As we cross the halfway mark of 2026, the landscape for commercial electric vehicles in Surrey has shifted significantly. With the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars inching closer, local businesses in Redhill, Reigate, and across Surrey are no longer asking if they should install EV charging, but how they can do it most cost-effectively.
The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) has updated its grant schemes for the 2026/27 financial year, presenting both new opportunities and new deadlines for business owners. If you are looking to future-proof your fleet or provide value to your employees, understanding these changes is vital.
As a leading electrician in Redhill, ADS Electrical has guided dozens of local firms through the grant application process. Here are the 10 most critical things Surrey businesses need to know about OZEV grants in 2026.
1. The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) Has Increased to £500 Per Socket
The biggest news for 2026 is the increase in the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) funding. As of April 1st, 2026, the grant now provides up to £500 per socket, up from the previous £350 limit. This covers up to 75% of the total cost of purchase and installation.
For a small business in Redhill installing four sockets, this represents a £2,000 saving, a significant contribution toward the initial capital expenditure.
2. The SME Infrastructure Grant Has Officially Closed
It is important to note that the specific "EV Infrastructure Grant for Staff and Fleets," which targeted SMEs with extensive cabling needs, closed on March 31, 2026. While you can no longer apply for this specific "top-up" infrastructure grant, the WCS remains the primary vehicle for funding.
If your business missed the infrastructure grant, don't worry, the increased £500 per socket under the WCS helps offset the loss of the dedicated infrastructure funding. You can learn more about how we handle complex commercial projects on our commercial electricians page.
3. You Can Claim for Up to 40 Sockets
Whether you operate out of a single office in Reigate or manage multiple sites across Surrey, the WCS allows for a maximum of 40 sockets per applicant. These can be spread across different locations, provided each site meets the eligibility criteria. This scalability is perfect for growing Surrey franchises or logistics firms operating several depots.
4. Off-Street Parking is a Mandatory Requirement
To qualify for any OZEV grant in 2026, your business premises must have dedicated off-street parking. This parking must be for the exclusive use of your staff or fleet and be located on-site or a reasonable distance from the workplace.
If your Redhill business relies on street parking, you unfortunately won't be eligible for the WCS. However, for those in industrial estates or dedicated office blocks, this is rarely an issue.
5. "Smart" Functionality is Non-Negotiable
In 2026, OZEV standards are stricter than ever regarding "Smart" technology. Any charger funded by the grant must be capable of:
- Remote monitoring: Tracking energy usage in real-time.
- Load balancing: Ensuring the chargers don't overload your building's electrical supply.
- Data communication: Sending usage data back to OZEV if requested.
This is where hardware choice becomes critical. At ADS Electrical, we often recommend units like the Zappi or specialized commercial pedestals that exceed these smart requirements.
6. Landlord Permission is Crucial for Tenants
A large portion of businesses in Redhill and the surrounding Surrey area rent their premises. You can still apply for the WCS grant as a tenant, but you must have written permission from your landlord for the installation.
We recommend discussing this early in the process, as the "right to charge" is becoming a standard part of commercial lease negotiations in 2026. If you have questions about the legalities, our ADS Electrical FAQ covers many common concerns for commercial tenants.
7. Professional Installation is Required for Compliance
You cannot "DIY" an OZEV-funded installation. To claim the grant, the work must be performed by an OZEV-approved installer. As NICEIC Approved Contractors, we ensure that every ev charger installation in Surrey meets the latest 18th Edition wiring regulations and OZEV’s specific technical standards. Using a non-approved installer will result in your voucher being voided.
8. The 180-Day Voucher Rule
The application process starts with you applying for a voucher code via the Government’s online portal. Once issued, this voucher is valid for 180 days.
The installation must be completed, and the claim submitted by your installer within this window. Given the high demand for electrical services in Surrey, we advise securing your installer and a survey date before you trigger the voucher application.
09. You Don't Need an Electric Fleet (Yet)
A common misconception is that you must already own electric vehicles to apply for the grant. In 2026, OZEV allows businesses to apply if they can demonstrate an "expected" need for EVs. This means you can install the infrastructure now, while the £500-per-socket grant is available, even if your first electric delivery van isn't arriving until 2027.
10. The March 2027 Deadline
The current extension of the Workplace Charging Scheme is set to expire on March 31, 2027. While there is always a chance of further extensions, the trend in 2026 has been toward tapering off direct subsidies as EV adoption becomes the norm. For Surrey businesses, the next 6-9 months represent the "sweet spot" for maximizing government support before these incentives potentially disappear.
Why Choose ADS Electrical for Your Surrey Business?
Navigating OZEV grants can feel like a maze of paperwork and technical jargon. That’s where we come in. From our base in Redhill, we provide full project management, from the initial site survey and load calculations to the final grant submission.
We pride ourselves on providing free quotes within 24 hours and reliable communication throughout the project. Whether you are a small coffee shop in Reigate needing a single socket or a large warehouse in Redhill looking to maximize your 40-socket allowance, we have the expertise to get the job done right.
Ready to claim your £500 per socket? Contact the leading electric car charger installers Surrey today. We’ll help you navigate the grants and provide a seamless installation that keeps your business moving forward.
For more information on our service locations, please visit our service areas page.