The Federal Tax Credit: A Great Starting Point
First, let’s talk about the federal tax credit.
Known as the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit, it’s a program that covers up to 30% of the cost of commercial EV chargers and their installation, capped at $100,000 per charger. Your business’ refueling property must be placed in service in an eligible low-income community census tract or non-urban census tract – and the good news is that around two-thirds of Americans are in eligible census tracts. You can learn more here.
This can significantly reduce upfront costs for commercial installations, making it easier for businesses to join the EV revolution.
But the savings don’t stop there. While the federal credit is a fantastic baseline, your state and local utility may have even more to offer.
State-Level Incentives: Tailored to Your Location
Across the US, states support EV adoption through tax credits, grants, and rebates for EV chargers. The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) says that “as of July 2021, at least 47 states and the District of Columbia offer incentives to support the deployment of EVs or alternative fuel vehicles and supporting infrastructure, either through state legislation or private utility incentives within the state.”
However, the availability of these incentives, terms, and amounts vary depending on where the commercial EV chargers will be installed. For example:
- Connecticut is launching AmpUp Adapt in 2025 with support from a state grant. It’s a pilot project in partnership with AmpUp for up to $25,000 in funding for Level 2 EV chargers for commercial, multi-family, or public properties in Connecticut within the Eversource service territory.
- California provides robust funding options through programs like CALeVIP, which are aimed at expanding EV infrastructure throughout the state. A new program will launch in 2025.
- New York supports businesses through the NYSERDA Charge Ready NY program, which offers up to $4,000 rebates per Level 2 charging port for commercial installations.
To explore what’s available in your state, the US Department of Energy offers a searchable database of incentives. It’s an excellent resource for finding state-specific opportunities that fit your business needs. You can check that out here.
Utility Rebates: A Hidden Gem
In addition to state-level programs, utilities often offer rebates or incentives for installing EV chargers. These programs are designed to encourage businesses to help build a more robust charging network while balancing grid demand. For example:
- AmpUp is partnered with Eversource in Connecticut to streamline access to the utility’s Level 2 EV charger rebate program. Businesses can receive up to $25,000 per site for installation costs, significantly reducing the financial barrier to entry. Learn more here.
Utility programs can sometimes be less well-known, but they’re worth exploring. They often provide generous support that can make a big difference in your bottom line.
How AmpUp Can Help You Navigate Incentives
With experience working on state-level programs and utility-level rebates, AmpUp has helped businesses nationwide unlock significant savings.
Our team works closely with you to identify all the incentives you qualify for, ensuring your EV charging project is as cost-effective as possible. Whether you’re a small business or managing a large commercial property, AmpUp’s expertise and software simplify the installation process from start to finish.
Why Now Is the Time to Act
Financial support is available to help you install commercial EV chargers. But these programs won’t last forever, and some funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’ve considered making this move, now’s the time to take advantage of these incentives before they disappear.
The transition to electric is here. Let’s make it work for you—affordably, efficiently, and seamlessly. We’ll make sure you don’t leave any money on the table.
