Households and businesses across the UK will be able to reduce the cost of installing electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints by up to £500, following an increase of more than 40 per cent in government grant support announced on 25 February 2026.
The revised funding will cover close to half the cost of a standard installation until March 2027. This aims to make home and workplace charging more affordable, with drivers potentially powering their vehicles for as little as 2p per mile — roughly the cost of travelling from London to Birmingham for £3.50.
The expanded scheme is designed to help renters, flat owners, households without driveways and businesses access cheaper domestic electricity tariffs. Recent figures suggest EV drivers can save up to £1,400 in annual running costs compared with a similar petrol vehicle when charging at home on lower-rate tariffs.
The announcement forms part of wider government efforts to address two key concerns around EV adoption: upfront purchase costs and access to convenient charging.
More than 55,000 motorists have already benefited from the government’s £2 billion Electric Car Grant, which provides discounts of up to £3,750 on selected new electric models, including vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf produced in Sunderland.
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather said:
“We’re taking action to make EV ownership the affordable choice for everyone – not just those with driveways. Bigger grants mean families, flat owners, renters and small businesses can now install a charger for almost half the usual cost, with home charging costing as little as 2p a mile.
“Combined with our Electric Car Grant which has saved over 55,000 drivers thousands off the price of a new EV whilst boosting sales for carmakers, and record funding for our national public charging network, we’re backing the EV revolution for drivers, businesses, and industry.”
The government will also simplify existing support schemes by reducing the number of separate grant categories from eight to five, making it easier for applicants to identify the right funding option.
Last year, a £25 million programme was introduced to help residents without driveways install home charging facilities. Delivered through local authorities, it supports the installation of discreet pavement channels to connect properties to on-street parking spaces. This funding operates alongside the updated chargepoint grant, meaning eligible households may receive support for both the charger and the associated pavement works.
From 1 April 2026, the following changes will apply:
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Renters, flat owners, residential landlords, households with on-street parking and businesses will be eligible for grants of up to £500 per chargepoint, increased from £350.
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Schools will be able to access grants of up to £2,000 per socket, building on the 3,700 already installed.
Alongside the Electric Car Grant and home and workplace schemes, the government is continuing to expand the UK’s public charging infrastructure, which currently stands at around 88,500 chargepoints. A further £600 million was announced last year to accelerate the rollout, in addition to support for 100,000 new public chargers being installed by councils in the coming years.
Local authorities will receive funding over the next three years to strengthen local charging networks, supported by a government-backed advisory service to help ensure installations meet community needs.
Recently, the Department for Transport launched its ‘Get that electric feeling’ campaign to promote EV uptake and highlight potential savings, including up to £1,400 a year in running costs.
Federation of Small Businesses Policy Chair Tina McKenzie said:
“Many small businesses want to switch to electric vehicles, with half of small businesses (51%) saying that more charging infrastructure would incentivise them to make the switch.
“Small firms want to cut their emissions and reduce their fuel bills and removing or lowering the barriers which currently tip the scales against electric vehicle adoption can only be a good thing – for small businesses, for the economy and for the planet.”
Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said:
“Almost 9 in 10 landlords with a suitable property would install EV charge points if a tenant asks them to undertake this work.
“Given the extent of landlords’ willingness to provide them, we welcome the government’s plans to encourage more widespread installation of these points across the sector.
“We urge landlords to make best use of the grants now available where it is feasible for them to do so.”
Yselkla Farmer, CEO of BEAMA, said:
“BEAMA members have already installed well over half a million chargepoints in the UK, and this grant will make it easier than ever for millions of people to access a charge point and access significant savings over driving petrol/diesel vehicles.
“This funding will continue to bring much needed market confidence to the sector, and boost demand as record numbers of drivers make the switch to electric vehicles. We must continue to ensure drivers are supported as they make the switch.”
