The current scheme to help homeowners with the cost of purchasing and installing charging units for their electric vehicles (EVs) is set to end at the end of March – we’ve got all the essential info in our article below!
What is the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme?
The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) is a scheme run by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) that is designed to encourage drivers to get an EV by making charging it more accessible and affordable for them.
Since it was introduced in September 2014 the scheme has provided more that £78 million in funding to assist drivers with the costs associated with home chargers.
What are the Current EVHS Rules?
Currently eligible drivers can receive up to £350 towards the cost of purchasing and installing a home charger at their property.
What is the Current Eligibility Criteria?
Currently homeowners, and tenants where they have the landlord’s permission, are eligible for the grant if they have off-street parking and are registered as the owner (or driver in the case of a lease agreement) of an electric vehicle. This includes drivers of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).
You are able to apply for two chargers per household, but that is the maximum and you cannot apply for more chargers than EVs at the household.
What’s Changing with Home Charger Grants?
As of the 31st of March however the eligibility rules will be changing and owners of detached, semi-detached and terraced houses as well as bungalows will no longer be eligible for the grant.
This is because OZEV are shifting focus to help those living in leasehold flats and landlords of rental properties, to try and remove a barrier for those living in these properties to driving an EV.
Landlords will be able to apply for up to 200 properties annually for a maximum of £70,000 and there will be no limit on the number of chargers per property, but each must have private parking for that property.
If the property is an apartment block, then the owner will be able to apply for up to 30 charging units at a maximum cost of £30,000 annually with up to £850 applied peer parking bay or up to £500 to provide the infrastructure to install a charge point in the future.
How Will This Affect Me?
In order to be eligible for the current grant you will need to have the home charger installed by the 31st of March. This means if you are currently in the process of getting a home charger you should try to have this installed as soon as possible if you will no longer be eligible under the new criteria.
If you are looking to get an electric vehicle they you’ll want to consider the impact of the change in grant on your home charging.
If you are the owner of a property which is not a flat, then you’ll need to budget for the additional cost of the charger as you will no longer receive the grant off the cost. If you live in a flat, then you will still be eligible and so there will be no change for you at the minute.
Alternatively, if you are in a rental property then you can speak to your landlord as they will be able to apply for the grant on having a
How Much Does an EV Home Charger Cost?
The cost of a home charger varies depending on the speed of charging you want but the average cost is around £850, though prices vary from £300 up to £1,500.
Additionally, the installation cost can increase the price as depending on your existing infrastructure there may be substantial work required.
When you look at installing a home charger the company will usually complete a survey on the property to let you know how much electrical work will be required and the cost of this to you.
How Can Xcite Car Leasing Help Me Get a Home Charger?
Xcite Car Leasing are working with Ohme to help our customers with their EV charging needs.
Ohme are a UK based provider of smart chargers that are designed to integrate with your home and utilise the best possible electricity rates for cheaper charging.
We’re proud to be able to help connect you with Ohme and to answer any EV charging question you may have.
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