Charging Forward

Powering Up: States That Help Cover the Costs of EV Charger Upgrades

So, you’re ready to bring the EV lifestyle home. Congrats! But before you can juice up your new ride in the comfort of your own garage, there’s one hurdle: the cost of upgrading your home’s electrical system to support a Level 2 charger. The good news? Several states and utilities are making it easier to get plugged in—literally. Here’s the lowdown on the states offering incentives to offset the cost of electrical upgrades and EV charger installations.

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California: Leading the Charge

California is often the EV trendsetter, and its incentives don’t disappoint:

• CALeVIP: Rebates for Level 2 chargers, which can help cover some of those pesky electrical upgrades.
• Utility Programs: Southern California Edison (SCE) and PG&E both offer rebates for residential charger installations, with amounts up to $1,500.

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New York: Charging Ahead

The Empire State has programs to make at-home charging a breeze:

• Charge Ready NY Program: Up to $4,000 in rebates for Level 2 chargers.
• Con Edison: Special incentives for customers installing home chargers.

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Massachusetts: Energizing Homes

• MOR-EV Program: This rebate program covers EV chargers as part of the state’s commitment to electrification.
• Utility Rebates: Companies like Eversource and National Grid are stepping up with rebates for electrical upgrades and charger installations.

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Colorado: High-Elevation EV Support

• EV Charger Grant Program: Grants available for residential EV charger installations.
• Xcel Energy: Up to $500 in rebates for home Level 2 chargers.

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Oregon: Go Green with Help

• Charge Ahead Rebate Program: Targeted at low- and moderate-income households, offering rebates for EV chargers.
• Portland General Electric: Up to $500 in rebates for installing a home charger.

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Maryland: Rebate Gold

• EVSE Rebate Program: Covers 40% of installation costs, up to $700, making it one of the more generous programs out there.

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New Jersey: Supercharged Savings

• Charge Up New Jersey: Offers incentives for purchasing and installing EV chargers, so you can power up without breaking the bank.

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Texas: Big State, Big Savings

• Austin Energy: Rebates up to $1,200 to cover installation and electrical work.
• Oncor Electric: Incentives available for customers in certain service areas.

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Washington: Northwest Plug-In Power

• Puget Sound Energy: Rebates to help make your home EV-ready, perfect for rainy-day charging.

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Other States Worth a Look

• Minnesota: Xcel Energy helps make upgrades affordable.
• Florida: Duke Energy offers rebates for chargers and upgrades.
• Illinois and Pennsylvania: Local utilities and programs are stepping in to help.

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Federal Help: A Bonus Boost

Don’t forget about Uncle Sam! The federal government offers a tax credit of up to $1,000 for EV charger installations, including any electrical upgrades needed to get the job done.

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How to Maximize These Incentives

1. Check Local Programs: Visit your state’s energy department or utility website to learn about available rebates and eligibility.
2. Ask Your Utility Provider: Utility companies often offer hidden gems like special rates, rebates, or installation assistance.
3. Hire an Electrician Who Knows EVs: They’ll guide you on what upgrades are needed and may even know of local incentives.
4. Act Fast: Some programs have limited funds or are first-come, first-served.

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The Bottom Line

With so many incentives available, upgrading your home for EV charging doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Whether you’re in California, Colorado, or somewhere in between, there’s likely a program that can help you make the leap to convenient, at-home charging. After all, isn’t it time to leave range anxiety—and public charging headaches—in the rearview mirror?

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