What is it?
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a voucher-based scheme that provides support towards the up-front costs of the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charge points.

What is it worth?
The contribution is limited to the 75% of purchase and installation costs, up to a maximum of £350 for each socket, Installers must not charge customers for the grant in advance, the approved installer incurs the cost of the discount and claim the grant on the customer’s behalf. The payment being made by OZEV.

Who can claim for the scheme?
You would be eligible for the scheme if:

• A registered business, charity, or public sector organisation evidenced by a Companies House reference number.
• A public authority – includes government departments and their agencies, the armed forces, local governments, the NHS and emergency services.
• Can declare a need for electric vehicle charging equipment or an intent to encourage uptake among their staff and/or fleet
• Located in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland
• Have dedicated off-street parking for staff or fleet use only in order to be eligible for the grant.

Eligibility for the scheme

• You will need to provide a Companies House reference. Alternatively, you can use your VAT registration number or you can upload a copy of your registration to HMRC.
• If you are a charity, you will need to upload your certificate of registration to the Charity Commission by using the upload field reserved to HMRC registration letter.
• Applicants must have designated off-street parking facilities with spaces dedicated for staff and/or fleet use and be suitable for charge point installations. Photographic evidence must be provided.

How many claims can you make?
The WCS grant is limited to the installation of 40 charge points’ sockets for each applicant. You can deploy them in as many sites as you want; for instance, if you would like to have them on 40 sites, you will have 1 socket available per site.

If you apply for less than 40 sockets, you are allowed to submit additional applications in the future until you reach that limit – there are special regulations for franchises which you can find out more here

How do I get a WCS voucher for a charge point?
You will need to complete the online application process, www.apply-workplace-chargepoint-grant.service.gov.uk providing information about your business, the desired number of sockets you would like to install and de minimis declaration (if this applies).
If you are eligible, you will be issued a voucher code on screen and receive a confirmation email. Please note that the generation of the voucher may take up to 5 working days.

Once you have received a voucher, you will need to contact an authorised WCS installer such as One Eco Charge. We will discuss your requirements, guide you through the installation process, we will guide you to the online survey, this allows you to submit any information required so we can provide you with an accurate quotation before any work begins.
The workplace charging scheme (WCS) voucher lasts for up to 180 days and can only be redeemed by authorised installers.

Do I have to pay upfront and claim it back?
The authorised charge point installer will claim the value of the voucher (up to £350) for each socket, up to a maximum of 40 sockets, on your behalf. The value of the voucher, generated at the end of the redemption process, should be discounted from your invoice.

Do you need an electric car to claim for WCS voucher?
No, you can declare a need for electric vehicle charging equipment or an intent to encourage uptake among their staff and/or fleet

Can if I already have charge points on site?
If you already have charge points, then no the WCS cannot be used to claim for installations made prior to the launch of the scheme. The Scheme only applies to new charge point installs. Applicants must apply for a voucher before installing any charge points.