Workplace Charging Scheme 2026: £500/socket × up to 40
The OZEV Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) gives UK organisations up to £500 per socket × 40 sockets (£20,000 theoretical maximum) toward installing EV chargers for staff and visitor use. Uplifted from £350 on 1 April 2026.
Different from residential schemes: WCS is applied for by the employer directly (not the installer). You generate a voucher, then the installer redeems it.
Who qualifies
Three broad categories of organisation qualify:
- Commercial businesses of any size, with Companies House registration
- Registered charities and community interest companies (CIC)
- Public sector bodies including local councils, NHS, schools, universities
Sole traders working from home generally use the residential schemes instead. Self-employed people without dedicated workplace parking can't use WCS.
What the grant covers
Two stacked caps apply: £500 per socket AND 75% of total purchase + installation costs (including VAT). Whichever is lower governs your actual grant. Plus a cap of 40 sockets per applicant across all sites. Examples:
- Small business installing 4 staff sockets at £800 each (£3,200 total): grant is min(4 × £500, 75% × £3,200) = min(£2,000, £2,400) = £2,000.
- Mid-size company installing 15 sockets across 2 offices at £700 average: grant is min(15 × £500, 75% × £10,500) = min(£7,500, £7,875) = £7,500.
- Large employer / NHS trust installing 40 premium sockets at £1,200 each (£48,000 total): theoretical max min(40 × £500, 75% × £48,000) = min(£20,000, £36,000) = £20,000.
The 40-socket cap is per applicant entity, not per site — a business with 5 offices can split the 40 sockets across them. Gov.uk also lists small accommodation businesses as a specific eligible category alongside general businesses, charities, and public sector.
The application process
- 1
Confirm your organisation qualifies
Businesses (any size), registered charities, and public sector bodies all qualify. You need: dedicated off-street parking at your workplace, intent to install for staff/fleet use, and Companies House or equivalent registration.
- 2
Apply via gov.uk WCS portal
Unlike residential schemes, WCS requires the employer to apply directly. Application generates a voucher code that the OZEV-authorised installer uses to claim the grant.
- 3
Choose an OZEV-authorised installer
Get quotes from at least 2-3 OZEV-approved commercial installers. Workplace installations are typically more complex than residential (multiple sockets, load balancing, fleet management software).
- 4
Install + voucher redemption
Installer completes the install and redeems the WCS voucher. Grant is deducted from invoice. Typical workplace install (5-10 sockets) takes 2-4 weeks from approval.
Best chargers for workplace installs
Workplace chargers prioritise multi-charger load balancing (sharing a single supply across many sockets), durability, and OCPP compatibility (open protocol for fleet management software).
- Easee One — daisy-chainable, market leader for workplace multi-socket installs
- EVEC VEC03 — strong portfolio pricing for 10+ sockets
- Pod Point Solo 3S — robust, with strongest UK commercial installer network
FAQs
How much can a UK business claim under WCS in 2026?
Two caps stack: £500 per socket AND 75% of total purchase + installation costs (including VAT). Whichever is lower applies. Plus a maximum of 40 sockets per applicant entity across all sites. The £20,000 theoretical maximum (40 × £500) only applies if your install also exceeds the 75% threshold — otherwise the percentage cap kicks in first. Example: 4 sockets at £600 install each = £2,400 total, grant is min(4 × £500, 75% × £2,400) = min(£2,000, £1,800) = £1,800.
Has the WCS rate changed?
Yes. From 1 April 2026, WCS grant rate increased from £350 to £500 per socket, matching the other three active OZEV schemes. Applications submitted before April at £350 (without install started) can re-apply at the new £500 rate.
Do I qualify if I'm self-employed?
Gov.uk does not explicitly cover sole-trader / self-employed status for WCS. The scheme is described as for 'businesses, charities, public sector organisations' with dedicated off-road workplace parking. Sole traders working from a home office should use the residential schemes (Renter, Flat Owner, On-Street, or Landlord depending on your tenure). For ambiguous cases, gov.uk advises contacting DVLA at workplacechargingscheme@dvla.gov.uk before applying — get the answer in writing.
Charities and non-profits — are we eligible?
Yes. Registered UK charities, community interest companies (CIC), and other not-for-profits qualify on the same terms as commercial businesses. Some additional documentation (charity number) may be requested.
Can I install fast/rapid chargers?
The WCS covers chargepoint installation generally. Most workplace installs are 7kW or 22kW AC chargers (not 50kW+ rapid DC). The £500/socket grant rate applies regardless of charger power, but rapid DC chargers cost £15K-£30K+ to install — so grant proportion is much smaller.
What's the difference between WCS and the Residential Landlord scheme?
WCS is for employee/visitor parking at your workplace (commercial use). Residential Landlord is for tenant use at residential rental properties (residential use). A property developer renting houses uses the Landlord scheme. A car dealership installing chargers for staff uses WCS. The same entity could use both for different sites.
When does WCS funding end?
Funding is confirmed until 31 March 2027 alongside the other three active OZEV schemes. Government can end with ~4 weeks notice. No public extension announced. Larger workplace projects benefit from applying earlier in the financial year.
Sources
Planning a workplace install?
We can connect you with commercial OZEV-authorised installers who handle WCS voucher redemption.
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