Homeowners planning to install an electric vehicle charger must now meet specific eligibility rules and follow a strict approval process to access government support worth up to £500.
The scheme runs until March 2027 and is designed to support domestic charging installations, alongside new electric rules, but funding depends heavily on property setup and the correct procedural steps.
Missing any requirement before installation could result in losing access to the grant entirely.
What is the £500 EV charger grant?
The £500 EV charger grant is an updated version of an existing government scheme that previously offered around £350 per installation.
It is part of a long-running programme designed to support the rollout of home EV charging infrastructure, but was revised in 2026 to increase funding while tightening eligibility and focusing support on more complex installation scenarios.
Rather than a new scheme, it is a continuation of existing support with updated funding levels, revised criteria and a narrower focus.
Who qualifies for the EV grant?
Eligibility is now targeted and depends mainly on the type of property and how the charger will be installed.
Homeowners may qualify if they:
- Do not have a driveway or garage
- Rely on on-street parking
- Require additional installation work, such as pavement crossings or protected cabling systems
- Have an eligible EV (owned, leased or on order)
The scheme is aimed at households where installing a charger is not straightforward, rather than homes with simple private driveway installations.
The type of vehicle does not affect eligibility in terms of brand or model, as long as it is an eligible electric or plug-in vehicle suitable for home charging under the scheme rules.
What you must do before installation
Even if eligible, homeowners must follow a strict process before any installation work begins.
To qualify for the grant, homeowners must:
- Use an OZEV-approved installer
- Ensure their installer handles required grid notification and approvals
- Confirm all equipment meets approved technical standards
- Begin installation only after formal approval is given
Nigel King, Group Operations Director at Eurocar Group, also highlighted a commonly overlooked requirement: “Before installing any charging points at your home… you first need to submit an Energy Networks Association application to your Distribution Network Operator (DNO)… so they can confirm you have the correct equipment and setup.”
He added: “If this is not carried out… you might not be covered on your house insurance if something goes wrong.”
Installers typically manage much of the paperwork, but responsibility for ensuring the correct process is followed remains essential from the outset.
With the scheme closing on 31 March 2027, homeowners have a limited window to get both approval and installation completed in time.
While the £500 EV grant increases available support, it does not simplify the process – meaning those who delay or skip early approval steps are the most likely to miss out entirely.
