Renters, homeowners without driveways, flat owners, landlords, and businesses in the UK will be able to claim grants covering up to half the cost of installing electric vehicle (EV) charge points, saving up to £500 per installation. This boost, announced on 25 February 2026, comes as part of the government’s efforts to make EV ownership more affordable and accessible, particularly for those who previously faced barriers to home charging. The increase in grants, over 40% higher than before, will be available until March 2027, helping drivers power their cars for as little as 2p per mile.
The expanded support is designed to help more households and businesses switch to electric vehicles, reducing running costs and promoting cleaner transport. Latest figures show EV drivers can save up to £1,400 per year compared with petrol vehicles when using cheaper domestic electricity rates. The initiative also addresses broader challenges, such as upfront installation costs and access to reliable charging points, which have historically slowed the uptake of EVs.
Updates to the scheme simplify the grant system by reducing the number of grant types from eight to five, making it easier for people and businesses to identify the right support. A £25 million scheme launched last year also assists residents without driveways to install chargers using embedded pavement channels, ensuring on-street parking households can access home charging. From 1 April 2026, higher grants of up to £500 per charge point will be available for households, renters, flat owners, landlords, and businesses, while schools can receive up to £2,000 per socket, building on more than 3,700 installed to date.
Alongside the Electric Car Grant, which has saved over 55,000 drivers thousands on new EVs, the government continues to expand the public charging network. Funding supports the installation of over 100,000 additional public chargers, helping councils boost local infrastructure and ensuring charging points are accessible and convenient. National campaigns like “Get that electric feeling” also aim to drive EV adoption by highlighting savings and environmental benefits.
Business and industry leaders have welcomed the expanded grants. Small businesses report that better access to charging infrastructure would incentivize them to switch to EVs, reducing emissions and fuel costs. Landlords indicate strong willingness to install charge points where feasible, and industry groups such as BEAMA note that the new grants will boost market confidence and increase access for millions of drivers. Overall, the package aims to accelerate the UK’s EV transition, making charging more affordable, widespread, and convenient for households, businesses, and schools alike.
