Are you eligible for the government’s green driving grant?

Government grants can contribute to the cost of a home charge for new electric cars. Here’s how to get yours.

By Andrew Emery | 1 March 2021

Reducing your emissions isn’t just about your home and the improvements you make to it. You can also go greener once you leave your house in your car, with government grants in place to assist you with electric vehicles…

electric car connected to charging point mounted on garage

Photo: myenergi

Electric dreams

The UK has seen a real surge in electric vehicle ownership in recent years, and the government has committed to banning the manufacture of all petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030. There’s an incentive to be an early adopter, as was the case with solar panels. If you’re planning on purchasing an electric car, there has never been a better time to do so.

Photo: myenergi

Electric dreams

What do I need at home?

By installing an EV (electric vehicle) charger at home or at work, you’ll be able to charge up your vehicle without searching for a petrol station that has one. Some of the latest leaps forward in electric charging mean that you’ll be able to use wind or solar energy to do so.

Products such as myenergi’s zappi work as a standard EV charger, but with the unique option of using 100% green energy from your own wind generation setup or solar panels. Paired with the myenergi app, it’s an intelligent, elegant approach to electric vehicle charging.

myenergi eddi solar power diverter next to hand holding phone with app loaded

Photo: myenergi

Where do I install an electric charger?

Electric chargers have become increasingly smart and sophisticated, and the latest models are simple to install and don’t require an earth rod. You can find an approved installers list recommended by myenergi here, a company committed to driving the charge to a greener future.

They’ll need to be off road, but can be installed on walls, garages and other areas of your property – your installer can discuss the best possible location with you.

myenergi electric vehicle charger mounted on wall

Photo: myenergi

How can I get a grant?

With ambitious carbon targets, it makes sense that the government is looking to incentivise the uptake of electric vehicles. One way of doing this is through the OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) grant, formerly known as the OLEV (Office for Low Emission Vehicles) grant. It’s also known as the EVHS, or Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, and the Government website details the application criteria, including which vehicles are eligible to claim it.

The government will pay an amount – currently £350 – towards the purchase and installation of your charger at home or work if you have an EV or will be purchasing one within four months of the application. You’ll need to have off-street parking and the charger must be fitted by an OZEV approved installer.

Discover more about OZEV, the electric car grant, with myenergi’s helpful blog, which also highlights other available grant schemes.