Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV)
Government-approved EV charger installers — required for grants. Last reviewed April 2026 by the TradeMatch editorial team.
OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) is the UK government department responsible for the EV charge-point grant schemes. OZEV-approved installers are the only ones who can claim the EV chargepoint grant for renters and flat-owners (£350) and the Workplace Charging Scheme (£350 per socket, up to 40 sockets). The historic Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) closed to most homeowners in March 2022, but OZEV approval is still required for the renter / flat-owner grant and continues to be the standard quality marker for any UK home EV install.
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What does OZEV cover?
OZEV approval covers EV charge-point installation in homes, workplaces and on-street. It applies to the installer firm — every approved installer must additionally hold electrical certification (typically NICEIC / NAPIT for the Part P side of the install) plus manufacturer-specific training for the charger brand. OZEV approval is project-specific: an installer claims the grant on your behalf and pays the discount upfront. Always get a quote that itemises the OZEV grant separately from the install cost.
Verifying a OZEV-registered tradesperson
- OZEV approved-installer status — listed at gov.uk/government/organisations/office-for-zero-emission-vehicles
- NICEIC or NAPIT registration alongside OZEV — for the Part P self-certification of the new circuit
- Itemised quote showing the OZEV grant deducted as a line item — never pay the gross before the grant
OZEV applies to these trades
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OZEV FAQ
Can homeowners still claim the EV homecharge grant?
Most cannot since March 2022 — the EVHS closed to homeowners in detached / semi-detached / terraced houses. Renters and flat-owners (leaseholders / shared ownership) can still claim £350 per socket via the EV chargepoint grant. The Workplace Scheme remains open for businesses and landlords.
Why does an EV charger installer need to be OZEV-approved?
For grant claims — only OZEV-approved installers can submit grant paperwork on your behalf. For non-grant installs, OZEV approval is still the standard quality marker and most homeowners insist on it.
Do I need a 7kW or 22kW charger?
7kW is standard for UK homes — single-phase electrical supply only delivers 7kW maximum. 22kW requires three-phase supply, which most UK homes do not have. A 7kW charger fully charges most EVs overnight (~8 hours) so the practical difference for daily home use is minimal.
Is solar + EV charger a sensible combo?
Yes — many homeowners install both in the same project to get a single OZEV-approved installer to handle the integration. Solar PV charging your EV is grid-cost-free; modern smart chargers (e.g. Zappi, Ohme) optimise charging to use surplus solar where available.
Why OZEV verification matters before any deposit
Lapsed accreditations are the most common silent failure on UK trade hires — registrations expire annually and not every trader updates their listing. Always verify the OZEV number on the public register on the day you sign, not at first meeting. On TradeMatch, every OZEV-registered tradesperson is independently re-checked before they can quote on your job, and the registration link is shown on their profile so you can confirm yourself.
Get a OZEV-Verified Quote
Up to 5 quotes from UK tradespeople — every OZEV-relevant member independently verified by TradeMatch. Escrow-protected payments. Reviews tied to completed jobs only.
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