Government Increases EV Charger Grant to £500 to Drive Electric Car Uptake
The UK Government has announced a significant boost to grants for home electric vehicle chargers, raising the amount from £350 to £500 effective from April 2026. Ministers assert that this enhancement will 'make a big difference' in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles across the nation.
Making EV Charging More Accessible for All
Decarbonisation minister Keir Mather highlighted that the increased grant will cover 'almost half the cost' of installing a home charger. This initiative is designed to be inclusive, extending benefits to homeowners, renters, landlords, businesses, and residents of flats. The move supports the Government's ambitious target of achieving 80% of new car sales being electric, a substantial increase from the 23% recorded last year.
Mather emphasised that the grant unlocks 'massive cost savings' through home charging, which averages around 2p per mile. He illustrated this by stating, 'That's the equivalent of driving from London to Birmingham for about £3.50.'
Addressing Challenges for Street Parkers
Despite the benefits, challenges persist for residents without driveways. Richard Tanner, a retired Methodist minister from Worthing, expressed concerns on BBC Radio 4, noting that electric vehicles remain 'out of the question' for those reliant on street parking due to the high costs and inconvenience of public charging options.
In response, Minister Mather acknowledged these issues, clarifying that the grant specifically targets 'people who might need more help,' including those in flats and homes without driveways. He projected that home charging could save drivers up to £1,400 annually compared to petrol vehicles.
Additional Funding and Policy Reviews
Alongside the grant increase, the Government has committed £600 million to expand the public charging network and £25 million for cross-pavement charging solutions. Ministers are also reviewing public charging costs, which currently face a 20% VAT rate, compared to the 5% applied to home energy.
Mather identified the 'primary barrier' to EV adoption as upfront costs, with the grant working in tandem with the existing £3,750 electric car grant to help drivers 'get over that boundary' and access the advantages of electric vehicles.
