In this guide, Graham Rowlands, Managing Director at Devitech, shares valuable insights into the new enhanced EV charger grants introduced for UK schools.
In early February, the UK Government announced that it’s offering enhanced EV (electric vehicle) charging grants to state-funded schools, which aims to cover 75% of installation costs.
How does the enhanced grant work for schools?
Under the previous scheme, schools could apply for up to £350 per socket towards the cost of installing EV chargers.
However, on 5th February 2023, Technology and Decarbonisation Minister, Anthony Browne, announced that the Government will now cover up to 75% of the cost of buying and installing the EV chargers, up to £2,500 per socket for state-funded schools.
To be eligible for the grant, schools must have dedicated off-street parking facilities. This requirement ensures that schools can provide a suitable and safe environment for the installation of EV chargers.
While this applies to state-funded schools only, independent schools may also apply for funding through the Workplace Charging Scheme and the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant for SMEs.
Increased revenue for schools
Once installed, EV chargers can be utilised by school staff and visitors. However, officials from The Department for Transport (DfT) noted that schools could also generate much-needed revenue by making EV chargers available to the public outside of school hours.
School car parks are often underutilised during evenings and weekends, which presents an excellent opportunity to offer EV charging services to the public. By doing so, schools can contribute to their local communities' green infrastructure and make a positive impact on the environment.
Schools to be an integral part of green infrastructure
Applying for the enhanced grant not only benefits schools financially but also allows them to become key players in promoting green infrastructure while improving their local environments.
If you're a school ready to embark on your EV charging journey, get in touch with us.
Graham Rowlands, Managing Director at Devitech
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