Becoming an OZEV approved installer

What is OZEV?

OZEV (The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) is the government department responsible for overseeing the UK’s transition to zero-emission cars and vans. The OZEV team works across the government providing support for the early market for ultra-low emission vehicles such as fully electric cars.

A large part of OZEV is providing funding for EV charger installations. Grants may be available for homes, businesses, and local authorities. From an installer’s perspective, government funding for EV chargers enables them to win partially funded work by offering their skills and qualifications as an EV qualified installer.

OZEV vs OLEV

There has been some confusion around the OZEV scheme. In 2014, the UK government set up OLEV (Office for Low Emission Vehicles). Since then, they have supported the installation of thousands of EV charge points by providing over 60,000 government-funded grants.

In November 2020, OLEV became OZEV. This was in line with the new targets for banning the sale of all new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. The government went even further, stating that all new vehicles sold after 2035 must be completely zero-emission.

OZEV was renamed to align with the new zero-emissions policy. Across the industry, OLEV and OZEV are now used interchangeably but refer to the same government department.

What is the OZEV grant scheme?

The OZEV grant scheme was established to provide funding to assist UK homeowners and businesses with the transition from petrol and diesel to electric vehicles. Initially, grants were available for UK homeowners. As of April 1st, 2022, however, OZEV grants were no longer available for UK homeowners.

The new OZEV grant rules state that funding is now available for landlords, apartment block owners, and social housing providers. The £350 grant is also available for workplaces and commercial properties as part of the WCS (Workplace Charging Scheme). Eligible workplaces are:

• SMEs
• Small accommodation businesses
• B&Bs
• Charities
• Commercially let premises owners

The OZEV grant scheme is no longer available through a paper application. Instead, it is done via an online system. Visit the government website for more details.

How can you become an OZEV approved installer?

For qualified electricians, becoming an OZEV approved installer is a relatively simple process. To apply to become an OZEV approved installer, you will need the following:

• Proof of membership of an electrical registration scheme
• Public liability insurance documentation
• Manufacturer’s approval to install their equipment
• Certification of appropriate EV training

Alongside this documentary evidence, you will also need to provide the following:

• Company name
• Head office location
• UK address
• Bank details
• Competent Person Scheme name and number
• Contact details

Visit the government website for more detailed information about becoming an OZEV approved installer.

Studying and qualifications for OZEV installers

For electricians who want to become OZEV approved installers, it is important to know that some EV charge point manufacturers provide both general and equipment training in one course. Courses are often completed online and can be done at the applicant’s convenience.

There are many centres located across the UK that offer training courses for EV charge point installation. The qualifications available are City and Guilds, and EAL accredited. The City and Guilds course takes two days and involves a practical assessment and a multi-choice written test. The EAL course takes just one day and involves a day of learning with a multi-choice exam.

Both courses provide qualifications that are recognised across the industry. For electricians, the courses are concise and convenient and will open up many opportunities within the electric vehicle charging sector.

FAQs

Who is eligible for OZEV grants?

OZEV grants are split into two distinct areas: domestic grants and business grants. Domestic grants are currently available for landlords, apartment block owners, and social housing providers. Business grants are currently available for SMEs, small accommodation businesses, B&Bs, charities, and commercially let premises.

Can any electrician install an EV charger?

Only certified EV charger installers can install chargers under the OZEV scheme.

Can homeowners still get OZEV grants?

No. As of 1st April 2022, only landlords, apartment block owners, and social housing providers will be able to claim OZEV grants.

Do all EV chargers need to be Smart?

Yes. From the end of July 2022 new government legislation was introduced regarding EV chargers. It states that all home and workplace EV charging points must have Smart charging capacity.