Electric cars are becoming more popular than ever, and it’s easy to see why. They’re cheaper to run, better for the environment, and fun to drive. In fact, only 3% of EV drivers want to switch back to petrol or diesel. That’s a pretty strong vote of confidence.
However, while electric cars have numerous long-term benefits, the upfront cost can still be a barrier for some individuals. That’s where electric car grants and government incentives come in. These programs are designed to make it easier (and cheaper) for more people to make the switch to electric.
Electric Vehicle Grants
Government support is available to help make the move to electric vehicles easier and more affordable, so if you’re wondering, Can I get a grant for an electric car charger? The answer is yes; various schemes exist to assist with installation costs.
For Private Vehicle Buyers
A new Government electric car grant was reintroduced in July 2025. This offers up to £3,750 off the price of certain brand-new electric cars, mainly those under £37,000 that meet strict environmental and manufacturing standards. The grant remains available in 2026 and is currently scheduled to run until 31 March 2030. The aim is to reward the cleanest and most efficient EVs, helping more people go electric without breaking the bank.
There are two grants for electric car charging points to help you install a home charger. If you rent a residential property or own and live in a flat, you can get up to £500 (covering 75% of the cost) to install a charger at your home, provided you have your own private off-street parking space and an eligible electric vehicle. This is an increase from the previous £350 maximum.
If you only have on-street parking, a separate electric car charger grant offers the same support if you install a cross-pavement charging solution (such as a cable channel or gulley) alongside the charger. This is an increase from the previous £350 maximum and applies from 1 April 2026. The scheme has been extended until 31 March 2027. You must own the residential property and get permission from your local council or highways authority to carry out the installation. The cross-pavement solution must be a permanent fixture, not a temporary cable cover or mat.
Both grants help cover installation costs. The charger will be connected to your electricity supply, so only you get billed for the energy you use. Most chargers come with smart features or access controls, like a mobile app or RFID card, which means only you can start a charging session. This helps stop others from plugging in without permission and keeps your charger secure.
For Businesses
The Zero Emission Van Grant and Zero Emission Truck Grant offer big savings - up to £2,500 for small vans, £5,000 for large vans, and up to £81,000 for the heaviest trucks, depending on the vehicle's weight. These grants are available until at least 31st March 2027, making now a great time for companies to electrify their fleets. The grants remain available for eligible vehicles, subject to the Government’s current funding and eligibility criteria.
The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant has now closed to new customer applications. Meanwhile, the Workplace Charging Scheme gives up to £500 per socket to help businesses, charities, public sector organisations and small accommodation businesses set up EV charging at their premises. The scheme can cover up to 75% of the installation cost and is available until 31 March 2027.
How have electric vehicle grants changed over time?
The UK government has been helping people and businesses switch to electric vehicles for a while, but the way they do it has changed over the years!
One of the most recognisable was the Plug-in Car Grant, which gave drivers a discount on new electric cars. It made EVs more accessible at the start, but as prices dropped and popularity increased, the scheme was phased out in 2022.
Since then, the focus has shifted to more targeted support. For individuals, a new electric car grant was introduced in July 2025, with tighter criteria to encourage cleaner manufacturing and fairer access. The Electric Car Grant remains available in 2026, offering up to £3,750 off eligible new electric cars, and is currently scheduled to run until 31 March 2030.
For businesses, support has expanded beyond vehicle discounts to include grants for electric vans and trucks, as well as funding for charging infrastructure at workplaces. Schemes like the Zero Emission Van Grant (ZEVG), Zero Emission Truck Grant (ZETG) and the Workplace Charging Scheme are now central to helping companies make the switch, covering everything from vehicle costs to chargepoint installation. The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant for staff and fleets closed to new applications on 31 March 2026, while the Workplace Charging Scheme has increased from £350 to £500 per socket and has been extended until 31 March 2027.
What other initiatives are in place for EV owners?
Owning an electric vehicle comes with several perks that go beyond just government grants. EVs are cheaper to charge and maintain compared to petrol or diesel cars, helping save money in the long run. Insurance providers often offer special policies tailored for EV owners, including coverage for charging equipment. For businesses, there are valuable tax incentives to encourage the switch to electric fleets and the installation of charging infrastructure.
Benefits for EV Owners:
- Lower fuel costs - charging an EV is much cheaper than filling up with petrol or diesel
- Reduced maintenance expenses - fewer moving parts mean fewer repairs
- Specialised insurance options covering chargers and battery protection
- Access to certain low-emission zones and congestion charge exemptions in some cities
Benefits for Businesses:
- 100% first-year tax allowance on qualifying zero-emission cars and electric vehicle chargepoint installation costs, currently extended until 31 March 2027 for Corporation Tax purposes
- 100% first-year tax allowance on qualifying new zero-emission goods vehicles
- 4% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax for employees using fully electric company cars in the 2026/27 tax year
For 2026/27, most electric cars registered from 1 April 2025 pay £10 for their first year of road tax, followed by the standard £200 rate. The Expensive Car Supplement threshold for zero-emission cars has also increased from £40,000 to £50,000 from April 2026.
If you’re ready to make the switch or just want to learn more about electric vehicles, check out our blogs on all things electric and hybrid. You can also visit our Electric Hub to browse our electric vehicles for sale, as well as find the latest electric and hybrid stock, offers, and more.