In 2030, the government is banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars altogether. Not too long after that, by 2035, they will only sell zero-emission vehicles and vans in the UK.
This ban on fossil fuel automobiles shows the government’s commitment to achieving cleaner air. This initiative promises to end the country’s part in perpetuating climate change.
While many organisations have pledged to replace their fleet with zero-emission electric vehicles, and many car owners are leaving their old cars behind, others may still need the extra push to make the switch sooner.
The good news is, with the OLEV grant, you won’t have to shoulder the entire cost of switching to an electric vehicle or securing an EV charger.
What Is The OLEV Government Grant?
The OLEV or Office for Low Emission Vehicles is the department commissioned to assist citizens in replacing their old cars with EVs. Currently, it’s known as the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles or OZEV.
Renaming the OLEV to OZEV is in keeping with the department’s current goal: zero carbon emissions.
To achieve this goal, one of this office’s functions is to provide funding to promote the switch from petrol cars to EVs.
More specifically, this government grant covers part of the cost of acquiring electric vehicles and the corresponding charge point infrastructure.
Pretty sure you have several questions at this point. Like, How much is the grant? How can I apply for it? And many more.
We don’t want to leave you guys in the dark. So read on to find out everything there is to know about the OLEV, otherwise known as the OZEV grant.
Understanding The OZEV Grant Schemes
The OZEV has different funding schemes to cater to various sectors of society. Knowing which one you need will help you navigate the application process with little to no hitch.
Keep in mind:
- There are unique grants for electric vehicles and EV charge points
- There are also specific grants intended for buying and installing chargers at home or at work
Let’s take a closer look at these grants!
Plug-In Car Grant
With this, the OZEV will shoulder a specific price or percentage when purchasing these plug-in cars to ease the buyer’s expense.
(Plug-in vehicles are cars with rechargeable battery packs and top-ups by plugging into the grid.)
The amount of the grant varies depending on the vehicle category. The newest grant update sets the price cap of new cars at £32,000 and a max grant of £1500.
Grants also take into account CO2 emissions at a certain distance and gross vehicle weight.
For instance, 35% coverage (maximum £2,500) is given to units weighing 2,500 kilograms, with only less than 50g/km emission of CO2, and can run a minimum of 96km with zero emissions.
Keep In Mind:
- The dealer applies the grant value to the particular car. The dealer will also handle all other paperwork.
- The UK government lists specific models of cars, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, vans, taxis, and trucks as eligible for the grant.
- There is a limited number of some of the grants, while some are only available at a limited time.
- Check with the Department of Transport about the remaining number of grants and the duration of the offer.
The plug-in car grant has undergone many changes since its introduction a decade ago. These changes keep the PICG relevant and up-to-date, considering that this industry is continually developing.
Workplace Charging Scheme
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a voucher-based grant scheme for businesses, public organisations, and charity institutions that need EV charge points for their fleet and personnel.
In a nutshell, the WCS pays up to 75% of the total price of an EV charger plus installation and VAT.
The coverage fee is £350 for each socket, with a maximum of 40 sockets in distinct locations for each applicant. (Or one socket for every area if you want 40 unique charging spots.)
Eligible parties apply via an online application form, and those who qualify receive a voucher code sent through email. The installer will require this code from you to move forward with the charge point installation.
People from England, Wales, Scotland and North Ireland (excluding the Channel Islands or Isle of Man) can apply for this grant.
Keep In Mind:
- Only OZEV-authorised installers are allowed to handle charger installations.
- Because of the numerous application requirements needed for this grant, it is best to visit the WCS section of the OZEV website to avoid deficiencies and information gaps.
- The chargepoint model to be installed should be OZEV-approved.
- Consultation with authorised installers is necessary to iron out particulars like installation details, custom charger needs/preferences, and electrical capacity.
- OZEV can modify or cancel the grant scheme rules at any time though they give at least four weeks’ notice if such cancellation/modification is needed.
Studies claim that installing EV chargers at work encourages people to give up petrol and diesel-based cars for electric vehicles.
Charging infrastructures are vital when owning electric cars. The absence of charging stations is counter-productive to switching to EVs.
Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme
Also known as EVHS, this grant covers 75% of the total cost of buying and installing an EV charge point at home (or a maximum of £350).
Aside from electric cars with zero emission, those approved by the OZEV as ultra-low emission vehicles are also eligible for this grant.
A person who owns, leases, or has already ordered an OZEV-approved vehicle is eligible as long as they also have their own EV park space off-street at home.
Keep In Mind:
- Starting April 2022, this scheme won’t be available to those who own and live in single-unit properties anymore. People with mortgages can also apply for this grant.
- All installations in these single-unit residences must be finished come March 31, 2022. At the same time, a grant claim must be submitted by April 30 to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
- Homeowners who live in apartments and renters of single-use properties and flats can still apply for this grant.
- The installer applies for the grant on behalf of the customer. Check out the EVHS Installation Form.
- Following the site survey and accomplishment of requirements, the installer makes sure the charger is safe and perfectly working.
- The installer invoices the customer minus the grant amount and any deposits made.
Having an EV chargepoint at home gives EV car owners numerous benefits. Some of these are unlimited accessibility and a cheaper means to top up.
Researchers also reveal that breaking even could only take a few years despite the upfront expenses of chargepoint installations at home.
Scotland Grant
Scottish residents can enjoy an additional grant from the Scottish Government through Energy Saving Trust Scotland on top of the EVHS grant from the Office of Zero Emissions.
In other words, this means that aside from the £350 EVHS grant, Scottish residents get an extra £300 funding for the cost of an EV charging point and its installation.
With both funding, Scottish EV drivers almost pay next to nothing!
Putting The Breaks On Fossil Fuel
With the complete ban on traditionally powered vehicles happening in the not-so-distant future, there is a real need to go for EVs.
The government is committed to delivering radical changes in how we travel and what kind of energy we consume.
The OZEV grants exist to help us ease in and transition to a cleaner means of getting from point A to point B.
With these funding schemes, we can be decisive when it comes to giving up our petrol cars. The whole idea behind the grant is to facilitate the uptake of zero-emission vehicles while helping build an infrastructure capable of supporting the electric vehicle system.
As primary stakeholders in this change of gears, so to speak, keeping up and preparing ourselves for this shift in the transport and energy sector is a must.
We are not just doing ourselves a favour by reducing pollutants and minimizing our carbon footprint. The switch to electric driving also poses economic advantages.
There will be an increase in jobs and investments in the transport and energy areas to support a growing EV industry on a macro scale.
Meanwhile, on the ground level, spending will be more efficient as electric vehicles are significantly less expensive to run, operate, and maintain.
Hop On To A New Way Of Driving
Take advantage of the OZEV grant and enjoy discounts for a new car or in your chargepoint purchase and installation. We can help you get started on your EV switch! Contact us today, and we’ll get right to it.
