 (inc VAT) per installation. To receive the grant, you must:
- Own, lease or have ordered a qualifying vehicle from the list of eligible vehicles.
- Have suitable off-street parking.
- Install a charge point that is a ‘smart’ charger and must be an Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) approved model.
How to apply for EVHS?Â
As the customer, you must first choose an EVHS installer, like Green Building Renewables. We then check that you qualify and apply on your behalf. We will then invoice you the installation cost, less the grant amount applied for. If the application is successful, we will be paid the grant amount towards your bill. OZEV aims to process claims for experienced installers, like Green Building Renewables, within 30 working days.
I am a landlord, can I apply for an EV chargepoint grant for my properties?
Yes you can. The EV chargepoint grant for landlords gives financial support to landlords and other entities to buy and install electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints at residential or commercial properties in the UK.
The scheme for landlords is open to any:
- landlord of a property that lets the property
- right to manage (RTM) company
- companies owning the freehold of a leased or rented property
- companies owning a building’s common areas. The company may comprise shareholders who are the leaseholders. The company may also manage the building
- property factor listed on the property factor register
- private registered providers of social housing (PRP)
- public authorities, such as government departments and their agencies, the armed forces, local governments, the NHS and emergency services
- charities.
To access the grant, a landlord must first register. Installers approved by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) can then make claims for work completed on their behalf.
The grant provides funding towards the cost of buying and installing EV chargepoints. The amount given is per chargepoint socket installed. It provides up to 75% of the cost towards the purchase and installation of a chargepoint socket, limited to £350 per grant.
Landlords can receive up to 200 grants a year for residential properties, and a further 100 for commercial properties. These may be across a number of properties and installations or just for one property.
The grant is provided by OZEV. The Government currently reserves the right to terminate the grant at any time, but will aim to provide 4 weeks’ notice. Should the grant rate change, or the scheme end, the Government will honour grant claims made before the date of any public announcement subject to meeting all relevant criteria.
Workplace Charging Scheme (WPS)
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a voucher-based scheme that provides eligible organisations with support towards the upfront costs of purchasing and installing electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints.
The scheme is run by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and administered by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
The grant covers up to 75% of the total costs of the purchase and installation of EV chargepoints (inc VAT), capped at a maximum of:
- £350 per socket
- 40 sockets across all sites per organisation – for instance, if you would like to install them in 40 sites, you will have one socket available per site
The WCS is available to any business, charity or public authority that meets the DVLA’s applicant eligibility and site eligibility.