Electric vehicles are considered safer for the environment considering that they would aid in carbon emission reduction. However, the downside is that they would need to be charged. For this a proper charge point would need to be installed for the same and thus, the cost of the charge point plus the installation would be borne by the individual. The government identifying this has realized that in order to prompt a safer environment this expense needs to be tackled to raise the appeal of electric vehicles. Thus, the introduction of the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme – a grant that targets this aspect of electric vehicle ownership.

Quick answers to the most common questions on the grant:

1- What is the EVHS scheme?

The EVHS scheme stands for Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) which is basically a grant towards the cost and installation of one chargepoint for an eligible electric vehicle and the individual using the same.

2- What does the grant provide?

As per the grant a 75% contribution cost is factored in towards the purchase as well as the installation of the chargepoint for the vehicle as the government understands that an electric vehicle would require a special charging port.

3- Is there any limit to this?

There has been a grant cap that has been set at £350 which is including VAT. This would be considered per installation.

4- What are the eligibility criteria?

The focal requirement is for an individual to own/lease or have ordered an electric vehicle that qualifies and has also dedicated a spot for off-street type parking for the said vehicle at their particular property.

5- How long will it take for the claim to be processed?

If it is an experienced installer then the claim process is usually done within 30 (working) days.

6- Who processes the claim?

The claim is processed by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles or OZEV.

7- What if I have more than one electric vehicle?

Yes, at the same property you could have two chargepoints provided that there are two qualifying vehicles that are present.

8- What if I move home and need a chargepoint replacement? Would this qualify under the grant?

Yes, if you are moving house and have an old chargepoint that needs to be replaced then this too can qualify under the grant.

9- What if I have previously claimed under the grant, can I claim again?

If you have claimed under the present grant or even under the Domestic Recharge Scheme you would not qualify for a further grant. However, you could qualify if you own two electric vehicles that meet the eligibility criteria but not more.      

10- What is the actual working process of the grant like?

The customer first needs to choose a certified EVHS installer for the installation of the chargepoint. It is to EVHS installer’s duty to check the eligibility of the customer for the grant and then to process the application further if the customer qualifies. Then when the customer is billed by the EVHS installer for the installation process, the invoice generated would indicate the actual price of the installation process along with the VAT payment to be made and the grant amount that has been applied for deducted accordingly.

11- Who is paid the grant amount?

The grant amount is not paid to the customer but rather directly to the installer. Thus, the customer does not have to bear the cost at all as the deduction is already made on the actual invoice.  

12- Do I need to check if I have to qualify and process the application for myself?

No, neither yourself nor your tax accountant needs to do anything. The EVHS installer has to check if you qualify and take the claim process further.