The OZEV Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant (formerly the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, or EVHS) exists to reduce the upfront cost of home EV charger installation for eligible homeowners. For many Hertfordshire residents switching to an electric vehicle, the grant represents a meaningful saving — but eligibility is not automatic, and the application process has specific requirements that catch people out.
This guide explains who qualifies, how much funding is available, how the application works, and what to expect when you work with an OZEV-approved installer like Hertfordshire EV Charging.
What is the OZEV grant?
The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) administers grant funding for EV charger installation across the UK. For homeowners, the primary scheme is the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant, which provides up to £350 off the cost of a home charger installation.
The grant is paid directly to your installer — you do not receive a cheque. Instead, the approved amount is deducted from your quotation, and the installer claims the grant on your behalf after completing a compliant installation.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility criteria are set by the government and may change. At the time of writing, the key requirements include:
- Off-street parking — you must have dedicated off-street parking at your property, such as a driveway or garage.
- Eligible vehicle — you must own, lease, or have ordered an eligible electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle must appear on OZEV’s approved list.
- First chargepoint at the property — the grant applies to the first chargepoint installation at your address. Second chargers at the same property are not grant-funded.
- Approved installer — the installation must be carried out by an OZEV-approved installer using an OZEV-approved charger.
Renters may also be eligible under separate criteria, provided they have landlord permission and meet the parking requirements. We confirm your specific eligibility during a free site survey — there is no obligation to proceed.
How much can you save?
The grant provides a flat £350 contribution towards installation costs. This is deducted from your total quotation — it does not cover the entire installation, which typically ranges from £800 to £2,500+ depending on your property.
For example, if your installation quotation is £1,150 and you qualify for the full grant, your out-of-pocket cost would be £800. The remaining £350 is claimed by your installer from OZEV after commissioning.
Grant funding reduces your cost but does not change the installation standard. Your charger must still be installed to current wiring regulations regardless of grant eligibility.
The application process
When you work with an OZEV-approved installer, the grant application is handled as part of the installation process:
- Site survey — we assess your property, confirm grant eligibility, and specify the charger and installation scope.
- Quotation — you receive a clear quotation showing the total cost, grant deduction, and your final price.
- Installation — we install the OZEV-approved charger to current regulations and commission the system.
- Grant claim — we submit the grant claim to OZEV on your behalf after successful commissioning.
You do not need to contact OZEV directly or complete separate paperwork. Our OZEV grant installation service manages the entire process.
Common eligibility questions
Can I claim the grant if I already have a charger? No. The grant applies to the first chargepoint at your property only. If you already have a charger installed, a second unit would not qualify.
Does the grant apply to workplace chargers? Workplace charging has a separate grant scheme — the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS). This provides funding for businesses installing charging for staff and fleet vehicles. See our guide to workplace EV charging in Hertfordshire for details.
What if I change my vehicle after installation? The grant is tied to the installation, not the vehicle. Once your charger is installed and commissioned, you can charge any compatible EV regardless of whether you still own the original vehicle.
Can I choose any charger? The charger must be on OZEV’s approved product list. We specify approved units that suit your property and charging requirements — see our guide to choosing a home EV charger for specification advice.
Why use an OZEV-approved installer?
Only installers registered with OZEV can claim the grant on your behalf. Using an unapproved installer means paying the full cost with no grant deduction — and potentially receiving an installation that does not meet the standards OZEV requires.
As OZEV-approved installers serving Hertfordshire, St Albans, Watford, and surrounding towns, we handle grant eligibility, application, and compliant installation in a single process. There is no additional fee for grant handling.
What the grant does not cover
The grant contribution applies to the installation cost, not to:
- Consumer unit upgrades required before a charger can be installed
- Extended cable runs or civil works beyond standard installation scope
- Premium charger models above the approved product list
- Ongoing energy costs or smart tariff subscriptions
We itemise all costs clearly in your quotation so you understand exactly what the grant covers and what falls outside it.
Planning your installation
If you are at the early planning stage, understanding grant eligibility helps you budget accurately. Our guide to home EV charger installation costs provides investment ranges for typical Hertfordshire properties.
Arrange your site survey
Grant eligibility depends on your specific property and circumstances — a conversation and site visit are the only reliable way to confirm your position. Book a free site survey and we will assess your Hertfordshire property, confirm grant eligibility, and provide a clear quotation with the grant deduction applied.
