Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), the main UK workplace EV charging grant, gives voucher-based support from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) for eligible organisations installing staff or fleet chargepoints. Caps, voucher length and closing dates change: verify everything on GOV.UK and the UK Government Find a grant Workplace Charging Scheme listing before you procure.
Want survey, electrical capacity and install dates lined up with your voucher? Contact ZOLB EV or read how we deliver commercial EV charging installation for workplaces.
- UK-wide
- Businesses & public sector
- Voucher then install
At a glance
Administered by
OZEV (apply via Find a grant; see disclaimer below for links)
Scheme type
Voucher for install costs
Typical support
Up to 75% of eligible costs (incl. VAT), capped per socket
Geography
England, Wales, Scotland, NI (not Channel Islands / IOM)
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Per-socket cap (before 1 Apr 2026) | £350 if installation completed before 1 April 2026 |
| Per-socket cap (from 1 Apr 2026) | £500 (confirm on GOV.UK / Find a grant) |
| Sockets per applicant | Up to 40 across all sites |
| Scheme end (publicised) | 31 March 2027 (confirm on official listing) |
| Voucher validity | Often 180 days (confirm current rules on GOV.UK) |
Who it is for
The Workplace Charging Scheme is aimed at organisations that need off-road parking for staff or fleet use, for example offices, depots, public sector sites, charities and many hospitality or workplace car parks that meet the eligibility tests. Customer-only retail car parks are generally not in scope for standard business applicants; always use the official eligibility guidance.
State-funded schools and education institutions use a separate OZEV route with different caps and application rules. Read the dedicated ZOLB landing: Workplace Charging Scheme for state-funded education institutions (GOV.UK application and guidance links are in its disclaimer). This page’s disclaimer links the education guidance for cross-checking.
Fleet operators with depot-based HGV, van or coach electrification programmes may be steered toward the separate Depot Charging Scheme (DCS) on Find a grant — larger project caps and a competitive application timeline, unlike WCS vouchers. Confirm eligibility on the official listing before assuming WCS applies.
NHS England trusts electrifying operational fleets (including ambulance and estate contexts covered by programme rules) should review the dedicated NHS Chargepoint Accelerator Scheme (NCAS) landing and the official GOV.UK transparency publication — separate from standard WCS voucher mechanics.
How the scheme works
ZOLB EV is an authorised Workplace Charging Scheme installer. We help you line up survey, design and installation with GOV.UK eligibility and your voucher window, while you verify every rule on GOV.UK and Find a grant before you commit spend.
- Check you are in scope. Read current eligibility and evidence rules in the GOV.UK Workplace Charging Scheme guidance (link in the disclaimer at the foot of this page).
- Talk to ZOLB EV early. We survey your site, assess electrical capacity and produce a plan and quote that match what the scheme can support. Contact ZOLB EV to start.
- Apply for a voucher through the UK Government Find a grant listing for this scheme (link in the disclaimer at the foot of this page). Many teams run this step once the technical scope is clear.
- Install before the voucher expires. We schedule installation and commissioning so work completes inside the validity period in live guidance (often around 180 days; confirm the current rule on GOV.UK).
- Grant claim and your net cost. As your authorised installer we claim the supported amount through the scheme; you pay the balance per the scheme rules and our agreed quote.
How ZOLB EV helps
Alongside the numbered flow above, ZOLB EV designs, installs and operates commercial EV charging across the UK, including workplace bay layout, commissioning, and ongoing management where you need it.
We do not replace official advice: we help you interpret how the scheme maps to your site so you can apply and install with confidence, then cross-check every figure on GOV.UK and Find a grant.
Programme type
This is a UK-wide direct applicant route (not a council-led regional fund). You apply as the eligible organisation; delivery is with an authorised installer.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the Workplace Charging Scheme?
Eligible businesses, charities, public sector bodies and certain other organisations with qualifying off-road parking for staff or fleet can apply, subject to current GOV.UK rules. Use the official eligibility checker and guidance, not third-party summaries alone.
How much can I claim per chargepoint socket?
The scheme covers up to 75% of eligible purchase and installation costs (including VAT) subject to a per-socket cap. The cap depends on when installation is completed (for example £350 before 1 April 2026 and £500 from 1 April 2026 in current public guidance). Confirm the live figures on GOV.UK and the Find a grant listing before you commit spend.
How do I apply for a WCS voucher?
You apply online through the UK Government Find a grant service for the Workplace Charging Scheme (link in the disclaimer at the foot of this page). You will typically receive a voucher by email if your application is approved. Follow the official steps for giving the voucher to your authorised installer.
Can I use WCS for a customer-only car park?
For standard business applicants, the scheme is focused on parking for staff or fleet, not solely for customers or visitors. There are specific rules and exceptions. Check the GOV.UK Workplace Charging Scheme guidance for your organisation type.
When does the Workplace Charging Scheme close?
The government has published a scheme end date of 31 March 2027 alongside extension announcements. Dates can change. Always verify the “scheme closes” field on the official Find a grant listing before planning procurement.
Why use an authorised installer like ZOLB EV for WCS?
An authorised installer carries out eligible survey and installation work, aligns commissioning with your voucher validity, and claims the grant so you pay the net cost in line with scheme rules. ZOLB EV delivers end-to-end commercial workplace charging: start with Contact or the commercial EV installation overview.
Related grant programmes
Three programmes only — each card uses the same hero imagery as the target landing. Wales, Northern Ireland and England-specific notes stay on the UK grants hub.
Plan workplace charging with voucher timing in mind
Book a no-obligation conversation about your bays, power availability and how WCS fits your rollout.