Are you looking to apply for the OZEV grant eligibility but not sure of the requirements? Fear not! This guide will walk you step-by-step through the OZEV grant application requirements, so you can make sure your application is successful.
Offering clear explanations, expert tips, and helpful resources, this guide will make sure you’re in the know about all the ins and outs of the OZEV grant application process. So, let’s get started and learn how to navigate and make the best of this grant opportunity!
Aside from embracing a “new normal” to driving, electric vehicles are not exactly cheap. Though EVs promise cost-efficiency and a significant ROI, the upfront expenses in acquiring one are a valid point of hesitation.
To encourage car owners to make the change, the government has offered a variety of grants through the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV). These OLEV grants cover a portion of the cost of buying a new EV and chargepoint.
Renamed to OZEV Grant (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) to reflect the government’s goal of zero emission at the tailpipe by 2035, the OLEV grant details have also changed numerous times.
So how do we apply and claim for the OZEV grant? Read on to learn the different requirements and application processes.
What Are The Different OZEV Grants?
Before we proceed any further, did you know that there are a variety of OZEV grants? Whether you’re a business organisation or a private individual driver, there is a OLEV charger grant for you.
These OLEV grants are the PICG, ORCS, WHCS, and EVHS. What do these acronyms mean?
· The PICG or Plug-In Car Grant covers a portion of the cost when purchasing low-emission and electric cars
· The WHCS or Workplace Charging Scheme provides businesses assistance with chargepoint installation costs.
· The ORCS or On-Street Residential Charge Point Scheme assists communities in installing on-street residential chargers through local authorities
· The EVHS or Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme is a grant for home chargepoint installation
How Can I Apply For An OZEV Grant?
Each kind of grant has different requirements to fulfil when filing for a claim or an application. Continue reading to know what you need to do to get the OZEV grant.
We have put together a simple guide to help you take that next step towards driving an electric car.
From OZEV grant eligibility to home chargepoint grants, we’ve included as much essential information to help you navigate the OZEV grant application process.
Applying For The Plug-In Car Grant
Believe it or not, applying for a Plug-In Car Grant is quite simple if you’re a customer planning to buy an electric vehicle. As long as the car you are getting is eligible for the PICG, you can claim this grant.
What happens is that the government subsidy is deducted from the car’s list price at the time of purchase.
It is a different scenario when you are the car dealer or manufacturer selling an electric vehicle. Aside from a survey that the customer will fill out, the dealer handles the bulk of the paperwork.
That includes claiming the grant.
Here are important points relevant to your PICG application:
· Check grant eligibility from the list of eligible vehicles.
· The grant level and criteria are subject to change at OZEV’s discretion.
· Recent OZEV update indicates that the grant may still be available until 2022 to 2023.
· The grant has since been applied to models of vans, trucks, taxis, and motorcycles.
· Manufacturers and dealers need to log on to the PICG portal to make new orders or to update and check the status of current orders.
· New users must contact OZEV for portal credentials.
Application results are typically released two months after all relevant documents are submitted.
Applying For The Workplace Charging Scheme
The WCS is a voucher-based OZEV charger grant. It covers a portion of the costs that go towards the chargepoint installation needs of businesses, charities, and public organisations.
To Claim The Grant:
· You must be a business, charity or public entity located in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland (except applicants in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man)
· Applicants must own or have legal consent for OLEV grant charger installation on sites listed in the application
· Must have dedicated off-street parking
To Summarise, the WCS application process involves:
· Submission of an application form
· Receiving a unique voucher code through email if the application is successful
· Arranging for an authorised installer who will complete chargepoint installation within six months of the expiry of the voucher
· Completion of installation and online voucher redemption via the installer portal
· Confirmation and correction of installation details done through email correspondence
· Payment for installation from the applicant
· Grant payment within 30 days
Learn more about WCS here: Workplace Charging Scheme
Applying For The On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme
The OZEV and EST, or the Energy Saving Trust, run the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme. This government charging point grant aims to help local authorities establish an EV charging infrastructure in residential areas without off-street parking.
Here’s how you can apply for the ORCS:
· Local authorities must consult with Energy Saving Trust for guidance on applicable on-site technologies, market options, and spending
· Applicants must submit an application form
· Send an email to onstreetchargepoints@est.org.uk for consultation and submission of OZEV grant requirements
· If the application is successful, the OZEV will send the applicant a grant letter offer
· If the application gets rejected, the OZEV sends a reply to the applicant detailing the rationale behind their decision
· Applicant can resubmit an application with corresponding amendments as long as there is funding
· Upon acceptance of the grant offer letter, the applicant receives 75% of the grant amount with the remaining paid in arrears
ORCS Application Criteria
· Chargepoints must be within residential areas
· There is no off-street parking
· Installation site should cater to current and future charging necessities
· Charger accessibility to residents and around-the-clock availability
· Car park installations apply only to local authority-owned properties
· Applicant must provide project costs and delivery timeline
· It should meet OZEV minimum specifications and must be able to charge EVs with a Type 2 connection.
Applying For the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme
This scheme is more commonly referred to as the OZEV grant. However, the EVHS is a government grant that provides home charging point units and installation costs subsidies.
Just like the previous grants, it is good to determine if you are eligible or not for this financial assistance.
Things to remember when applying for the EVHS:
· Check the list of eligible vehicles released by the government and confirm if your car is part of that list
· You have off-street parking at home
· The current update of the scheme notes that from April 2022, the scheme “will no longer be available to homeowners in single-unit properties” However, it will remain open for people who rent flats and single-use properties as well as flat homeowners
· Find an authorised installer and a government-approved home charger. Installers will help customers throughout the whole installation process, including claiming the EVHS
· This grant is only applicable to residential properties. The person applying for the scheme must be a resident at the installation location
· The authorised installer claims the grant on behalf of their customers. The customer pays the installer the total cost of installation minus the amount of the grant
· The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) administers the scheme on behalf of OZEV. For claims, installers must send the DVLA grant forms and supporting paperwork via the DfT Portal
· Individuals who want a home EV charger must sign an EVHS installation form
Scotland Grant
· If you are a resident of Scotland, you can have an additional subsidy courtesy of the Energy Saving Trust on top of the EVHS
· Unlike the EVHS, which covers a portion of the upfront installation costs, the Scotland grant is reimbursed after installation
Give Zero-Emission Driving A Go
Achieving cleaner air and lowering carbon emissions is now more easily attainable. Thanks to various government grants, transitioning from fossil fuel to electric-powered cars is also less troublesome.
Why wait any longer if we can convert to electric vehicles now and take advantage of these subsidies?
Let us help you get started and guide you in getting your home electric vehicle chargepoint.
Just the Beginning – Learn More about Grants here: Renewable Energy Grants
