In the UK, an “approved” EV charger installer usually means an OZEV authorised installer: a company the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles has authorised to claim government chargepoint grants for its customers. To apply, you complete OZEV’s online authorised installer application. You need membership of an accepted Competent Person Scheme, such as NICEIC or NAPIT, or of the ECA. Before that, your electricians need to be qualified and should hold an EV charging qualification.
What OZEV Authorisation Means
OZEV authorisation is not a personal licence. It is granted to an installation company so it can offer OZEV grants and submit claims on the customer’s behalf. Authorised installers appear on the government’s “Find an EV chargepoint installer” list. Only installations carried out after the date of authorisation qualify for grant funding.
Grant schemes change. GOV.UK guidance notes changes to OZEV’s home and workplace grants from 1 April 2026, and some schemes have closed. Check which grants are open before you plan your business around them.
What You Need Before You Apply
GOV.UK lists the information required for an authorised installer application:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Company details | Company name and UK head office location |
| Bank details | Account name, number and sort code for grant payments |
| Scheme membership | Competent Person Scheme name and number, or ECA membership number |
| Contact details | Email and phone for OZEV and DVLA |
| Directory listing | Information for the authorised installer list |
For residential chargepoints, accepted schemes include NAPIT, NICEIC (Domestic Installer), SELECT and OFTEC. For commercial chargepoints, GOV.UK lists specific NAPIT, NICEIC and SELECT commercial categories. OZEV may also run credit, fraud and customer feedback checks.
Qualifications Your Electricians Need
Scheme bodies assess your competence, so start with your team’s qualifications. A common EV-specific course is the City & Guilds 2921-34 Level 3 Award for domestic and small commercial EV charging installations. Training providers list entry requirements such as a Level 3 electrotechnical qualification (for example the 2357 NVQ). If that was achieved more than five years ago, you also need the current Wiring Regulations qualification. Other awarding bodies offer equivalent awards.
- Work to the current edition of BS 7671 and the IET Code of Practice for EV Charging Equipment Installation.
- Understand earthing and PEN fault protection; see PEN fault protection explained.
- Know RCD requirements; see RCD protection for EV chargers.
- Know the Smart Charge Points Regulations 2021 for home and workplace chargers sold in Great Britain.
How to Keep Your Authorised Status
To keep OZEV approval, GOV.UK says you must submit a claim at least once every two years and stay in your Competent Person Scheme. For each installation you must also:
- Install only chargepoint models on OZEV’s eligible list.
- Notify the distribution network operator (DNO) in writing.
- Issue a BS 7671 Electrical Installation Certificate to the customer.
- Keep photos and documents for at least three years and allow audits.
- Never charge the customer for the grant before OZEV pays.
If you do not install yourself, you can apply as an authorised installer representative. You subcontract work to OZEV-authorised installers and need public liability insurance with at least £2 million indemnity.
For UK jobs, EVDANCE supplies the EV-ACT3204E 22 kW wallbox (3-phase, Type 2, RFID and app, CE) and the EV-ACS3210E Type 2 portable charger. Before quoting a grant, confirm the exact model is on OZEV’s eligible list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need OZEV approval to install EV chargers?
No. You need it only to claim OZEV grants for customers. The installation itself must still meet BS 7671 and building regulations.
Can a sole trader become OZEV authorised?
Authorisation is linked to your company details and scheme membership. If you hold an accepted scheme membership, you can apply. Contact DVLA installer authorisations if unsure.
How long does OZEV authorisation take?
OZEV does not publish a fixed time. It confirms by email, and missing information sends the application back, so complete every field.
Related Reading
- Is EV Charger Installation VAT Free in the UK?
- Can You Run an EV Charging Cable Across the Pavement? (UK)
- UKCA vs CE for EV Chargers Sold in Great Britain
Key Takeaways
- “Approved” usually means OZEV authorised, which lets a company claim grants.
- You need Competent Person Scheme or ECA membership to apply.
- An EV charging award such as C&G 2921-34 builds the competence schemes look for.
- Stay in your scheme and claim within two years to keep your status.