A completely free home EV charger installation is rare in the UK. The government’s OZEV grants pay 75% of the cost up to £500 per socket for renters, flat owners, landlords and households with only on-street parking, as of October 15, 2026. If you own and live in a house with a driveway, you are not eligible for the main home grant, so your best options are lowering the installation cost and checking any charger offer that comes with your car, lease, employer or energy supplier.
Who Can Get Help Toward a Home Charger?
The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) runs the main grants. Funding is confirmed until March 31, 2027, which the government calls the final year.
| Your situation | Grant route | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| You rent any home, or own and live in a flat, with private off-street parking | Flats and renters grant | 75% of cost, up to £500 |
| You only have on-street parking and install a cross-pavement solution | On-street parking grant | Up to £500 |
| You are a residential landlord | Residential landlord chargepoint grant | Up to £500 per socket, up to 200 sockets |
| You own and live in a house with a driveway | No OZEV home grant | Not eligible |
If you park on the street, read the GOV.UK guidance on cross-pavement solutions linked below, and our post on running a charging cable across the pavement.
How to Get the Lowest-Cost Installation
Even without a grant, you can keep the bill down. Most of the cost is labour and cabling, not the charger itself.
- Get at least three quotes from installers. For a grant, the installer must be OZEV-authorised.
- Mount the charger close to the consumer unit to shorten the cable run; see the cheapest way to install an EV charger.
- Ask about load management before agreeing to a supply upgrade. A CT clamp can let the charger share capacity with the house.
- Choose the right power. Many UK homes have a single-phase supply, where about 7 kW is the practical maximum.
- Apply before installing if you are eligible for a grant. Work done first is not eligible.
“Free Charger” Offers: What to Check
Some carmakers, leasing companies, employers and energy suppliers advertise a free or discounted home charger. These can be good value, but read the terms:
- Is the cost recovered through a tariff, lease payments or a minimum contract term?
- Does the offer include standard installation only? Long cable runs, groundworks and supply upgrades are often extra.
- Who owns the charger if you leave the contract or move house?
- What warranty and support come with the unit?
- Does the offer use up your one-time OZEV grant?
VAT can also change the final price. Our post on EV charger installation VAT in the UK explains how it applies.
Rules Every UK Home Installation Must Meet
- Most new home and workplace charge points sold in Great Britain must meet the Smart Charge Points Regulations 2021.
- Installers generally follow BS 7671 and the IET Code of Practice for EV charging equipment installation.
- Earthing and PEN fault protection must be addressed; see PEN fault protection explained.
- For a grant, the charger must be on the government’s list of eligible residential chargepoints.
For a permanent installation, the EVDANCE EV-ACT3204E wallbox uses a Type 2 cable or socket with RFID and app control, and delivers up to 22 kW where a three-phase supply exists. As a backup or travel option, the EV-ACS3210E Type 2 portable charger delivers about 7 kW on single phase. Ask a qualified electrician to confirm the supply and protection before using either.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can homeowners get a free EV charger in the UK?
Not through the OZEV home grants if you own and live in a house. Look at offers from your car brand, lease provider, employer or energy supplier, and compare the full contract cost.
How much does the OZEV grant pay?
From April 1, 2026, the home grants pay up to £500 per socket. The flats and renters grant covers 75% of the cost up to that limit, as of October 15, 2026.
Can I install a home charger myself to save money?
Grants require an OZEV-authorised installer, and the work must meet wiring regulations. We recommend a qualified, registered electrician for any fixed charger installation.
Related Reading
- Is EV Charger Installation VAT Free in the UK?
- Does an EV Charger Cable Need to Be Armoured? (UK)
- Will an EV Charger Work Without a CT Clamp?
- Why Is EV Charger Installation So Expensive?
Key Takeaways
- Fully free UK home installations are uncommon; grants cover part of the cost.
- OZEV grants of up to £500 suit renters, flat owners, landlords and on-street parkers.
- House owners with driveways should focus on lower installation costs and offer terms.
- Always apply for a grant before the installation starts.