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, 9 in 10 EV drivers say they’d never go back to a petrol or diesel car. 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 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 have private off-street parking, you can get up to £350 (covering 75% of the cost) to install a charger at your home.
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. 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 Plug-in Van and Truck Grant offers big savings - up to £2,500 for small vans, £5,000 for large vans, and up to £25,000 for trucks. These grants are available until at least 2027, making now a great time for companies to electrify their fleets.
There's also help for installing charging infrastructure. Small and medium businesses can claim up to £15,000 through the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant, covering the cost of installing chargepoints for staff or fleet vehicles. Meanwhile, the Workplace Charging Scheme gives £350 per socket to help businesses, charities, public sector organisations and small accommodation businesses set up EV charging at their premises.
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.
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 Plug-in Van and Truck Grant, the Workplace Charging Scheme, and the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant are now central to helping companies make the switch, covering everything from vehicle costs to chargepoint installation.
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% tax relief on workplace charger installation costs
- Full tax deduction on the purchase price of zero-emission vehicles
- 2% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax for employees using workplace charging
It’s important to note that from April 2025, electric vehicles are no longer exempt from road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty). While EV owners still benefit from many savings, such as lower fuel and maintenance costs, they now pay a standard rate of road tax, reflecting the government’s evolving approach to balancing revenue with encouraging greener vehicles.
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 for the latest on electric and hybrid stock, offers, and more.