The UK Government has made changes
Driveways offer plenty of space, but it’s tricky if you don’t have one (Image: coldsnowstorm via Getty Images)
Those put off making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV) due to not having a driveway are being targeted in a significant rule change that came into effect on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The landmark shake-up sees a grant increased from £350 to £500.
Renters and flat owners are eligible to apply, as are businesses, schools and other organisations. The Government stated it would typically cover half the cost of having an EV charger fitted at home.
For those without a driveway, the grant will contribute towards the cost of an alternative solution, such as cross-pavement chargers. Renters, flat owners, landlords, homeowners without driveways and businesses are all able to benefit.
Keir Mather, the minister for decarbonisation, told BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours programme at the end of February, when the changes were first announced: “We think it will make a big difference. We are working as hard as possible so that as many people as possible can make the switch to an electric vehicle, but we can only do that if we make it cost-effective to charge from home.
“So by uplifting this grant from £350 to 500, that’s going to cover almost half the cost of the typical install of a charge point, about 42% of the cost. But the important point is installing those charge points unlocks those massive cost savings that you can get through home charging of around 2p a mile.
The idea is to make it easier, especially for people without driveways (Image: Richard Newstead via Getty Images)
“So that’s the equivalent of driving from London to Birmingham for about £3.50. We want as many people as possible to be able to access that, and that’s why we’re extending the grant today.”
Tina McKenzie, policy chair at the Federation of Small Businesses, 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, added: “Almost nine 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.”
Further details on how to apply can be found at gov.uk.