Home charging is an extremely convenient method of charging your EV. As more people adapt to electric cars, home charging infrastructure becomes more important in the transition. The installation of charging points at home can not only help you save time and money, but they are highly accessible and can easily charge your EV overnight, so that you’re ready to go the next morning.
Have you heard about the OLEV grant but don’t know what it is? Are you considering switching fuel for electric, and you’re wondering how do I claim the OLEV grant? Then look no further. Here at EV Wired we will explain everything that you need to know about the OLEV grant, from what it is, how long it’s available for, and how you claim it.
What is the OLEV grant?
The Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) grant, also referred to as the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) – is similar to the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) government grant. The OLEV incentive was created to help drivers with part of the installation costs of charging infrastructure at home, with the fitting of a smart wall box. This grant was created to help more drivers transition from fuelled to electric vehicles, in line with the UK government’s pledge to stop all sales of new fuelled vehicles in 2030, and transition to pure EV’s by 2040. The OLEV grant currently offers drivers up to £350 off the installation costs of a domestic smart charger, and is available for one charge point per vehicle, with no more than two vehicles per household. In Scotland an extra grant of up to £250 is also available through Energy Savings Trust Scotland.
How long is the OLEV grant available for?
The UK government has recently updated the availability of the OLEV grant, stating that this incentive is now only available up until the 31st March 2022 for homeowners (including those with mortgages) living in single unit properties. This applies to homeowners who live in bungalows, terraced, detached, or semi-detached houses. After the 31st March it is likely that this grant may not be offered again, but the good news is that it’s not too late if you would like to apply.Can I apply for the OLEV grant if I live in a flat or rented property?
Yes, if you live in a flat or a rented single use property, the good news is that the OLEV grant will remain in place until further notice. You can find out more about the home-charge scheme here.Am I eligible for the OLEV grant?
All EV drivers are eligible for this incentive as long as they match the following criteria:- You should own/lease (for at least 6 months)/or have ordered a new or second hand pure electric vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle – with low emissions. You can check if your EV qualifies on OLEV’s eligible vehicle list.
- You should have access to off-street parking (such as a driveway or garage).
- You must use an OLEV approved installer. You can see a list here.
- Your vehicle should have been purchased after October 2016.