New EV chargepoints grants for state schools to boost sustainable travel

New grants for state schools and other education facilities that cover up to 75% of the cost to buy and install electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints have just been launched.

The substantial new funding has been released under the government’s Workplace Charging Scheme and offers state-funded schools, colleges, nurseries and academies an effective, efficient and low-cost way to provide EV chargepoints at their premises.

They can get 75% off the costs associated with purchasing and installing chargepoints. The maximum grant per socket is £2500, with a cap of 40 sockets across all of an institution’s sites. Successful applicants receive a voucher valid for 180 days, and the installation must be completed within this timeframe by an authorized installer.

Funded through the Department for Transport, the grant forms part of the Workplace Charging Scheme and is available for state-funded to boost the chargepoint facilities for staff and visitors. The move could help schools to generate revenue by making their chargepoints available to the public.

New measures are part of the government’s Plan for Drivers which aims to boost EV chargepoint numbers. The education scheme was announced by Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Anthony Browne on February 5th.
Funding is confirmed until March 31, 2025, with the government reserving the right to amend or conclude the scheme. However, claims made before any public announcements will be honoured, provided they meet the grant criteria.

To qualify for the scheme, institutions must meet certain criteria:

• State-funded schools and education institutions in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are eligible.
• Designated off-street parking facilities associated with the premises are necessary.
• An installer must confirm the site’s capacity to support EV charging.
• Previous grants for the same chargepoint or from other schemes must not have been applied for.
• Institutions should have the authority to apply for the scheme on behalf of the organization.
• Financial assistance received over the past three fiscal years should not exceed £315,000.

Academy trusts

Academy trusts can apply for up to 40 sockets per institution within the trust. However, they must adhere to the minimal financial assistance limit.

Minimal Financial Assistance (MFA)

Institutions can receive up to £315,000 in MFA over three fiscal years, including state grants, subsidies, and other government-funded incentives. Exemptions exist for certain state-owned education institutions, subject to verification.

Application process

Before initiating the application process, a site survey with an authorized installer is essential to ascertain the site’s electrical capacity. The application involves completing an online form, providing institution identification, and ensuring correspondence from an institution-specific email domain. Multi-academy trusts should submit separate applications for each institution. Further information or documentary evidence may be requested to support claims.

SaveMoneyCutCarbon can support in this process and assist in providing supporting information for your grant application.

Each site must adhere to specific requirements, including a minimum power supply of 3kW per socket and no more than one socket per accessible parking space. Audit checks will be conducted, and false claims will result in payment refusal or repayment obligations.

Conclusion

The scheme offers a remarkable opportunity for state-funded education institutions to embrace sustainable practices and contribute to a cleaner future. By facilitating the adoption of electric vehicle chargepoints, schools not only reduce their carbon footprint but also inspire students and communities to prioritise environmental stewardship.

Need help with your EV charging solution?

SaveMoneyCutCarbon offers a full turnkey solution, with EV charging solutions that are designed to be scaled on demand to fit your evolving needs.

To find out more about how to join the EV revolution by installing charging stations at your school, speak to a member of our EV specialist team who will guide you through the process of selecting, installing and integrating EV charging stations at your premises.

Visit E-Mobility or contact a member of the team on 0333 123 5464 or email us.