EV Charger Rebates by State in 2026: The Complete Guide to Saving Money
A state-by-state breakdown of EV charger installation rebates and incentives in 2026, plus the federal 30C tax credit. Stack these to save $500-$2,500 on your installation.
EV Charger Rebates by State in 2026: Where the Money Is
One of the first things we tell homeowners shopping for an EV charger installation: check your rebates before you sign a contract. Between federal, state, and utility incentives, you could knock $500 to $2,500 off the cost of your installation — but only if you know what's available and apply correctly.
Here's what's out there right now.
The Federal 30C Tax Credit (Everyone Gets This)
Before we get into state-level programs, let's cover the one that applies everywhere.
The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Equipment Credit (Internal Revenue Code Section 30C) covers 30% of the cost of purchasing and installing an EV charger, up to $1,000 for residential properties.
Key details:
- Covers the charger itself, labor, materials, and permit costs
- It's a tax credit, meaning it reduces your federal tax bill dollar for dollar
- Claimed on IRS Form 8911 when you file your return
- Available for installations through June 30, 2026
- Your property must be in an eligible census tract (most areas qualify — check IRS guidance or ask your tax preparer)
On a typical $1,500 installation, the 30C credit is worth $450. On a $3,000 installation, you get the full $1,000.
This is free money that millions of EV owners fail to claim. Don't be one of them.
The Best State and Utility Programs
Not every state offers EV charger rebates, and the ones that do vary widely in generosity. Here's a rundown of the strongest programs as of early 2026.
Important note: Rebate programs change frequently. Funding runs out, programs expire, new ones launch. The information below was current at the time of writing, but always verify directly with the program administrator before counting on a specific rebate.
Quick Reference Table
| State | Program | Rebate Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | PG&E / SCE / SDG&E utility rebates | $500–$1,500 | EVITP-certified installer often required |
| Colorado | Xcel Energy rebate | ~$500 | Xcel territory only |
| Oregon | Portland General Electric | ~$500 | PGE customers; income-qualified get more |
| New Jersey | PSE&G rebate | ~$500 | PSE&G territory |
| Connecticut | Eversource rebate | ~$500 | Eversource customers |
| Maryland | BGE rebate | ~$300 | BGE territory |
| Vermont | Multiple utility programs | $200–$600 | Green Mountain Power, Burlington Electric |
| New York | NYSERDA + Con Ed / PSEG LI | Varies | Multiple overlapping programs |
| Massachusetts | MassSave | Varies | Income-based tiers |
| Illinois | ComEd rebate | $250–$500 | ComEd territory |
California: The Gold Standard
California's utility rebates are the most generous in the country. The three major investor-owned utilities all run programs:
PG&E offers $500–$800 for residential Level 2 installations. Southern California Edison (SCE) provides $500–$1,000. SDG&E goes up to $1,500 depending on income level and program availability.
The catch: many California utility programs require your installer to be EVITP-certified (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program). Don't skip this requirement — it can disqualify your rebate application.
California also has some of the best time-of-use rates for EV charging. Combined with a smart charger, the ongoing savings are substantial.
Stack example (San Diego):
- Federal 30C: $540 (on a $1,800 install)
- SDG&E rebate: $800
- Total savings: $1,340 off a $1,800 job = $460 net cost
Colorado
Xcel Energy offers approximately $500 for residential Level 2 charger installations. The program has been relatively stable, though funding levels may adjust annually.
Colorado also has a state tax credit for EVs, and while it primarily covers the vehicle purchase, the overall policy environment is EV-friendly with strong bipartisan support.
Oregon
Portland General Electric (PGE) offers roughly $500 for standard residential installations, with enhanced rebates for income-qualified customers. Pacific Power (which covers parts of southern and eastern Oregon) has had periodic programs as well.
Oregon doesn't have a sales tax, which is a small but real bonus — you'll save 6–10% compared to most other states on the charger purchase alone.
New Jersey
PSE&G (Public Service Electric & Gas) offers around $500 for residential Level 2 charger installations in their service territory. JCP&L has also run programs periodically. New Jersey's EV programs are administered through the BPU (Board of Public Utilities), which oversees the broader EV infrastructure push.
Connecticut
Eversource offers approximately $500 for residential charger installations. The program has been popular and has occasionally exhausted its funding allocation, so apply promptly.
Connecticut also exempts EVs from sales tax, which doesn't directly affect the charger installation but makes the overall switch to electric more affordable.
Maryland
Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) offers around $300 for residential Level 2 installations. The program is part of BGE's broader EV charging initiative.
Maryland also offers a state excise tax credit for EV purchases, and the policy climate continues to support charging infrastructure expansion.
Vermont
Vermont punches above its weight on EV incentives. Multiple utilities run programs:
- Green Mountain Power offers $200–$600 depending on the program and customer type
- Burlington Electric Department has its own incentives
- Several smaller Vermont utilities participate in coordinated programs
Vermont's small size means these programs can be more responsive — less bureaucracy, faster processing.
New York
New York's landscape is a bit complex. NYSERDA (the state energy authority) runs programs, and individual utilities have their own:
- Con Edison offers EV charging rates and periodic installation rebates
- PSEG Long Island runs rebate programs in the $200–$500 range
- National Grid (upstate) has EV-specific programs
The best approach in New York is to check both NYSERDA and your specific utility. Programs overlap, and you can sometimes stack them.
Massachusetts
MassSave, the statewide energy efficiency program, offers charger installation rebates with income-based tiers. Lower-income households get significantly higher incentive amounts. Check the current MassSave offerings — they update frequently.
Illinois
ComEd (serving the Chicago metro and northern Illinois) offers $250–$500 for residential Level 2 installations, with higher amounts for income-qualified customers and customers who enroll in managed charging programs.
How to Stack Rebates for Maximum Savings
The best savings come from stacking: federal + state/utility = significant reduction.
Here's the strategy:
Start with the federal 30C. This is a tax credit, so you don't need to apply — just claim it when you file. Keep your receipts.
Check your utility first. Utility rebates are typically the most accessible and generous. Go to your utility's website and search for "EV" or "electric vehicle" programs.
Check state programs. Search your state's energy office website, or use the DSIRE database (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency) at dsireusa.org.
Read the fine print on timing. Some programs require you to apply and get approval before installation. Others accept applications after the work is done. Getting this wrong can cost you the rebate entirely.
Keep everything. Receipts, invoices, permit documentation, photos of the installation, the charger's model number and serial number. Rebate applications require proof.
Ask your installer. Experienced EV charger installers know the local rebate landscape and can guide you. Some even handle the rebate paperwork as part of their service.
States Without Major Programs
To set expectations: many states don't currently offer significant EV charger installation rebates. This includes most of the Southeast (Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Georgia outside of specific utility programs), much of the Mountain West (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho), and some Plains states.
If you're in one of these states, the federal 30C credit is still available. It's not as dramatic as a $1,500 California utility rebate, but 30% off your installation is nothing to sneeze at.
And utility programs are expanding every year. Your utility may launch an EV program tomorrow. It's worth checking annually.
A Word on Income-Qualified Programs
Several states and utilities offer enhanced rebates for lower-income households. California's CPUC programs, Oregon's PGE program, and Illinois' ComEd program all have income-qualified tiers that can double or triple the standard rebate amount.
If your household income is below your area's median, ask specifically about income-qualified programs. These are often the most generous incentives available and are frequently underutilized because people don't know they exist.
Don't Leave Money on the Table
The average EV charger installation costs $1,200–$2,000. With smart use of available rebates, that can drop to $500–$1,000 — or even less in states like California.
The ten minutes it takes to research available programs is probably the highest-paying "work" you'll do all year.
Ready to get started? Find qualified installers in your area through our directory — many can help you navigate the rebate process alongside the installation.
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Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Abdullah Orani
Abdullah has spent years researching residential EV infrastructure — tracking installer certification programs, utility rebates, and local permitting requirements across all 50 states. He oversees all editorial content on ChargeInstaller, including cost guides, rebate data, and installer verification criteria.
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