EV Charger Rebates by State: Your Complete 2026 Guide to Local Incentives

Before diving into specific states, it's important to understand the four main types of EV charger incentives available to homeowners. Each works differently, and knowing the distinctions helps you maximize your total savings.

1. State Tax Credits

A state tax credit works just like the federal one — it directly reduces your state income tax bill dollar-for-dollar. For example, if you owe $3,000 in state taxes and have a $500 EV charger tax credit, you'll only pay $2,500. These are claimed when you file your annual state tax return. States like Colorado and Oregon offer these, while states without income tax (Texas, Florida, Washington) obviously don't.

2. Rebates

Rebates give you cash back after purchase. You buy and install the charger, submit proof of purchase and installation to the rebate program, and receive a check or direct deposit — typically within 4–12 weeks. Rebates are offered by state agencies (like California's CVRP), utility companies, and sometimes municipal governments. Unlike tax credits, you don't need tax liability to benefit from a rebate.

3. Utility Company Programs

Your electric utility company often has its own incentive programs, independent of state government. These can include:

• Equipment rebates: $100–$500 back on approved smart chargers
• Installation rebates: Covering part of electrician costs
• Time-of-use (TOU) rates: Special cheap electricity rates for overnight EV charging
• Free or discounted charger programs: Some utilities provide the charger hardware at no cost in exchange for load management enrollment

Utility programs are the most commonly overlooked incentive. Even in states with no state-level rebate, your utility company may offer significant savings.

4. Grants and Low-Income Programs

Several states and utilities offer enhanced incentives for income-qualifying households. These programs can cover 75–100% of charger purchase and installation costs for qualifying families. California's programs are particularly generous for low- and moderate-income residents.

The best part? Most of these incentives can be stacked. You can often combine the federal Section 30C tax credit with a state tax credit or rebate and a utility company rebate. We'll show you exactly how in the stacking section below.

Important disclaimer: Incentive programs change frequently — budgets run out, program terms get updated, and new programs launch. The amounts listed below are based on programs active as of early 2026. Always verify current availability directly with the program administrator before making purchasing decisions.

California leads the nation in EV adoption and EV charger incentives. Between state programs, utility rebates, and air quality district funding, California residents can access $1,500 or more in combined incentives — making it the single best state to install a home EV charger.

Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP)

While CVRP primarily targets EV purchases, it's worth noting because the vehicle rebate frees up budget for home charging equipment. Income-capped at $135,000 for single filers and $200,000 for joint filers, the program provides up to $2,000 for battery-electric vehicles. Low-income applicants (under 400% of federal poverty level) can receive an additional $2,500 boost.

LCFS (Low Carbon Fuel Standard) Credits

California's LCFS program allows EV owners who charge at home to generate carbon credits. While the process is complex, several third-party aggregators (like WeaveGrid and Optiwatt) handle the paperwork and pay you directly. Typical earnings: $50–$150 per year depending on your driving habits and electricity source. It's not a direct charger rebate, but it helps offset your charging costs over time.

Utility Company Rebates

California's three major utilities all offer substantial EV charger incentives:

SCE's Charge Ready program is particularly noteworthy — it can cover up to $1,000 for charger purchase and installation in exchange for enrolling in their managed charging program, which may occasionally delay charging during grid peaks. Most participants report no noticeable impact on their daily charging needs.

CARB Clean Fuel Programs & Air Quality Districts

California's local Air Quality Management Districts (AQMDs) frequently offer additional incentives. The South Coast AQMD, Bay Area AQMD, and San Joaquin Valley APCD have all historically funded residential EV charger rebates ranging from $250 to $750. These programs have limited funding and open/close periodically, so check your local AQMD website for current availability.

Income-Qualifying Programs

Low-income California residents may qualify for even greater savings through programs like Clean Cars 4 All and CVRP Increased Rebate. Some of these programs provide free Level 2 charger installation — covering both equipment and labor at no cost to qualifying households.

California Total Potential Savings

With an affordable charger like the Emporia Smart at $249, California residents can often end up paying less than $100 out of pocket for a complete Level 2 home charging setup. Check our installation cost guide for the full breakdown of what you'll spend before incentives.

New York has positioned itself as an EV-friendly state with multiple incentive layers. Between NYSERDA programs and utility rebates, New York residents can access up to $1,000 in combined state and utility incentives on top of the federal tax credit.

Drive Clean Rebate

New York's flagship EV program is primarily for vehicle purchases, offering up to $2,000 for new EVs priced under $42,000. While not directly for chargers, it's relevant context — the savings on the vehicle often fund the home charger purchase.

NYSERDA Programs

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) administers several programs that benefit residential EV charger installations:

• Charge Ready NY: Provides up to $4,000 per Level 2 port for multi-family dwellings, workplaces, and public installations. While not directly available for single-family homes, condo and apartment residents can advocate for their building to apply.
• EV Make-Ready Program: Requires utilities to cover a portion of infrastructure costs for EV charger installations. This indirectly reduces costs for residential customers by lowering utility infrastructure charges.
• Income-qualifying programs: Enhanced incentives are available for households in disadvantaged communities or with incomes below certain thresholds.

Utility Company Rebates

Con Edison SmartCharge Program (NYC Residents)

Con Edison's program deserves special attention because it's one of the most innovative utility programs in the country. Beyond the initial $500 rebate for a qualified smart charger, the program rewards you with ongoing credits for charging during off-peak hours (typically midnight to 8 AM). Participants report earning an additional $5–$15 per month in bill credits just for charging overnight — something most EV owners do anyway.

New York Total Potential Savings

For upstate New York residents on National Grid or NYSEG, combined first-year savings typically land in the $1,050–$1,550 range. Learn more about maximizing these savings with the right charger in our best affordable Level 2 charger guide.

Texas has no state income tax, which means no state-level tax credit for EV chargers. However, don't write off the Lone Star State — several major Texas utilities offer meaningful rebates, and the state has invested in EV infrastructure grants that indirectly benefit residents.

Why Texas Has No State Tax Credit

Since Texas doesn't collect state income tax, it can't offer income tax credits. The state legislature has periodically considered standalone EV rebate legislation but has not passed a residential charger rebate program as of early 2026. Texas EV owners must rely on the federal tax credit and utility programs for savings.

Utility Company Rebates

TXU Free Nights Plans

While not a traditional rebate, TXU Energy's Free Nights plans deserve attention from Texas EV owners. These plans provide free electricity from 9 PM to 6 AM (or similar windows depending on the plan). Since most EV owners charge overnight anyway, this effectively means $0 electricity cost for home charging. Over a year, this can save $500–$1,200 compared to standard electricity rates. Use our EV Charging Cost Calculator to see how much free overnight electricity saves you.

Texas EV Infrastructure Grants

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) administers the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) and the Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust, which have funded public and workplace EV charging infrastructure. While these don't directly fund residential chargers, they've expanded the public charging network and occasionally fund residential pilot programs in selected communities.

Texas Total Potential Savings

Texas residents who combine a budget charger like the BougeRV Smart at $279 with the federal credit and a free nights electricity plan can achieve some of the lowest total charging costs in the country despite the lack of a state tax credit.

Like Texas, Florida has no state income tax and no state-level EV charger rebate. However, Florida's major utility companies have stepped up with competitive rebate programs, and the state's year-round warm climate means no cold-weather charging efficiency losses — your charger works at full efficiency all year long.

Utility Company Rebates

FPL EVolution Program

As Florida's largest utility serving over 5 million customers, FPL's EVolution program is the most widely accessible. Beyond the charger rebate, FPL offers a dedicated EV time-of-use rate that provides significantly discounted electricity during off-peak hours (typically 11 PM to 7 AM). Participants report off-peak rates as low as $0.04–$0.06 per kWh — roughly 50–70% below standard rates. Over a year, this translates to $300–$600 in annual charging savings.

Local Government Programs

Several Florida counties and cities have launched their own EV-friendly initiatives:

• Miami-Dade County: Periodically offers EV charger grants through its Office of Resilience
• Broward County: Green building incentives that may cover EV charger installation
• City of Orlando: Municipal EV readiness programs complementing OUC incentives

These local programs tend to be smaller ($100–$300) and have limited funding windows, but they stack with utility and federal incentives.

Florida Total Potential Savings

Florida's warm climate is also an advantage for EV efficiency. Unlike northern states where cold weather reduces charging speed, Florida chargers deliver consistent performance year-round.

Colorado is one of the best states for EV charger incentives outside California. The combination of a state tax credit and generous Xcel Energy rebates makes Colorado one of the most affordable states for home EV charger installation.

Colorado State Tax Credit

Colorado offers a state income tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle charging equipment. As of 2026, the credit covers a portion of the purchase and installation cost of Level 2 or higher home charging equipment. The credit has historically been valued at approximately $300–$500, though the exact amount and percentage can change with legislative updates.

Colorado's tax credit is in addition to the federal Section 30C credit, meaning Colorado residents can claim both on their respective tax returns. Combined, that's potentially $1,000–$1,500 in tax credits alone.

Xcel Energy Rebates

Xcel Energy, Colorado's largest electric utility, offers one of the best utility EV programs in the nation:

• Level 2 Charger Rebate: Up to $500 for the purchase and installation of an approved smart Level 2 charger
• Income-Qualifying Enhanced Rebate: Up to $1,300 for households meeting income eligibility requirements
• Optimize Your Charge Program: Enroll your smart charger in Xcel's demand response program and receive an additional $50 annual credit for allowing occasional charge schedule adjustments during peak grid demand
• EV TOU Rate: Special time-of-use electricity rate with off-peak pricing as low as $0.05–$0.07 per kWh

Other Colorado Utilities

Colorado Total Potential Savings

With $1,800–$2,050+ in combined first-year savings, Colorado residents using a budget charger can often have their entire charger and installation cost covered by incentives. Pair an Emporia Smart charger at $249 with these programs and you could actually come out ahead.

Washington State takes a different approach to EV charger incentives — instead of tax credits or rebates, the state offers a sales tax exemption on EV charging equipment. Combined with utility programs from Puget Sound Energy and Seattle City Light, Washington residents can save $400–$1,000+ on their home charging setup.

Washington State Sales Tax Exemption

Washington exempts EV charging equipment from state and local sales tax. With Washington's combined state and local sales tax ranging from 7.5% to 10.5% depending on location, this exemption can save you:

• On a $249 charger (like Emporia Smart): $19–$26 savings
• On a $649 charger (like Wallbox Pulsar Plus): $49–$68 savings
• On charger + installation ($1,500 total): $113–$158 savings (if installation qualifies)

While not as dramatic as a flat rebate, it's automatic — no application required. The exemption applies at the point of purchase for qualifying equipment.

Utility Company Programs

PSE Up & Go Electric Program

Puget Sound Energy's program is the most comprehensive in Washington State. Beyond the $500 charger rebate, PSE offers:

• Income-eligible enhanced rebate: Up to $1,000 for qualifying low-income households
• EV time-of-use rate: Reduced electricity rates during off-peak hours
• Managed charging option: Additional bill credits for allowing PSE to optimize your charging schedule during peak demand events

Washington State Total Potential Savings

Washington's low electricity rates (among the cheapest in the nation at $0.08–$0.12 per kWh) also make ongoing charging costs extremely affordable. Use our EV Charging Cost Calculator to see how Washington's low rates affect your monthly bill.

Massachusetts offers a solid combination of state-administered programs and utility rebates that can save residents up to $750 on EV charger equipment, plus the federal tax credit on top.

MOR-EV (Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles)

The MOR-EV program, administered by the Center for Sustainable Energy, primarily provides vehicle purchase rebates (up to $3,500 for new EVs). While the main program targets vehicle purchases, Massachusetts periodically includes EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) components in related programs. Check the MOR-EV website for current charger-specific offerings.

Mass Save & Utility Programs

Mass Save, the statewide energy efficiency program, has expanded to include EV charging incentives. Through Mass Save and individual utility programs, Massachusetts residents can access:

National Grid Managed Charging Program

National Grid's program is particularly appealing because it combines an upfront rebate with ongoing bill credits. By enrolling your smart charger in their managed charging program, you allow National Grid to occasionally adjust your charging schedule during peak grid events. In practice, this rarely affects your vehicle's charge level — most adjustments happen during periods when your car would be fully charged anyway. Participants receive $5–$10 per month in bill credits in addition to the initial rebate.

Massachusetts Total Potential Savings

Massachusetts' incentives may not be as large as California's or Colorado's, but they're straightforward to access and combine well with the federal credit. A budget-friendly Level 2 charger paired with these programs brings your net cost well under $200.

The real power of EV charger incentives comes from stacking multiple programs. In most cases, you can legally combine the federal tax credit with a state tax credit or rebate and a utility company rebate. Here's a real-world example showing how this works.

Real Example: Colorado Resident, Xcel Energy Customer

Let's walk through a realistic scenario for a homeowner in Denver, Colorado who installs a Level 2 EV charger in 2026:

That's right — in this scenario, the combined incentives exceed the total cost by $251. The homeowner effectively gets paid to install a home EV charger. While this is one of the best-case scenarios (Colorado's incentives are among the strongest), similar stacking can produce substantial savings in many states.

Another Example: California Resident, SCE Customer

Stacking Rules to Remember

• Federal + State tax credits: Almost always stackable. They're claimed on separate tax returns (federal vs. state).
• Federal + Utility rebate: Always stackable. Utility rebates are not considered taxable income for the purpose of the federal credit calculation in most cases.
• State + Utility: Usually stackable, but check your specific state's rules. Some state programs reduce the rebate amount if you've received a utility incentive.
• Multiple utility programs: Rarely stackable. Most utilities limit participation to one charger program per account.
• Income-qualifying bonuses: These typically replace the standard rebate with a higher amount rather than adding on top.

Tax tip: When stacking, the federal 30C credit is calculated on your net out-of-pocket cost after rebates only if the rebate reduces your purchase price. If the rebate is received after purchase (as a check or bill credit), it typically does not reduce the amount eligible for the federal credit. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

For a detailed look at the federal tax credit by itself, see our complete guide to EV charger tax credits and rebates. And to understand total installation costs before incentives, read our EV charger installation cost breakdown.

Here's a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of EV charger incentives across all 50 states. States with the strongest programs are highlighted. Remember, utility programs vary within each state — check with your specific utility for available offers.

Note: The "Max Combined Savings" column includes the federal Section 30C tax credit (up to $1,000) plus the highest available state and utility incentives. Actual savings depend on your specific utility, income level, and program availability. All amounts are approximate and subject to change — verify current programs before purchasing.

The clear winners for EV charger incentives are California, Colorado, Oregon, Connecticut, and New York. However, even states with "None" listed for state programs still offer the $1,000 federal tax credit, and many have utility programs worth $200–$500. No matter where you live, there's likely some incentive available to reduce your costs.

For the full picture on what you'll pay before incentives, see our complete EV charger installation cost guide. And to calculate how much you'll save on fuel after installation, try our EV vs Gas Savings Calculator.

Knowing which incentives exist is only half the battle. Here's the step-by-step process for claiming every dollar you're entitled to.

Step 1: Research Available Programs Before You Buy

Before purchasing a charger or hiring an electrician, identify every program you qualify for. Here's where to look:

• Federal: IRS Section 30C page
• State programs: AFDC Laws & Incentives Database (search by state)
• Utility programs: Visit your electric utility's website and search for "EV" or "electric vehicle" programs, or call their customer service line
• Local programs: Check your city or county government website for additional incentives

Step 2: Verify Charger Eligibility Requirements

Many rebate programs have specific charger requirements. Common eligibility criteria include:

• ENERGY STAR certification: Many utility programs require it
• Smart/WiFi-enabled: Programs increasingly require chargers that can communicate with the grid
• Approved charger list: Some utilities maintain a list of pre-approved models
• Minimum amperage: Some programs require at least 32A or 40A capacity
• UL listing: Nearly all programs require UL-certified equipment

Both the Emporia Smart and BougeRV Smart chargers meet the requirements for most utility rebate programs — they're ENERGY STAR certified, WiFi-enabled, and UL listed. Check your specific program's approved list to confirm before purchasing.

Step 3: Apply for Pre-Approval (If Required)

Some programs require pre-approval before purchase. This is common with utility managed charging programs and income-qualifying enhanced rebates. The pre-approval process typically involves:

• Submitting an online application with your utility account number
• Providing proof of EV ownership (registration or VIN)
• For income-qualifying programs: income documentation or tax returns
• Receiving approval confirmation (typically 1–3 weeks)

Step 4: Purchase and Install Your Charger

Once pre-approved (if required), purchase your charger and hire a licensed electrician for installation. Critical documentation to collect during this step:

• Charger purchase receipt (showing model, price, date of purchase)
• Electrician invoice (itemized: labor, materials, permit fees)
• Electrical permit and inspection approval
• Photos of the installed charger (some programs require visual documentation)
• Charger serial number (on the unit or in the app)

Step 5: Submit Rebate Applications

After installation, submit your rebate applications promptly. Most programs have 90–180 day deadlines from the date of installation. Typical submission requirements:

• Completed rebate application form
• Copy of purchase receipt
• Copy of electrician invoice
• Proof of permit and inspection (if applicable)
• Proof of utility account in good standing
• W-9 form (for rebates over $600)

Most utility rebate applications can be submitted online through the utility's website. Processing times range from 4 to 12 weeks, with payment typically arriving as a check or bill credit.

Step 6: Claim the Federal Tax Credit on Your Tax Return

The federal Section 30C tax credit is claimed when you file your annual federal income tax return for the year the charger was installed. You'll need:

• IRS Form 8911 (Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit)
• Total cost of charger purchase and installation
• Address where the charger was installed

The credit equals 30% of total costs, up to $1,000 for residential installations. If you also qualify for a state tax credit (e.g., Colorado), file that on your state return separately.

Step 7: Enroll in Ongoing Programs

After installation, don't forget to enroll in ongoing savings programs:

• Time-of-use (TOU) electricity rates: Switch to an EV-specific rate plan for cheaper overnight charging
• Managed charging programs: Earn ongoing bill credits by allowing grid-optimized charging
• LCFS credit aggregators (California): Generate carbon credits from your home charging

Pro tip: Create a folder (physical or digital) with all your EV charger documentation — receipts, invoices, permits, rebate confirmations, and tax forms. You'll need these for your tax return and any future warranty claims.