As the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow, the Scottish Government is providing support to both domestic households and commercial businesses through various grant schemes. These grants aim to make the switch to electric more accessible, reduce carbon emissions, and support the country’s journey towards net-zero. For individuals and businesses in Glasgow and across Scotland, understanding these grants can make a significant difference in the cost of EV ownership and infrastructure installation.
Domestic EV Charge Point Grants Scotland
For homeowners looking to install an electric vehicle charge point, the Energy Saving Trust (EST) administers the EV Home Chargepoint Grant in Scotland. This grant complements the UK Government’s Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS), which provides financial support for domestic charge point installations.
EV Home Chargepoint Grant Scotland
The EV Home Chargepoint Grant offers up to £350 towards the cost of purchasing and installing a home charge point. In Scotland, an additional top-up grant is available through the Energy Saving Trust, providing an extra £250, making the total support up to £600. This grant is available to individuals who:
- Own or lease an eligible electric vehicle.
- Have off-street parking at their property.
- Use an OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) approved installer like Jorro.
For more detailed information, you can visit the Energy Saving Trust’s website to check eligibility and application procedures.
Who qualifies for a government EV grant in Scotland
Domestic Installation
Consider Jane, a Glasgow resident who recently purchased a Nissan Leaf. She qualifies for both the EVHS grant and the Energy Saving Trust’s top-up. The total installation cost for her charge point is £900. With £600 in grants, Jane only pays £300 out of pocket, significantly reducing her upfront investment.
Commercial EV Charge Point Grants
For businesses, the UK Government offers the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), designed to support the installation of EV charge points at commercial premises. This grant is also managed by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV).
Workplace Charging Scheme Scotland(WCS)
The WCS provides up to £350 per socket for a maximum of 40 sockets per business. This can equate to a total grant of up to £14,000 if the maximum number of charge points is installed. This scheme is open to:
- Public sector organisations.
- Private businesses.
- Charities and not-for-profit entities.
To apply, businesses need to complete an online application via the OZEV portal, after which they receive a voucher to present to an approved installer like Jorro.
An Example of Commercial Changepoint Installation
A Glasgow-based tech company aiming to encourage EV use among its employees. They decide to install 10 charge points at their office car park. The total cost of the project is £20,000. With WCS funding covering £350 per socket, GreenTech receives £3,500 in grants, reducing their costs to £16,500.
Additional Support for Rural and Remote Areas
Scotland also offers specific funding to support rural communities. The Domestic Chargepoint Grant for Rural Households provides additional financial support to those living in remote areas, recognising the unique challenges faced by these communities in accessing EV infrastructure.
For rural businesses, the Low Carbon Transport Loan is available, offering interest-free loans to help with the costs of electric vehicles and associated infrastructure. More information can be found on the Energy Saving Trust’s website.
Future Developments in Scottish EV Grants
The landscape of EV grants is evolving. The Scottish Government continues to review and expand its support schemes as part of its commitment to reducing transport emissions. Keeping up-to-date with these changes is crucial, and businesses and homeowners can regularly check the Scottish Government’s Transport pages for the latest updates.
By leveraging these grants, individuals and organisations across Scotland can significantly reduce the costs associated with EV charge point installation, making the transition to electric vehicles more affordable and accessible.
