EV charger incentives & rebates: Find out how to save on a charger install at home

Embracing electric driving has never been more affordable, thanks to a range of tax incentives and rebates offered at the federal, state, and local levels for electric vehicles (EVs) and EV chargers. The availability and eligibility criteria of these programs vary depending on where you live, and it can be daunting to navigate. We've created this guide to EV charger incentives to demystify this process, complete with helpful tools to determine your eligibility and make the most of available incentives.

Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), EV chargers installed between the beginning of 2023 and the end of 2032 might be eligible for the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit.

The federal EV charger tax credit can reduce installation costs by 30% (up to $1,000). The tax credit applies to the charger itself and any labor or other costs associated with the installation. Only chargers installed at your primary residence qualify for this tax credit.

Most home EV charger installations don’t cost enough to hit the full $1,000 credit amount. Realistically, your tax credit will be worth $300 to $800 – enough to offset the cost of a Level 2 EV charger but probably not the full cost of electrical work. 

Who qualifies for the federal EV charger tax credit?

Census tracts, or geographic areas defined for census-taking purposes, determine federal EV charger tax credit eligibility. To qualify for this tax credit, you must live in a census tract that is either non-urban (rural) or defined as a low-income community. 

Census tracts aren’t the same as city limits, so you might not know where you fall. The Argonne National Laboratory created the 30C Tax Credit Eligibility Locator to help you determine if you live in a qualified census tract for the EV charger tax credit. 

Don't forget the dedicated tax form

To claim the credit, you'll need to fill out IRS Form 8911, which is specific to the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit. You can carry this credit backward for one year or forward for 20 years, meaning you can apply it to the previous year or to a future tax year.

The details change regularly, but at least a handful of state governments offer tax credits or direct rebates toward the cost of installing a Level 2 EV charger in a single-family home. Many other states have programs incentivizing charger installation in multi-family housing.

How can I find EV charger incentives in my state?

The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) is a good place to start looking for programs in your area. After you punch in your zip code, you can filter down by Technology -> Electric Vehicles -> Charging Equipment.

Does my utility company offer EV charger incentives?

Even if your state government doesn’t offer any incentives, there’s a decent chance that your utility company or its partner organizations will. These could include direct rebates or demand-response programs, where you’d have to buy an EV charger that allows the utility company to slow down or delay your charging during peak electrical demand in exchange for small cash payments. To understand your incentive options at the local level, contact a representative from your utility company.

The best way to maximize your EV savings is to pair your electric car with solar panels. Check out the EnergySage Marketplace to compare custom quotes from vetted installers so you can go solar with confidence. If you’re planning to charge an EV at home, add a note to your profile so installers can size your solar system to power your EV sufficiently.