Further funding for EV chargepoints

There are now over 1,400 electric vehicle chargepoints installed in schools and colleges, thanks to a government funding scheme that started last March. With funding confirmed for another year, we share advice for schools on how to use the grant to install chargepoints

In March 2024, the government announced a dedicated grant to help state-funded schools, colleges, and nurseries with the cost of installing electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The grant provides up to 75 per cent of the cost to buy and install chargepoints, up to £2,500 per socket—up to 40 sockets across all sites.

Thanks to the funding, there are now over 1,400 electric vehicle chargepoints installed at schools and colleges across the UK.

Now the government has confirmed that this funding scheme for electric vehicle chargepoints has been extended for another year.

Lilian Greenwood, future of roads minister, said: “Schools are the beating heart of our towns and communities and rolling out chargers here shows we are building a practice and reliable charging network designed around people’s daily lives.

“Reaching 1,000 sockets at schools is a particularly significant milestone and builds on a record January for electric car sales, as consumer confidence in the electric transition grows every day. This is helping support jobs, making the UK a clean energy superpower and deliver our Plan for Change.”

Education minister, Stephen Morgan added: “By making EV charging ports readily available, schools can lead by example, encouraging greener travel options and expanding the community’s charging network.”

How does the scheme work

Applications for the grant are made online, and the closing date is 31 March 2026. Successful applicants will receive a voucher that is valid for 180 days from the date of issue and the installation must be completed within this time.

The grant is for state-funded schools and education institutions, which must have dedicated off-street parking facilities that are clearly associated with the premises, although the parking may be used by customers, guests, visitors, staff or others.

The grant provides up to 75 per cent of the cost to buy and install chargepoints, up to £2,500 per socket—up to 40 sockets across all sites. Academy trusts can apply for up to the maximum of 40 sockets for each institution within the academy trust. 

The installation must be completed by an authorised installer. They will need the voucher code and will claim the grant on the school’s behalf, and deduct it from their invoice.

If a school wants to open their chargepoints to the public and charge for usage, it will need to ensure they comply with the Public Chargepoint Regulations 2023.

Getting the project started

An important part of an EV charging infrastructure project is getting a site survey. This will assess how EV charging can be installed and engineers will typically visit the site to assess power requirements and if any groundworks would need to be done.

When choosing your chargepoint installer, it’s important to find out about their back office portals. A good back office system will allow you to monitor charging times, speeds, payments and conduct CO2 reporting. It’s also important to look at what aftercare the chargepoint operator offers for service and maintenance, including callouts for repair, and whether there are any extra charges for this.

Boosting sustainability and revenue

The grant aims to boost the chargepoint facilities for staff and visitors, and has the potential to help schools generate revenue by making their chargepoints available to the public.

Talking about his experience, Chris Norwood, headteacher of the Northfleet School for Girls, said: “Developing an environmentally friendly site is an important part of our school vision and practice. We have been able to play our part in reducing emissions whilst working with students to educate in creating a more sustainable future. Through installing solar panels, LED lighting and car chargers, we have been able to save over £500,000 in energy costs (since 2017), funds which are directed back into ensuring the best possible education for our students.

“The car chargers have created over £2,000 in additional school funding, which has helped to create an additional farm classroom for all students to utilise. We expect that by modelling the best environmental practice possible, we are supporting our students to be proactive in this area in their adult lives."