How to Become an OZEV Authorised Installer
If you’re an electrician or business owner looking to install electric vehicle (EV) charging points, becoming OZEV authorised can open up new opportunities. The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) oversees the UK’s EV charge point grant schemes — helping homeowners, landlords, and businesses save money on installations while supporting the move to net zero.
Who Are OLEV and OZEV?
Originally known as OLEV (Office for Low Emission Vehicles), this government department was restructured in 2020 and renamed OZEV — the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles.
It’s jointly managed by the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and it exists to accelerate the UK’s shift towards low-carbon and zero-emission transport.
What Is the EV Charge Point Grant?
The Electric Vehicle Charge Point Grant Scheme (previously the EVHS or Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme) provides funding to reduce the cost of d omestic EV charger installations. Under the current rules, customers can claim 75% of the installation cost, up to £350 per charging point.
To qualify, both the customer and the installer must meet specific eligibility criteria.
Installer Requirements
To claim the grant on behalf of a customer, you must first register as an OZEV-approved installer.
You’ll need to provide the following evidence during the application process:
- Proof of membership with a government-approved Competent Person Scheme (such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA)
- Proof of public liability insurance
- Proof of formal EV charging point installation training (for example, the C&G 2921-31 qualification)
- Proof that you’re authorised by at least one recognised charge-point manufacturer to install their products
Once your application and evidence have been verified, your business will appear on the OZEV list of approved installers, allowing you to apply for grants on behalf of eligible customers.
For full details, visit the UK Government’s official OZEV installer registration guidance page.
Customer Requirements
The EV charge point grant is available to a limited group of customers. To be eligible, they must:
- Own or lease a qualifying electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle
- Own and live in a flat, or rent any type of residential property
- Have access to off-street parking where the charger will be installed
- Be installing an OZEV-approved charge point model fitted by a registered installer
Landlords may also apply for a related EV Charge Point Grant for Landlords to install units across their properties. Full eligibility rules are available on the UK Government’s official website.
Why Become OZEV Authorised?
Gaining OZEV approval offers more than just compliance benefits. It allows you to:
- Increase your credibility and trust with domestic and commercial clients
- Offer customers access to official government-backed funding
- Expand your services into the r apidly growing EV infrastructure market
- Future-proof your business as EV adoption accelerates across the UK
With over one million plug-in vehicles now on UK roads, demand for qualified installers continues to rise — especially for those who combine technical skill with official accreditation.
Summary
Becoming an OZEV-authorised installer is one of the most effective ways to grow your electrical business in the green-energy sector. By meeting the government’s training and c ompliance standards, you can give customers access to EV charge point grants and position your company at the forefront of sustainable transport solutions.
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FAQs
What does OZEV stand for, and how is it different from OLEV?
OZEV stands for the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, a UK government team supporting the transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) through grants and policies. It differs from OLEV (Office for Low Emission Vehicles) primarily in name and focus—OLEV was rebranded to OZEV in 2021 to emphasize “zero” emissions over “low,” reflecting stricter environmental goals, but the organization’s role in EV support remains similar.
What is the EV Charge Point Grant, and how much funding does it offer?
The EV Charge Point Grant (formerly EVHS) is a UK government scheme providing financial support for installing electric vehicle chargepoints at homes or workplaces. It offers up to £350 (or 75% of costs) per socket for households/flats/renters with off-street parking, and for workplaces/landlords, up to £30,000 or 75% for multiple installations (e.g., £350 per socket, up to 200 grants/year).
Who can apply to become an OZEV-approved installer?
Any qualified electrical contractor or business in the UK can apply to become an OZEV-approved installer, provided they meet the criteria: membership in a Competent Person Scheme (CPS) or ECA, relevant EV training, manufacturer approvals, and adequate insurance.
What qualifications are required to register as an OZEV installer?
To register as an OZEV installer, you need to be a qualified electrician with certifications like Level 3 in Electrical Installations, 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, and specialist EV training (e.g., Level 3 Award in EV Charger Installation). You must also be part of a CPS, have manufacturer training, and hold at least £5 million public liability insurance.
Do I need to be part of a Competent Person Scheme to qualify for OZEV approval?
Yes, you need to be part of a Competent Person Scheme (CPS) or the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) to qualify for OZEV approval, as it ensures compliance with standards for grant-eligible installations.
How long does the OZEV authorisation process usually take?
The OZEV authorisation process usually takes 2-6 weeks, though it can vary; applications are processed as received, with some sources noting up to 30 days or 2 months for decisions.
What insurance and documentation do I need for my application?
For OZEV application, you need at least £5 million public liability insurance, company details (name, address, registration number), bank account information, contact details, proof of CPS/ECA membership, manufacturer approvals, and EV-specific training certificates.
What are the eligibility criteria for customers claiming the EV charge point grant?
Customers must own/rent a flat or rented property, have dedicated off-street parking, own/lease/use an eligible EV or plug-in hybrid, and use an OZEV-approved installer and chargepoint model. The property must be in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, with grants up to £350 per socket for residential.
Why should electricians become OZEV authorised?
Electricians should become OZEV authorised to access grant-funded work (e.g., £350 off per installation), gain credibility with compliance to standards, attract more clients seeking subsidized EV chargers, ensure safety through audited practices, and tap into the growing EV market for business growth.
Where can I find the official OZEV installer registration guidance and approved product list?
The official guidance is on GOV.UK at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/residential-and-commercial-chargepoints-become-an-authorised-installer, and the approved product list is at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/authorised-chargepoint-model-list.
