The Government’s Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) came to an end on 31 March 2022 for homeowners but has been replaced by the EV Chargepoint Grant. This grant provides funding of up to 75% towards the cost of installing electric vehicle smart chargepoints at domestic properties across the UK, and is available to landlords, flat owner-occupiers or people living in rented accommodation.

However, as a business owner you can still benefit from the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS). The WCS offers support to eligible businesses when purchasing and installing electric vehicle (EV) charge points at work premises, such as offices and depots. It is available for businesses across the United Kingdom – (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, applicants with sites in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are not eligible).

Benefits of providing workplace charging 

Providing charging at your office or depot provides many benefits to your business. Both workplace and home charging continues to be cheaper, than petrol and diesel fuel or using the public network, even with the recent price increases in energy costs. Incorporating battery electric vehicles (BEVs) into your fleet can help reduce the overall costs to the business. Although the initial cost of a BEV may seem higher based on the ‘on the road’ cost, the total cost of owning a BEV versus an ICE vehicle can be lower in a lot of cases. To learn more about the total cost of ownership (TCO) model for BEVs, read our guide.

As more BEVs come on to the market and we move closer to the Government ending the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans before their 2030 deadline, having an EV charger on your premises will become extremely important. It shows you support the transition to cleaner motoring, both for your work fleet and also to all employees who drive an EV. It also provides visitors to your business, such as customers, with the knowledge that they can charge when visiting your workplace.

The WCS is available to organisations that meet the eligibility criteria. This includes: being a registered business, charity or public sector organisation, displaying a declared need for EV charging equipment, or intention to encourage the EV uptake among their employees and/or fleet; and have dedicated off-street parking for employees. For full details on eligibility please visit the Government WCS page.

The WCS grant will cover up to 75% of the total cost of purchasing and installing EV charge points (inclusive of VAT), and is capped at a maximum of: £350 per socket. 40 sockets per applicant across all sites, e.g. if you are looking to install the charge points in 40 sites, this will be limited to one socket per site. If you are already operating electric vehicles, or are looking to introduce your first EV to the business, it is imperative you plan your workplace charging. For details on the available grant we recommend you visit the official Government website.

As of 14 June 2022, the UK Government closed the plug-in car grant scheme, meaning there is no grant available for new EV orders from this date. The Government is now focusing its funding towards plug-in grants designed to boost sales of plug-in taxis, motorcycles, vans and trucks and wheelchair accessible vehicles, as outlined in the autumn statement. More details can be found on the Government website.

For electric vans, the plug-in van grant provides two categories of van grants. These are based on the weight of the vehicle, the vehicle must also emit less than 50g CO2 /km, and have a zero-emission range of at least 60 miles to be eligible for the grant. The grants available are: Small van grant - a van with a fully loaded weight of up to 2.5 tonnes is eligible for a 35% grant up to a maximum of £2,500. Large van grant - a van with a fully loaded weight of between 2.5 tonnes - 3.5 tonnes is eligible for a 35% grant up to a maximum of £5,000.

Why choose Business Contract Hire?

Business Contract Hire, also known as vehicle leasing, is a flexible finance solution that could help you avoid the risks associated with vehicle ownership and reduce business costs. We offer Business Contract Hire solutions to sole traders and small businesses, right up to large, corporate fleets and understand you need cost-effective solutions and support you can rely on. Why choose Business Contract Hire?

• Relevancy - Access to the newest models, including electric vehicles.
• Flexibility – You set the term and annual mileage to suit your needs.
• Avoid depreciation – As you don’t own the vehicles, you don’t have to worry about the market values depreciating.
• Less administration – We source and supply your car or van and you return it at the end.
• Helps cash flow – Fixed monthly rentals help with cash flow and budgeting.
• Upgrades – Easily plan to replace your business cars every two, three or four years, as required.
• Lower costs – You could benefit from our purchasing power, leading to lower rentals.
• Manage maintenance – Optional maintenance can help to spread and manage the costs of servicing and repairs.
• Accounting and tax - Business Contract Hire could simplify your business accounting and assist in tax planning , as well as give you access to applicable tax relief* and VAT reclaim.
• The tax relief referred to are those applied under current legislation which may change. The availability and value of any tax reliefs will depend on your individual circumstances.

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While care has been taken to ensure the information set out in this document is accurate and up-to-date, Lombard Vehicle Solutions shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising out of or in connection with the use of, or reliance on, the information provided. All efforts have been made to ensure facts and figures included in the document are correct at the time of publication, July 2022.

Terms & conditions

*For Business customers only (excluding sole traders or small partnerships with less than three partners). Business Contract Hire offer for orders received between 01/01/2024 and 31/01/2024, subject to availability and status. Age 18+ only. Figures based on a non-maintenance Contract Hire package plus an advance payment (excl. VAT). If you exceed your contracted mileage excess charges (excl. VAT) will apply, see your business quote for details. Excess charges also apply if you breach manufacturer servicing or maintenance guidelines or if the car exceeds BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear guidelines for its age/mileage when it's returned to Lombard Vehicle Solutions. Guarantee/indemnity may be required and prices and details are subject to change without notice. For full specification and T&Cs contact Lombard Vehicle Solutions, Oakwood Drive, Emersons Green, Bristol, BS16 7LB. You will not own the car. Vehicle range is provided by the manufacturer for comparison purposes only.