According to the International Energy Agency, at 14 million units, electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for about 18 percent of total car sales in 2023. That is up from just 4 percent in 2020.
While there are immeasurable economic and environmental benefits to shifting to EVs, there are some challenges as well. Many relate to accessing fast and convenient charging. This is where electric vehicle rebate programs come in.
Below is a guide to EV charging rebates, including how they work and how you can access them. Keep reading to learn how you can get the most out of an EV charging station rebate.
Why Install a Home EV Charger?
Putting in a home EV charger has many advantages. These include:
● Convenience
● Cost-savings
● Environmental benefits
One of the most important reasons to install a home station is it allows you to charge a vehicle overnight or at whatever time is most convenient for you. It also eliminates the need to spend time and effort charging at public stations.
In general, charging at home is more economical than paying for use at public stations. This becomes especially true if you have time-of-use electricity plans, that adjust energy rates based on the time of day and season. You can choose to leverage lower rates by charging during
off-peak hours.
A final (potential) but big advantage of charging at home is that it gives you more control over the energy source. If you have solar panels in your home or use a utility that prioritizes clean energy production, then charging your car at home would have less of an environmental impact than using electricity made by burning fossil fuels.
What Tax Incentives Are There for Home EV Chargers?
Many people are aware of federal and state EV vehicle incentives. Currently, you get a federal tax credit for up to $7,500 (depending on the vehicle make and battery size) for most EV and plug-in hybrid cars.
However, many people are unaware that there is a separate set of incentives for installing home charging stations (regardless of whether you own an EV). Here are the main green energy rebates, credits, and incentives to consider.
Federal Incentives
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 included tax credits specific to installing a home EV charger. This is known as the 30C Alternative Fuel Refueling Infrastructure credit. It is equal to 30 percent of the total cost of the station–including installation–up to $1,000.
This tax credit extends only to people living in rural or low-income areas. Determining if your home qualifies is the first step to determining eligibility.
Also, the EV charger must meet certain requirements set by the U.S. Department of Energy. It must be new and installed at your primary residence. To receive the credit, the property owner must submit the receipt as proof of purchase to the IRS on their federal tax return.
There is a different tax incentive structure for businesses that install EV chargers under the 30C Alternative Fuel Refueling Infrastructure provision. They can receive up to 6 percent of the total qualified cost per EV charging port, to not exceed $100,000 total. Tax-exempt entities can receive the same as homeowners: 30 percent of total installation costs.
State and Local Incentives
Dozens of states and municipalities offer tax incentives for installing an EV charging port at a home or business. California, which leads the United States in the number of EVs, also has the most locations with incentives for installing charging stations.
For instance, Los Angeles and Anaheim offer rebates and incentives up to $1,000 and $1,500 respectively for the purchase and installation of qualified 240-volt, level 2 charging stations. Anaheim ups that to $3,000 for customers who sign up for the local utility’s time-of-use rate programs and $10,000 if you install a DC fast charger. Los Angeles also gives a $250 rebate for the installation of dedicated EV meters.
Other states, like Colorado, offer select locations $500 off the cost of the purchase and installation of a residential level 2 charger. Certain income-qualified residents can receive as much as $1,300 back.
New York has EV charger incentives as well. They offer up to $5,000 in tax credits to offset the purchase and installation of stations.
The NC Clean Energy Technology Center maintains a database of state tax incentives for EV vehicle purchases, charging station installation, and other green energy rebates and credits. You can use it to find rebates and tax credits for your location.
Utility-Based Incentives
Finally, some utilities offer their own incentives, either in combination with the state (as described above) or on their own. Jacksonville Electric Authority in Florida offers residential
customers who install a level 2 EV charging station up to $7 per month when charging during off-peak hours. They also will cover up to $300 for pre-wiring necessities.
In Oregon, the Eugene Water and Electric Board offers $500 to customers who purchase a qualifying level 2 charger. In Texas, Austin Energy gives a tax rebate of 50 percent off the purchase and installation, for a maximum benefit of $1,200.
The Burlington Electric Department in Vermont offers up to $900 on qualifying level 2 chargers. These must be bought within 60 days of the EV purchase or lease. Residents who do so can also sign up for a discounted charging rate of 8 cents/kWh when charging during off-peak hours.
In Connecticut, Eversource gives a $500 EV charging station rebate for qualified installations. They also will provide a second rebate of up to $500 for help with home wiring upgrades. Tacoma Public Utility in Washington state offers a $400 rebate in the form of a bill credit, for customers who install a level 2 EV charging state.
Learn More About EV Charging Station Rebate Programs
Now that you understand the ins and outs of how to obtain an EV charging station rebate, you can determine the best path forward. With a little bit of time and effort, you can leverage EV station installation savings.
JuiceNet is on a mission to empower EV drivers with information on ways to make charging more accessible, convenient, and sustainable. Whether you are a homeowner looking to monetize your Level 2 charger or a driver seeking more convenient charging options, we can help. Join the movement today and help us build a more sustainable tomorrow.
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