As the UK government is set to scrap the OLEV Grant, electric vehicle owners are being urged to apply for the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme before March 31
As the UK makes the transition towards a more sustainable future, electric vehicles are quickly transforming from a futuristic idea seen in sci-fi films to the future of transport. In order to urge people to make the transition to electric cars, the OLEV Grant was introduced by the government, which entitles homeowners to money off specific low emission vehicles and electric charger installation.
Technically called the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, the OLEV Grant covers up to £350 of the costs associated with installing a home electric vehicle charging point.
Why is the government stopping the home charger OLEV Grant scheme?
The government offered the OLEV Grant to drivers in order to help meet its ambitious net zero emissions target by 2050.
However, they announced that they have allocated a specific amount of money to this grant scheme, which has now come to an end. Because of this, home charging OLEV grants will be scrapped from 31 March.
How to know if you qualify for the OLEV Grant
You qualify for the OLEV Grant if:
- You have purchased an eligible electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle or leased one for a minimum of six months.
- You have off-street parking (i.e. a driveway or garage).
- You commit to installing an OLEV-approved charge point.
- You commit to using an OLEV-approved charge point installer.
- The installation is due to be completed by 31st March 2022.
All full battery electric cars meet the criteria for the OLEV Grant. Only some plug-in hybrid vehicles with CO2 emissions below 75g/km are included.
Furthermore, those with second-hand electric vehicles will also be eligible as long as the application for the grant is made within four months of receiving the vehicle.
Installing a home charger can be a good option for EV owners
With the purchasing of electric vehicles seeing a sharp rise over the last few years, there are now nearly 400,000 EV owners in the UK. With the public charging networks trying to keep up with this rise, installing a home charger can often be a good option for EV owners.
The OLEV grant for the purchase of an EV will still be available, but this has now been capped at £1,500 and is limited to specific vehicles.
Ben Gallizzi, EV expert at Uswitch.com commented: “With only one week to go until the government’s OLEV grant is stopped, booking a home EV charger installation before the deadline is going to be tough.
“However, for £350 off the cost of the installation, it’s worth trying before the cut-off on 31st March.
“To speed up the process, ask yourself these questions before booking to see if you’d qualify:
Have I had an electric vehicle for at least six months?
Do I have off-street parking?
Can I commit to installing an OLEV-approved charge-point?
Can I commit to using an OLEV-approved charge-point installer?
Am I available to have it installed by 31st March 2022?”
Electric chargers have become mandatory in all new builds
In November 2021, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that all new homes will be fitted with electric charger ports from 2022.
The new policy aligns with the government’s ambition to fit 145,000 charge points across the country each year, which builds on the over 250,000 home and workplace charge points the government has already supported to date.
The installation of EV chargers in new builds aligns with the governments 2030 roadmap to stop the sale of all petrol and diesel vehicles to combat climate change and urge the UK to become more sustainable.
