Government EV chargepoint grant extended to drivers without a driveway

Charging an electric car at home when you don’t have a driveway can be challenging, but the Government is looking to ease this difficulty with its latest EV grant extension. The Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant for Households with On-Street Parking is now accessible to those who either own or rent a property without off-street parking where they have to park on the roadside. 

Originally offered only to those with private parking spaces, this £350 grant will now also cover up to 75 per cent of the cost of purchasing and installing a home chargepoint at a residence where on-street parking is the only option. However, those who apply will only be eligible if they meet certain criteria, as listed on the gov.uk website.

Firstly, the local council must deem your on-street parking space as adequate. This means the space must be regularly available to you, and when it’s occupied it must also leave sufficient space for traffic on the road to pass. The applicant will also need to gain the council’s approval to install a cross-pavement charging solution between their home and the parking space. If the property is rented, the landlord, freeholder or managing agent will also need to give their permission. This solution must be fitted before the chargepoint is installed.

If you think this grant could persuade you to make the switch to electric, it’s important to note that you will already need to possess an eligible vehicle before you can receive any money. You don’t need to own the car, though, as it can also be leased or even a company car. If you have ordered an EV and are waiting for it to arrive, this will also qualify.

If you are planning to move house or want to replace an existing chargepoint, you will be unable to make a claim. 

Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure fund (LEVI)

The chargepoint grant’s extension is part of the Government's Plan for Drivers policy. Alongside this, a £381million Local Electric Vehicle (LEVI) fund is gradually being distributed to councils in order to improve and increase the UK’s electric car charging infrastructure. 

Anthony Browne, Technology and Decarbonisation Minister, said “This dedicated funding to local councils is part of our plan to ensure people can switch from a petrol or diesel car to an EV when they choose to do so.” So far, over £185million has been allocated to 44 councils.