Despite a wide array of choices among public chargers, over 51% of EV owners still choose to charge at home. Most drivers want the choice to be able to charge at home, even if they often charge at work or other places. But don’t purchase a charger before checking for deals that could save you a bundle. There are discounts, rebates, tax credits, and deals available on chargers from state and local governments as well as merchants. Each state is different, and the federal government offers its own incentives. Merchants also offer their own discounts, especially around the holidays. Looking around for deals can save consumers hundreds or even thousands on a new charger. Level 1 chargers come with the purchase of an EV, as do cords and equipment needed to charge. These chargers charge slowly overnight, around 4-5 miles in an hour, and require only a 120v outlet. Many drivers need faster charging, however. Some potential new EV drivers choose not to purchase an electric vehicle out of fear that installing a faster charger is a big additional purchase. On the contrary, some Level Two chargers are economical and available, Blink offers the most reasonably priced and efficient HQ 100 for purchase on Amazon. Many of these chargers are reasonable in price and designed for a single driver or family. The Blink Charging HQ 100 is eligible for a variety of incentives and rebates available for single-family residences interested in installing a home EV charging station. Current U.S. federal tax credits provide individuals 30% off single-family residential electric vehicle charging station installation costs, up to $1,000. And when you purchase the HQ 100 on Amazon, Blink will include a free Blink public charging credit with your purchase, making sure you’re charged at home and while on the go! Click here to learn more about current residential EV charging incentives. Level Two chargers charge a car at a rate of about 25 miles per hour. They also require a 208-240v plug and homes generally come with only a few 208-240v plugs for large appliances. Those who want Level Two EVSE for their own homes may require an electrician’s help. All Blink chargers are UL certified and can be installed outside and used in the rain.
Rebates and Savings
The Residential EV Charging Incentive Pilot Program, offered by South Coast Air Quality Management, offers a $250 rebate on Level Two chargers, and up to a $500 rebate for low-income clients. Southern California Edison is offering a program for residential customers to receive a rebate of up to $1,500 toward their costs for the electrical upgrades and permitting fees necessary to install a Level Two charger. PACE Financing enables homeowners to borrow money to make environmental improvements on their property and offers property assessment loans to pay for EVSE over time for a fixed term. The loans are tied to the property. In New York, the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Charging Rebates has $5 million available for EVSE rebate, at both public and private locations. Consumers may expect to find help purchasing EVSE in California and New York, but nearly every state has a rebate of some kind. Alabama offers the EVSE Grant Program, while Colorado features the Plug-In Electric Vehicle and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Grants, through Charge Ahead Colorado, “which offers rebates for... individual drivers.” The Delaware Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Rebate offers rebates for “new EVSE purchased for use at commercial and residential locations.” Georgia’s EVSE program offers a $250 rebate for residential customers on the purchase of a Level Two charger before December 2020. Rebates, deals, and tax credits abound to help customers get the EVSE that’s right for them, installed in their own garage or on their own property, to make charging easier than ever. And they are available in nearly every state. Go to Energy.gov to find out what may be available for your state, and don’t forget to check with your electricity provider and the manufacturer for additional discounts.