Funding Guide

EV Charging Grants for UK Hospitality

A plain-English guide to the funding most businesses don't know exists

Deadline: 31 March 2026
-- days remaining. First-come, first-served.

The Short Version

The UK government wants more EV chargers at hotels, B&Bs, golf clubs, and other hospitality venues. To make it happen, they're offering grants that cover up to 75% of installation costs.

Most hospitality businesses qualify. Most don't know this funding exists. The pot runs out March 2026.

This guide covers what's available, who qualifies, and how the numbers work.

Available Grants

Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)

Up to £14,000

£350 per charging socket, maximum 40 sockets per business.

Who qualifies:

  • Eligible businesses, charities, and public sector organisations - in practice this covers most independent hospitality venues
  • Hotels, B&Bs, holiday parks, golf clubs, wedding venues
  • Must have off-street parking you own or have permission to use
  • Must use an OZEV-authorised installer
Hotels & Accommodation: Unlike other businesses, hotels and accommodation providers can let guests use the chargers. There's no restriction on who uses them - staff, guests, visitors, anyone.
Source: GOV.UK - Workplace Charging Scheme

EV Infrastructure Grant (for SMEs)

Up to £15,000 per site

Covers 75% of costs: £350 per socket + £500 per parking space for cabling/infrastructure.

Who qualifies:

  • Small and medium-sized businesses with fewer than 250 employees
  • Must be registered at Companies House or VAT registered
  • Minimum 5 off-street parking spaces
  • Can claim for up to 5 different sites
Source: GOV.UK - EV Infrastructure Grant
Can you use both? Yes, at the same site - but not for the same chargers. Use the Infrastructure Grant for cabling and initial chargers, then WCS for additional chargers later. Claiming both for the same chargepoint is considered fraud.

Scotland: Rural & Island Infrastructure Fund

Up to £60,000+ for rural locations

For businesses in rural/island Scotland (postcode categories 5-8).

Grant amounts:

  • Up to £15,000 per AC charger (3.7-22kW)
  • Up to £60,000 per rapid DC charger (125-350kW)
  • Up to £300,000 with battery storage included

Note: This fund opens and closes periodically. Currently accepting expressions of interest for future rounds.

Source: Energy Saving Trust

Quick Eligibility Check

Tick the boxes that apply. If you tick all four, you likely qualify for WCS at minimum.

Grant Calculator

Get a ballpark estimate based on your property. Actual amounts depend on installation specifics.

Estimated Grant Range
£0 - £0
Enter your details above

This is a rough estimate only. Actual grant amounts depend on installation costs, charger types, and specific eligibility. A site survey provides accurate figures.

How It Works

  1. Check eligibility - Use the checklist above or speak to an installer
  2. Get quotes - Must use an OZEV-authorised installer (list here)
  3. Apply for voucher - Installer usually handles this via the OZEV portal
  4. Installation - Must be completed within 180 days of voucher issue
  5. Grant claimed - Installer claims grant, you pay the remaining balance
The deadline: Applications close 31 March 2026. Vouchers are valid for 180 days, so if you apply in March, you have until September to install. But the funding pot is limited and first-come-first-served.

Common Questions

Can guests use the chargers?

Yes - if you're a hotel or accommodation business. The scheme specifically allows "no restriction on who may use the parking, be it customers, guests, visitors, staff or others." Other business types are technically limited to staff/fleet use.

Can I charge guests for using them?

Yes. You can offer free charging as a perk, charge at-cost, or run it for profit. Your choice.

What if I don't own the building?

You need landlord permission to install. Get this in writing before applying.

How many chargers should I install?

Rule of thumb: 1 charger per 10 parking spaces is a decent starting point. But it depends on your guest profile and how long they typically stay.

What type of charger?

For overnight stays (hotels, B&Bs), 7kW AC chargers are usually fine - guests charge while sleeping. For shorter visits (golf clubs, day venues), faster 22kW or DC chargers might make more sense.

What happens after March 2026?

The government has extended the deadline once already (from March 2025). There's no guarantee of further extension. Once it's gone, it's gone.

Want to Check Your Specific Situation?

I work with independent installers across the UK who handle all the grant paperwork. Happy to make an intro if you'd like accurate numbers for your property - no obligation.

Get in Touch

Or just reply to the email that brought you here

Sources & Official Links

Last updated: January 2026. Grant schemes can change without notice - always verify with official sources before making decisions.