EV Incentives & Tax Credits
Updated 2026Federal Incentives
Charging Infrastructure Credits
30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit
The federal charger-installation credit is defensible only for qualifying equipment bought and placed in service from January 1, 2023, through June 30, 2026. It can cover 30% of eligible costs, up to $1,000 per item for individuals and up to $100,000 per item for businesses.
Key checks before claiming:
- • The charger was bought and placed in service by June 30, 2026
- • The property is in an eligible census tract under the IRS/DOE rules
- • Original use began with the taxpayer claiming the credit
- • The equipment is eligible EV charging, bidirectional charging, or other qualifying refueling property
State-Level Incentives
With federal purchase credits gone for new acquisitions, state, local, and utility programs are the incentives to verify before you buy, lease, install a charger, or pick an electricity plan. Do not rely on old state lists — programs open, pause, run out of funds, or change eligibility rules.
Purchase or lease rebates
Check whether funding is currently open, waitlisted, or limited by income, vehicle price, or residency.
Charger installation help
Utilities, air districts, and local agencies may cover part of home, workplace, fleet, or public charging costs.
Access and toll programs
HOV, toll, parking, and registration benefits vary by jurisdiction and may expire with federal or state authorization.
Utility rate discounts
Time-of-use and EV-specific rates can lower charging costs when they match your charging schedule.
For current programs, start with the AFDC State Laws and Incentives database, then confirm details with the state agency or utility before making a purchase decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What federal EV purchase incentives are available in 2026?
For vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025, the federal Clean Vehicle Credit, Used Clean Vehicle Credit, and Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit are no longer available. If you bought or entered a binding contract by that deadline, review the IRS transition rules for your tax year.
Is the federal EV charger installation credit still available in 2026?
The 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit can apply to qualifying charging property bought and placed in service from January 1, 2023, through June 30, 2026. After that cutoff, do not assume a new installation qualifies unless Congress changes the law.
What EV incentives are still worth checking in 2026?
State, local, and utility programs are the main incentives to check in 2026. Availability varies by state, funding cycle, income rules, utility territory, and whether the incentive covers a vehicle purchase, charger installation, off-peak charging rate, toll discount, or access benefit.
Data source: U.S. Department of Energy — AFDC Laws and Incentives. Tax information is for general guidance only — consult a tax professional for your specific situation.