As someone who drives an electric car, I know the challenges that infrastructure can present. Home charging is easy enough for me. But when I’m driving long distances for work, sometimes it feels like a game of roulette as to whether or not I’ll find an available, working, rapid charger when out and about.
The Government is keen to improve infrastructure, which is a huge barrier for lots of people making the leap and going electric.
But what about getting businesses to switch from petrol or diesel to plug in power.
If you run a small or medium-sized business in the UK, have you considered switching to electric vehicles for your staff and fleet? Or even making it easier just for them to have their own EV by being able to charge at work.
The shift to cleaner and low emission transport is gaining momentum, and the government is keen to give businesses a boost with the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant. Let’s take a closer look at what this grant is all about.
What is the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant?
This government grant is designed to help small to medium businesses cover the costs of installing electric vehicle (EV) charging points on their premises. It’s all about making it easier and more affordable for your staff and company fleet to make the switch to EVs.
How Much is the Grant?
The grant offers a generous 75% off the costs associated with installing the infrastructure for your EV charging points. There’s a maximum cap of £15,000 per grant, which should certainly go a long way in kitting out your car park! Here’s the breakdown of what they typically cover:
- £350 per charging socket installed.
- £500 per parking space prepped with the wiring and groundwork ready for charger installation (even if you don’t install them straight away).
What Can the Grant be Used for?
The grant is specifically focused on the infrastructure side of things. This means you can use the money to help pay for:
- The groundwork and cabling needed for charge points
- The actual sockets for the EV charge points
- Any signage or posts you need to properly designate the EV charging bays
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this grant, your business must:
- Be a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) – That means fewer than 250 employees.
- Have dedicated off-street parking intended for staff or fleet use.
- Be a registered business with companies house or be VAT registered in the UK
Pros and Cons of the Grant
As with any grant scheme, there are both advantages and a few things to bear in mind:
Pros
- Cost Savings: The biggest plus is that it significantly slashes the cost of switching your business transport to electric vehicles.
- Green Image: Demonstrates your commitment to environmental responsibility to both staff and customers.
- Staff Benefits: EV charging points could be an attractive perk for employees.
Cons
- Application Process: Filling in forms can take a bit of time, but with a potential saving of thousands of pounds, it’s well worth the effort.
- Upfront Costs: You’ll still need to pay 25% of the infrastructure costs, and the charge points themselves aren’t covered by the grant.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Remember to factor in the maintenance of the equipment over the long run.
Summary
Overall, the UK’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant for Staff and Fleets is a fantastic initiative. It makes the transition to electric vehicles more practical and affordable for loads of businesses. If you’re an SME considering the move to a cleaner fleet and want to give your staff a convenient way to keep their cars charged at work, then it’s definitely worth putting in that grant application.
You can find out more about the EV Infrastructure Grant and application process here.
