Businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire can now save up to £500 on the installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charge points, thanks to a significant boost in government grants.
The 40% funding increase means grants will cover nearly half the typical cost of installing workplace chargers until March 2027. The move is designed to make switching to electric vehicles more attractive by reducing upfront costs and improving charging access.
For many businesses, this could mean powering company vehicles for as little as 2p per mile — around £3.50 to drive from London to Birmingham using cheaper off-peak workplace electricity.
Supporting local transition to electric
This latest initiative builds on the government’s £2 billion Electric Car Grant (ECG), which has already helped over 55,000 drivers save up to £3,750 on new EVs. The expanded charger grants are particularly relevant for SMEs in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, where many businesses are looking to reduce operating costs and lower their carbon footprint while serving the region’s rural and market-town communities.
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, Keir Mather, said: “Bigger grants mean families, renters, flat owners, and small businesses can now install a charger for almost half the usual cost. Combined with the Electric Car Grant and record investment in public charging, we’re backing the EV revolution for drivers, businesses, and industry.”
Key changes from April 2026
From 1 April 2026, the following updates apply:
Businesses can access grants of up to £500 per charge point (up from £350).
Schools will be eligible for up to £2,000 per socket, building on thousands already installed nationwide.
The number of grant schemes has been simplified from eight to five, making it easier for Herefordshire and Worcestershire businesses to understand and apply for support.
Local councils in the region will also receive multi-year funding to expand public charging infrastructure, helping improve access in both market towns and more remote rural areas.
Benefits for local economy and environment
Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Many small businesses want to switch to electric vehicles. Over half (51%) say better charging infrastructure would encourage them to make the move. Removing barriers to EV adoption is good for small firms, the economy, and the planet.”
For businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire — from agricultural operations in rural Herefordshire to logistics and retail firms in Worcestershire — these grants offer a timely opportunity to modernise fleets, cut fuel bills, and demonstrate environmental responsibility.
Driving change across the region
With growing pressure on businesses to reduce emissions and rising fuel costs, this grant uplift provides practical support for the region’s transition to electric mobility. Whether installing chargers at farm premises, offices in Hereford or Worcester, or distribution hubs, local companies can now make the switch more affordably.
The combination of workplace charging support, public network expansion, and the ‘Get that electric feeling’ campaign is designed to accelerate EV uptake across the UK — including right here in the West Midlands.
