The idea of a free EV charger sounds appealing — but is it really possible? Here's the truth about free and subsidised charger installations in the UK.
The Short Answer
Completely free: Rare, but possible in specific circumstances
Heavily subsidised: Yes, grants can cover a significant portion
"Free" with conditions: Often available, but read the fine print
Ways to Get a Free or Cheap EV Charger
1. Manufacturer/Dealer Offers
Some car manufacturers include a home charger as part of the purchase:
Current examples (check availability):
Reality check: These offers come and go. Always ask your dealer directly what's included.
2. Energy Supplier Schemes
Several UK energy companies offer discounted or free chargers:
Octopus Energy
British Gas
EDF
How it works: The supplier subsidises the charger to gain you as a long-term electricity customer. You'll typically need to stay on their tariff for a minimum period.
Is it genuinely free? Sometimes yes, sometimes it's offset by higher tariff rates. Compare total costs over 12–24 months.
3. Government Grants
EV Chargepoint Grant (OZEV)
Workplace Charging Scheme
Local Authority Grants
Can grants make it free? If installation costs £467 or less, the 75% OZEV grant (capped at £350) would leave you paying under £117. Combined with energy supplier offers, this could approach zero.
4. Workplace Installation
Free workplace charging is increasingly common:
Reality: This only works if you can reliably charge at work. It's not a home solution, but it can eliminate the need for one.
5. Salary Sacrifice Schemes
Some employers offer EV chargers through salary sacrifice:
Is it free? No, but the tax savings can cut effective cost by a third or more.
6. Social Housing Schemes
If you live in social housing (council or housing association):
"Free Charger" Offers: Red Flags
Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true:
Warning Signs
1. Required subscription payments
2. Locked-in energy tariffs
3. Revenue sharing
4. Data harvesting
Questions to Ask
What Does Installation Normally Cost?
To assess whether a "free" offer is good value:
| Component | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic smart charger | £450–650 |
| Installation (standard) | £300–500 |
| Total | £750–1,150 |
If a "free" offer requires £20/month for 3 years (£720 total) plus a locked-in tariff that's 3p/kWh more expensive (£200/year extra = £600), you're actually paying £1,320 — more than buying outright.
The Best Genuine Deals
Best Value Route for Most People
Example:
Payback: ~16 months, then you're saving money indefinitely.
Best Route for Renters
Effective cost: Often under £300.
Best Route for Homeowners (No Grant)
Even at full price (£800–1,200), a home charger pays for itself within 1–2 years compared to public charging.
Is "Free" Worth It?
Worth considering if:
Probably not worth it if:
Always better to pay if:
Summary
| Route | Upfront Cost | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer bundle | £0 | Buy specific car |
| Energy supplier offer | £0–300 | Tariff commitment |
| OZEV grant | Reduced by £350 | Renter/flat owner only |
| Salary sacrifice | £0 (spread payments) | Employer scheme |
| Social housing | £0 | Live in social housing |
| Buy outright | £750–1,200 | No conditions |
Our advice: A genuinely free charger with no strings attached is excellent. A "free" charger with expensive conditions often costs more long-term than buying outright.
Do the maths, read the terms carefully, and remember that the biggest savings come from cheap electricity, not cheap hardware. A £50 saving on the charger is wiped out by one month of overpaying for electricity.