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EV Charger Rebates & Incentives by State

How much can you save on an EV charger installation? Federal, state, and utility incentives can cut your costs by $1,000 or more — but the amount depends on where you live. Use our free lookup tool to find every rebate and tax credit available in your state, then see your total estimated savings. Pair these results with our ROI Calculator to see exactly how fast your Level 2 charger pays for itself.

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Federal EV Charger Tax Credit (Section 30C)

The federal Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Equipment Tax Credit — commonly called the Section 30C credit — covers 30% of the total cost of purchasing and installing an EV charger at your home, up to a maximum of $1,000 for residential installations.

Key Details

  • Credit amount: 30% of combined equipment and installation costs, capped at $1,000 for residential (or $100,000 for commercial)
  • Eligible equipment: Level 2 chargers (240V), Level 1 chargers, and DC fast chargers used for personal vehicles
  • Eligible costs: Charger purchase price, electrical wiring, panel upgrades, permits, and licensed electrician labor
  • Availability: Extended through December 31, 2032 by the Inflation Reduction Act
  • How to claim: File IRS Form 8911 with your annual tax return
  • Census tract requirement: As of 2023, the property must be in an eligible census tract (low-income community or non-urban area) — check the DOE Alternative Fuels Station Locator for eligibility

Example Calculation

Charger cost: $400 (e.g., a budget Level 2 charger)

Installation cost: $500 (new 240V circuit)

Total eligible cost: $900

30% credit: $270

You would save $270 on your federal taxes.

For a more expensive setup — say a $600 charger plus $1,500 panel upgrade ($2,100 total) — the 30% credit would be $630. The credit maxes out at $1,000, so you would need at least $3,334 in combined costs to hit the cap.

States with the Best EV Charger Incentives

Some states offer significantly more generous incentives than others. Here are the top 10 states where you can save the most on an EV charger installation in 2026:

Rank State State Incentive Best Utility Program Max Total Savings*
1 California Up to $2,000 SCE — $1,000 $4,000
2 New Jersey Up to $1,500 PSE&G — $1,500 $4,000
3 New York Up to $1,500 Con Edison — $1,000 $3,500
4 Massachusetts Up to $1,500 MassSave — $1,500 $4,000
5 Vermont Up to $1,200 GMP — $1,200 $3,400
6 Colorado Up to $1,100 Xcel Energy — $500 $2,600
7 Texas Up to $500 Austin Energy — $1,200 $2,700
8 Connecticut Up to $1,000 Eversource — $750 $2,750
9 Oregon Up to $1,000 PGE — $500 $2,500
10 Pennsylvania Up to $1,000 PECO — $750 $2,750

*Max total savings = federal credit ($1,000) + state incentive + best available utility rebate. Actual savings depend on eligibility and program availability.

If you live in one of these states, a home EV charger could cost you very little — or even be free after stacking all available incentives. Use the lookup tool above to see exactly what is available in your area.

How to Maximize Your EV Charger Savings

Getting the most out of available incentives requires a bit of planning. Here are proven strategies to stack savings and minimize your out-of-pocket costs:

1. Stack Federal + State + Utility

Most incentives can be combined. The federal 30C credit, your state rebate, and your utility program are typically independent — you can claim all three on the same installation. In the best states, this can cover your entire charger and installation cost.

2. Check Eligibility Before You Buy

Some utility programs require pre-approval or enrollment before purchase. Others require specific charger models (Energy Star certified, UL-listed, or Wi-Fi connected). Read program requirements carefully to avoid disqualification.

3. Keep All Receipts and Documentation

For the federal tax credit, you need receipts for the charger, installation labor, materials, and permits. Utility rebates typically require proof of purchase, installation photos, and sometimes a copy of the electrician's invoice.

4. Time Your Purchase

Many state and utility programs have limited funding and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check program status before purchasing — some programs open annually or in funding rounds. If a program is closed, it may reopen with new funding.

5. Consider a Budget Charger

If incentives will cover most of the cost anyway, a quality charger under $300 combined with stacked incentives could mean a near-zero out-of-pocket cost. Check our best cheap Level 2 chargers guide for top picks.

6. Enroll in TOU Rates

Many utility rebates require enrollment in a time-of-use (TOU) electricity plan. This is often beneficial anyway — TOU plans offer lower rates during off-peak hours (typically overnight), which is exactly when most people charge their EVs. You save on the rebate and on ongoing charging costs.

Use our ROI Calculator to see how these incentives affect your breakeven timeline, or try the EV vs Gas Calculator to see your annual fuel savings.

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the federal tax credit for EV chargers in 2026?

The federal Section 30C tax credit covers 30% of the combined cost of purchasing and installing an EV charger, up to $1,000 for residential installations. It applies to Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast chargers installed at your home. The credit is available through December 31, 2032 and is claimed on IRS Form 8911.

Can I combine federal, state, and utility EV charger rebates?

Yes, in most cases you can stack all three types of incentives. The federal tax credit, state rebates, and utility company programs are typically independent of each other. In states like California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, stacking all available incentives can save you $3,000 to $4,000 or more.

Do I need to install the charger myself to get the tax credit?

No. In fact, professional installation by a licensed electrician is recommended and the labor costs are eligible for the tax credit. The credit covers both the charger equipment and installation expenses including wiring, outlet installation, panel upgrades, and permit fees.

Are portable Level 1 chargers eligible for the federal tax credit?

Yes, any qualified alternative fuel vehicle refueling property is eligible, including Level 1 chargers, Level 2 chargers, and DC fast chargers. However, the charger must be installed at a location you own or lease, and the property must be in an eligible census tract.

What is the census tract requirement for the 30C credit?

Starting in 2023, the Section 30C credit requires the charger to be installed in an eligible census tract — either a low-income community or a non-urban (rural) area. You can check eligibility using the Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Station Locator or by looking up your census tract on the IRS website.

How do I claim the federal EV charger tax credit?

File IRS Form 8911 (Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit) with your annual tax return. You will need the charger purchase receipt, installation invoice, and your property address. The credit reduces your tax liability dollar-for-dollar, but it is non-refundable — you must owe at least as much in taxes as the credit amount.

Do utility rebate programs run out of funding?

Yes, many utility rebate programs have limited budgets and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Some programs pause when funding is exhausted and reopen with new allocations. Check with your utility for current program status and apply as soon as possible after purchasing your charger.

What if my state has no EV charger incentives?

Even without state-level incentives, you can still claim the federal 30C tax credit for up to $1,000 in savings. Additionally, check with your local utility company — many offer EV charger rebates or time-of-use rate plans that are not part of any state program. Municipal and county programs may also be available in some areas.