Thousands of drivers don’t have long left to apply for a £350 grant to help with the cost of installing an electric vehicle charge point.
The government is offering the cash sum through its Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS).
This sees drivers apply for a 75% contribution, up to a maximum of £350, toward the cost and installation of charge point outside your home.
But the deadline for drivers who live in “single-unit” properties - so detached, semi-detached and terrace houses and bungalows - is April 2022.
This means you’ll need to have your charging point installed by March 31 - meaning there are just weeks left to enquire and book your installation.
Those who live in flats and people in rented accommodation can still apply for the grant beyond this date.
Keep in mind you may need to seek third-party permission before going ahead with the installation, which can also mean it takes longer for you to get your charging point.
For example, you may need to ask the freeholder or managing agent of a block of flats.
New homes and buildings like supermarkets and offices will be forced to install electric vehicle charge points from next year under plans to get Britain ready for electric cars.
Regulations will be updated so that the buildings, including those undergoing major refurbishment, will be ready to to cope with the wider roll-out of green vehicles.
It comes as the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned in the UK from 2030.
How to apply for the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme grant
The Guardian reports how the cost of installing a home charging point typically costs between £500 and £1,000 - although it does vary depending on where you live.
To get financial help toward the cost, there is a long list of eligibility criteria for the EVHS grant.
There are separate requirements for both your vehicle and your property - full details are listed on the Gov.uk website.
Not all electric cars and all homes will qualify you for the grant, so it's important to check this first.
Do you think petrol cars should be banned? Let us know in the comments below.
If you think you’re eligible, you must then use an EVHS-approved installer - there is also a list for this on Gov.uk website.
Before agreeing to any work, you should first ask your installer to verify that you meet the requirements of the grant and that your property is suitable.
Once you’re given the green light, it is then down to your installer to apply for the grant on your behalf.
If successful, they will offset the amount from your bill. You cannot put through a claim yourself for your property.
