The landscape of government EV charger grants changed significantly in 2022 when the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) closed to most owner-occupiers. However, grants and funding options are still very much available in 2026 for specific groups — and understanding what's on offer can save you hundreds of pounds on your EV charger installation in Kent.
As an OZEV-approved installer based in Deal, covering all of Kent, L Fowler Electrical stays on top of every grant update so our customers don't miss out. Here's everything you need to know about EV charger grants in 2026.
The EV Chargepoint Grant (Flat Owner-Occupiers and Renters)
The EV Chargepoint Grant replaced the EVHS for flat owner-occupiers and people living in rented accommodation. If you own a flat or rent any type of property in Kent, you can claim up to 75% of the installation cost — capped at £350 — towards a home EV charger.
To qualify, you must have dedicated off-street parking at your property and own or lease an eligible electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. The installation must be carried out by an OZEV-approved installer — which L Fowler Electrical is — and the charger itself must be on the government's approved list.
For flat residents in Canterbury, Margate, Ramsgate, Dover and across Kent, this grant makes home EV charger installation genuinely affordable. A typical £650 installation drops to just £300 after the grant — a remarkable saving.
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
For Kent businesses, charities and public sector organisations, the Workplace Charging Scheme offers substantial support. You can claim up to £350 per socket, with a maximum of 40 sockets across all sites — potentially worth £14,000 in grant funding.
This scheme is ideal for offices in Ashford, retail units in Canterbury, hotels in Folkestone and industrial sites across Kent. With the growing number of EV drivers on the road, offering workplace charging is becoming an essential employee benefit and customer attraction tool.
L Fowler Electrical has installed commercial EV charging points for businesses across Kent. We handle the WCS application paperwork, the installation and the ongoing maintenance — making the process straightforward for busy business owners.
On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme
If you don't have off-street parking, the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (OSRCS) helps local authorities install EV chargers in residential streets. While you can't apply directly as a homeowner, you can lobby your local Kent council — Dover District, Thanet, Canterbury City or Ashford Borough — to bid for funding.
This scheme has already funded thousands of lamppost chargers and dedicated on-street charging bays across the UK. In Kent, areas with high EV adoption like Deal, Whitstable and Faversham are particularly strong candidates for future OSRCS funding rounds.
Reduced VAT on EV Charger Installation
One often-overlooked saving is the reduced VAT rate on EV charger installations. If your EV charger is installed as part of a new build, a substantial renovation, or at a property that's being converted, the installation qualifies for 5% VAT instead of the standard 20%.
On a £900 installation, that's a £135 saving. For new builds in developments across Ashford, Sittingbourne and the wider Kent area, this makes EV charger installation even more cost-effective. As an OZEV-approved installer, all our work is properly invoiced and documented for VAT purposes.
Landlord and Social Housing Schemes
Private landlords and social housing providers in Kent have access to dedicated funding streams for EV charger installation. The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and various local authority grants support the installation of EV chargers at social housing properties.
For landlords with portfolios in Canterbury, Dover, Margate and Ramsgate, installing EV chargers now is a smart move. Not only does it meet growing tenant demand, but it also ensures compliance with increasingly strict energy efficiency regulations.
How to Apply — and Why Using an OZEV-Approved Installer Matters
The application process for most EV charger grants is straightforward but requires an OZEV-approved installer to complete. You cannot claim the grant retrospectively — the installer must be approved before the work begins.
L Fowler Electrical is an OZEV-approved installer, meaning our EV charger installations across Kent qualify for all applicable grants. We guide you through the application, complete the installation to OZEV standards, and provide all the documentation needed for your grant claim.
If you're unsure which grants you qualify for, the simplest approach is to call us on 07966 182979. We'll ask a few quick questions about your property and vehicle, then tell you exactly what's available and how much you could save.
Grant Eligibility Checklist for Kent Homeowners
- You must own or lease an eligible electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle
- You must have dedicated off-street parking (for home chargepoint grants)
- The property must be in the UK — all Kent addresses qualify
- You haven't already claimed the grant for the same vehicle at the same property
- The installer must be OZEV-approved — like L Fowler Electrical
- The charger must be on the government's approved equipment list
The Future of EV Charger Funding
Government policy continues to evolve. The Smart Charge Point Regulations, which came into force in 2022, require all new home EV chargers to have smart functionality — scheduling, delay start and remote access. This means any grant-funded installation in 2026 must use a compliant smart charger.
At L Fowler Electrical, we only install smart, OZEV-compliant chargers from leading manufacturers. Whether you choose a tethered or untethered unit, 7kW or 22kW, single-phase or three-phase, every installation meets current regulations and qualifies for available grants.
Find Out What Grants You Qualify For
Call L Fowler Electrical for a free consultation. We'll check your eligibility for every available EV charger grant and give you a clear, no-obligation quote.