The complete guide to workplace EV charging for UK businesses

The electric vehicle (EV) market continues to grow steadily, with EVs making up 19% of all new car registrations at the end of June 2024. The figures highlight the increasing importance of electric cars as new petrol and diesel vehicles will be banned from sale after 2030. By 2035, all new cars and vans will need to be 100% emission free.  

Here, we look at why adding EV chargers to workplace car parks makes good business sense, how financial support from the government can help firms with the cost, and what it means when it comes to tax. 

Five key benefits of installing workplace EV chargers 

As the market for EVs continues to grow, workplace chargers are likely to become essentials rather than just nice-to-haves – here’s why: 

1. Attract and keep employees  

Installing chargers at work provides convenience and can help improve productivity as members of your team can stay onsite while their cars are charging.  

2. Help achieve sustainability goals  

Onsite chargers are a practical and simple way to support any environmental strategies you have or targets you need to meet. It also highlights your commitment to the environment to the wider public.  

3. Supports EV transition  

If you’ve got a fleet, providing EV charge points can help you transition from petrol and diesel cars more smoothly, giving you the infrastructure to support the switch. 

4. Provide new income streams  

Some businesses provide free charging for employees, but you could make charge points available to members of the public for a fee. This could help cover energy costs while also providing additional income.  

5. Future proofs your business  

No petrol or diesel cars will be sold after 2030 so EVs will start to become the norm. You can get ahead of the curve by providing chargers now for employees looking to swap their old cars for a new EV.  

Are we eligible for an EV charger grant from the government? 

Yes, there is government support under the workplace charging scheme (WCS), but the closing date to apply is 31 March 2026. So, if you’re looking for financial help installing EV chargers, it’s important to start considering your options sooner rather than later.  

What is the workplace charging scheme (WCS)? 

The WCS is a government grant that covers some of the cost of installing EV chargers in workplaces. If your application is successful, the government will cover up to 75% of the total cost of buying and installing chargers (including VAT). The grant is capped at a maximum of £350 per socket.  

How many chargers can I get funding for under the WCS? 

You can get funding for up to 40 sockets across all your business sites. For example, if you only have one office but want 40 sockets installed, the grant would cover the cost of installing all of them (up to £350 per socket). If your business was spread across 40 sites, the scheme would only cover the cost of one socket per site.  

Who can apply for the workplace charging scheme? 

You can apply if you are a: 

• Business (including small accommodation businesses) 

• Charity 

• Public sector organisation 

You’ll also need to own the property you want to install chargers on (or have consent from the landowner). The site you use will need space for dedicated off-road parking, as well as being clearly linked (or associated) with your business premises.  

How do we apply for the workplace charging scheme? 

You can apply for the scheme online – all you need to do is fill out the form at GOV.UK, workplace charging scheme. 

If your application is successful, you’ll be given a voucher within five working days. The voucher is only valid for 180 days after completing the application form. Charging points must be installed by an OZEV approved provider (OZEV stands for the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles).   

You’ll need to give the voucher to the EV installer who will deduct the voucher value from your bill (they can only bill you after installing the charging points).  

Is workplace charging a benefit-in-kind? 

Workplace EV charging is not a benefit-in-kind. Changes were made back in 2018-2019 which ruled that battery charging facilities (and electricity) for EVs were exempt from income tax so employees will not be charged for using the service.  

How does benefit-in-kind tax for EVs and petrol and diesel cars compare? 

A benefit-in-kind (BiK) is an employee perk, for example, a company car or private health cover. Some benefits-in-kind are taxed, including company cars.  

The amount of tax your employee will owe on their company car will depend on a number of factors. For example, the value of the car, what fuel it uses, its CO₂ emissions and the employee’s tax band.  

The good news is that the benefit-in-kind tax for electric vehicles is much lower compared to traditional petrol or diesel cars (it’s also lower compared to hybrids). For zero-emission cars, the BiK tax rates are: 

For petrol and diesel cars, BiK car tax could be up to 37% depending on vehicle emissions (for the 2025-2026 tax year).   

Is there tax if an employee charges their own EV at work? 

If a member of staff owns an EV and charges it at work, they may have to pay tax. The simplest way to find out if they do, is to use the calculator from GOV.UK.   

What is an advisory fuel rate and does it apply to EVs? 

Advisory fuel rates (AFRs) apply to company cars. They’re used when your business has to reimburse an employee for business travel using a company car. They’re also used if an employee needs to pay your business back for private use of a company car.  

The rates are set by the government every quarter and apply to petrol, diesel, LPG, and electric cars. You can find out more, including the current AFR by mile at GOV.UK.   

Do companies charge for EV charging? 

When you install EV chargers, you’ll also need to consider whether to charge employees. There’s no right or wrong but pricing models to consider include: 

• Free charging for employees – this will mean your business covers all electricity costs, but it could be a big perk that helps retain and attract employees.  

• Profit making – businesses generally don’t charge employees for electricity used but it could be an option if your focus is creating a new income stream.   

• Subsidised or at-cost charging – this is the middle ground and means you can cover energy costs while still providing perks for employees.  

Install workplace EV chargers with expert support 

Installing EV chargers at work shows how your business is committed to protecting the environment. Providing a free or subsidised service is also a practical way to support employees, particularly as living costs continue to rise.  

For advice about site suitability or how the workplace charging scheme might help with costs, call us on 019532 882 787 or send a message to info@spartek.co.uk. A helpful member of the team will be happy to talk through your options and explain how we can help you future proof your business by investing in electric charge points today.