Recent alterations to the government’s grant scheme for electric vehicle (EV) charge points have raised concerns about increasing inequalities for residents in flats. Earlier this year, under Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership, flat owners, landlords, renters, and businesses were made eligible for grants of up to £500 per charge point.
Denis Watling, Managing Director at ChargeGuru UK, highlighted the unintended consequences of these changes. He explained that the updated Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) scheme, which now offers only £500 when a charge point is installed, marks a reduction from the previous £850 available per parking bay (£500 for infrastructure plus £350 for a charger).
Watling emphasised that removing funding for essential pre-infrastructure components such as cabling, distribution networks, and safety systems makes the installation less financially viable for apartment residents. “This shift places the bulk of initial costs onto building owners or residents,” he stated. In cases where freeholders cannot justify the investment, residents may be left either unable to install charging facilities or facing expenses far exceeding the grant amount, which often barely covers the charger itself.
READ MORE: Dunelm’s £29 Cosy Soft Shaggy Runner Offers Comfort and Style This Autumn
He further warned incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham of potential challenges arising if residents are encouraged to manage installations independently. These include concerns over fire safety, billing, maintenance, and maintaining long-term consistency, which is why coordinated, building-wide solutions are typically preferred.
Watling reaffirmed ChargeGuru’s dedication to supporting EV adoption among flat residents, noting that under the new grant structure the organisation has to invest more per installation to maintain resident costs. However, this increased investment means fewer buildings will meet viability criteria, with lower-income communities most adversely affected despite their need for equitable access to EV charging.
Ultimately, the policy changes are likely to make EV charge points less accessible to those living in flats by removing critical funding, increasing reliance on private investment, and potentially widening the accessibility divide. While ChargeGuru remains committed to helping drivers, Watling concluded that the challenges surrounding EV infrastructure in apartment buildings have intensified.