Apply for a zero emission vehicle grant

About this grant

The zero emission vehicle (ZEV) grant scheme, managed by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), provides funding to reduce the purchase cost of eligible zero emission vehicles. The grant is passed on to customers at the point of purchase by dealers, who submit claims through a secure online portal. The portal allows dealers to submit claims for vehicle grants, update existing orders, and check the status of existing orders. The scheme is designed to encourage the uptake of zero emission vehicles in the UK by making them more affordable. Dealers apply the grant discount at the point of sale and are later reimbursed by OZEV through a monthly payment process verified against manufacturer records. Eligible vehicle types have historically included cars, wheelchair accessible vehicles, and other zero emission vehicle categories as defined under current eligibility criteria. The application process is managed entirely through the OZEV portal, where dealers submit vehicle and customer details, track order status through various stages (from pipeline through to payment and audit), and respond to any validation or audit requirements. Manufacturers must first register with OZEV to obtain portal credentials, and dealerships gain access through their manufacturer.

Eligibility

The grant is available to car manufacturers and dealerships registered in the UK who are participating in the zero emission vehicle grant scheme. Manufacturers new to the scheme must email OZEV directly to request portal credentials. New dealerships must work through their manufacturer to gain access. Customers purchasing eligible zero emission vehicles do not apply directly; the grant is passed on to them by dealers at the point of purchase. As of June 2022, the plug-in car grant is no longer available with the exception of wheelchair accessible vehicles, though the scheme continues for zero emission vehicles more broadly. End customers must not have exceeded applicable grant limits per customer.

How it's scored

Applications are processed through the OZEV portal in a largely automated manner. Orders are validated against the DVLA vehicles record database to confirm vehicle details. Orders are subject to audit, during which dealers must submit invoices within 28 days. OZEV reserves the right to request supporting evidence to confirm end customer details and that orders are for the sole use of the business in question. There is no described scoring or panel-based evaluation; eligibility and compliance with scheme rules are the primary determinants of grant approval.

Key requirements

• ✓Must be a car manufacturer or dealership
• ✓Focus on zero emission vehicles
• ✓Apply through Office for Zero Emission Vehicles

Funder contact

The notice names a programme contact you can speak to before applying.

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for Apply for a zero emission vehicle grant?

Eligibility covers organisations in GB; startup, sme, large-company. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Electric mobility funding supports electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, battery supply chains and fleet transition for buses, vans and trucks. Public authorities buy vehicles and charge points through tenders, while grants back pilots and manufacturing. Applicants usually need site plans, grid capacity checks and an operator for the finished assets.