Office for Zero Emission Vehicles & COGENT ENERGY
Education Program
Helping educational institutions make a positive enviromental impact & future-proof their infrastructure
New Government Grant for Schools
UK school administrations are starting to grapple with the coming transition from petrol to EV. Staff are making the switch to EV; neighbourhoods in which schools reside are lacking publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure, especially so for affordable Fast Chargers which are unavailable in homes; and schools are busy teaching students about the effects of climate change, while looking for ways to lead by example. With the help of the UK government’s new grant, now you can install EV chargers super affordably. With Cogent Energy qualifying Schools and Academy Trusts get the complete package at no cost, the Schools even benefit from additional annual income.
The UK Government have recently announced the expansion of the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) which further benefits state-funded schools, nurseries and academies in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
USE £2500 per socket – Up to 40 Sockets
The Benefits of adopting EV Charging Infrastructure in a UK school – Free under OZEV Grant
As the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly important for educational institutions to adapt and support this shift with EV charging facilities. By installing EV charging stations, you’re not only making a positive environmental impact but also demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and future-proofing your infrastructure. Here’s why now is the perfect time for Education Establishments to adopt EV charging solutions:
Support for Staff and Visitors
Providing EV charging offers a valuable service to staff, parents, and visitors who drive electric vehicles. With the UK government’s commitment to phasing out new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, more people are switching to electric vehicles. Offering charging facilities on-site shows you care about the needs of your community and helps reduce range anxiety for those traveling longer distances.
Align with Sustainability Goals
Many have already implemented sustainability initiatives, such as recycling programs and energy-efficient buildings. Installing EV chargers is a natural next step, reinforcing your commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner transport options. It’s an excellent way to lead by example and educate students & pupils on the importance of adopting sustainable technologies.
Eligibility for Government Grants
Through the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), Education establishments can access grants that cover the installation costs for EV charging which eliminates the financial barrier, making it easier to set up a future-proofed charging network. This support allows Education Establishments to enhance their facilities whilst negating the impact on their budget.
Long-Term Financial Savings
Installing EV chargers now can be a cost-effective decision in the long run. As more staff and visitors make the switch to electric vehicles, having charging facilities on-site can help reduce the costs associated with commuting and even offer potential revenue opportunities if you choose to provide paid public access to the chargers. By adopting EV charging infrastructure, your school can become a hub of sustainability and innovation, setting a strong example for Students, Visitors and the wider community.
Futureproofing against imminent Government regulations
Governments worldwide are implementing regulations to promote EV adoption which often includes requirements for charging infrastructure in new and existing buildings. Having chargers installed now whilst grants are available helps you stay ahead of these regulations. In the UK regulations have recently been implemented for business’ and will become more comprehensive in their application.
Property Value
EV charging infrastructure can increase property value, as its’ a desirable feature which will also be likely be mandated by government regulation in the future at considerable cost per car park.
UK Schools & EV charging: why 2025 is the year to make the jump
We provide a worry free, bespoke service
We carry out a comprehensive site survey
We discuss the process with you in person, face to face
We check the safety of the power supply
For eligible Schools & Colleges, We provide you with FREE EV Charging Solutions – Confirmed following a site survey
We discuss the range of charging options that are right for you
Frequently Asked Questions
Multi Academy Trusts: How can I manage charging across multiple schools?
If you are a trust managing multiple schools, you may need the flexibility to:
- Manage access at each location
- Set different prices at each school according to their energy contracts
- Direct payments to multiple bank accounts, or to a single centralised account
The software allows simple management of these kind of setups. With a single login, your account administrator can get an overview of all locations, quickly move between them to change settings, and assign admin permissions to different people for specific schools.
How can I open up the chargers to the surrounding community?
By offering your chargers to the public, This will allow you to earn some revenue when school is out, whether that be evenings, weekends or holidays. You will also be providing a valuable service to the community, where there is often a lack of charging infrastructure. Of course, you have full control here, so if you prefer to restrict access to staff only at all times, this is also simple to set up.
How can I set different prices for staff, visitors, and others?
Using Group functionality, you can create different pricing schemes for different groups of drivers. You may want to offer discounted charging for staff, free charging for VIPs, and as your default charge a premium for after-hours guests. This can all be set up easily and Cogent Energy will recommend, Agree and organise all before commissioning your chargers.