Homeowners planning to install an electric vehicle charger must now meet specific eligibility rules and follow a strict approval process to receive government support of up to £500.
The scheme runs until March 2027 and is designed to support local charging installations with New Electric Regulations, But funding is highly dependent on property setup and proper procedural steps.
Missing any requirement prior to installation may result in complete loss of access to the grant.
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What is the £500 EV Charger Grant?
The £500 EV charger grant is an updated version of an existing government scheme which previously offered around £350 per installation.
It is part of a long-running program designed to support the rollout of home EV charging infrastructure, but was revised to increase funding in 2026 while tightening qualifications and focusing support on more complex installation scenarios.
Rather than a new scheme, it is a continuation of existing support with updated funding levels, improved criteria and a narrower focus.
Who is eligible for an EV grant?
Eligibility is now targeted and depends mainly on the type of property and how the charger will be installed.
Homeowners may qualify if they:
- No driveway or the garage
- Rely on on-street parking
- Additional installation work is required, such as pavement crossings or secure cabling systems
- Have an eligible EV (owned, leased or on order)
This plan is intended for homes where installing a charger isn’t easy, rather than homes with a simple private driveway installation.
The type of vehicle does not affect eligibility in terms of brand or model, as long as it is an electric or plug-in vehicle eligible for home charging under the scheme rules.
What you should do before installation
Even if qualified, homeowners must follow a strict procedure before any installation work begins.
To qualify for a grant, landlords must:
- Use one OZEV-approved installer
- Make sure their installer handles the required grid notification and permissions
- Ensure that all equipment meets approved technical standards
- Start installation only after receiving formal approval
Nigel King, Group Operations Director at Eurocar Group, also highlighted a commonly overlooked requirement: “Before installing any charging points at your home… you first need to submit an Energy Network Association application to your Distribution Network Operator (DNO)… so they can ensure you have the correct equipment and setup.”
He added: “If this isn’t carried out… you won’t be covered by your home insurance if something goes wrong.”
Founders usually handle most of the paperwork, but responsibility for ensuring the correct process is followed is essential from the start.
With the scheme closing on 31 March 2027, homeowners have a limited window to complete both approval and installation on time.
While the £500 EV grant increases the support available, it doesn’t make the process any easier – meaning those who delay or ignore the initial approval steps are likely to miss out entirely.
