EV charging Proactivity vs. reactivity


With more than 6,500 chargers installed through the WCS in 2024 and confidence in EVs booming, we’re likely to see the scheme leveraged even further during its final 12 months. While unlikely to completely fill up the order books, it remains a hugely beneficial income stream for installers. When combined with funding for chargers at flats and rental properties, the opportunity is clear, but the difference between taking full advantage and watching the opportunity slip through the cracks lies in proactivity. The role of the savvy installer should be two-fold – an industry educator and an electrification enabler. Let me explain. While the WCS is by no means new, the businesses who are in prime position to take advantage are unlikely to be experienced in electrification. Instead, the vast majority will be on the edge of switching to electric and busily researching the marketplace. From vehicle


the work. Once complete, the installer can use the code to claim the grant.


In short, installers don’t need anything specific to take advantage of the WCS. They don’t need to apply, fill out any forms and or be approved. They simply need to be OZEV accredited, fully- qualified to fit EV chargers and work in-line with the latest wiring legislation. With such minimal paperwork needed, it’s a guaranteed way to drive revenue for all stakeholders, while saving customers money.


What happens come April 2026? As the transition to electrification continues at pace, the government is committed to supporting the adoption of EVs, but is equally conscious of letting the industry stand on its own two feet. With vehicle prices falling, battery ranges increasing and charging infrastructure improving, EVs are beginning to dominate new vehicle registrations.


choices and contract options, to maintenance schedules and driver training requirements, there’s a lot to learn in a short amount of time. As such, grant funding could be an important detail missed.


For all stakeholders, it is important to encourage installers to raise awareness of the WCS and to educate their customers about the application process. Being able to take their clients through the steps – from application through to claim – saves them money and offers added value.


Even if the client has come across the grant, a proactive outreach could prove the timely nudge needed to book in the job. It’s a win-win situation.


But while education is one thing, savvy installers should also be using the WCS as a sales tactic. After all, for a business maxing out the


ceiling of 40 chargers installed simultaneously, the difference between using grant funding and not could be upwards of £14,000. By highlighting the cost savings available, flagging the closing date of the scheme and positioning themselves as a facilitator, installers can accelerate customer thinking and leverage the scheme for the most business benefit. A proactive approach is essential here – demonstrating knowledge, ability and partnership approach will deliver the best possible results.


Taking advantage of the WCS? The WCS process is incredibly straightforward. Businesses apply through an online portal on the government website and receive a voucher code via email. The code is valid for 180 days, with any OZEV accredited installer approved to undertake


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As such, come April 2026, we’re unlikely to see either of the grant schemes extend any further. Reactive installers will see this as a hit – inbound enquiries could drop as a result. The proactive installers, however, will have spent the previous 12 months leveraging the WCS to build relationships, accelerate their brand and position themselves as a driving force in the transition to electrification.


What’s more, they’ll have built relationships with wholesalers, kept up-to-speed with the latest devices available and undertaken the latest manufacturer training courses.


In the short-term, it’s a guaranteed sales tactic. In the long-term, installers can make EV charger installations a key capability of their business. But with just 12 months left until the opportunity disappears for good, there’s no time to waste.


June 2025 electrical wholesaler | 27


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