EV Charging Incentives: What Businesses Need to Know in 2025
EV charging infrastructure is not optional for forward-thinking businesses. It’s becoming one of the most important ways to attract customers, generate revenue, strengthen your brand, and reduce operating costs. The real question isn’t why invest, but how to do it in the smartest, most cost-effective way.
In our recent post, Emerging Business Opportunities in EV Charging Infrastructure, we looked at why the industry is at a tipping point and how early movers stand to benefit. This article takes the next step: understanding how federal, state, local, and utility incentives can reduce upfront costs and speed up your return on investment. Used together, these programs can unlock meaningful financial advantages and help build an electrification plan that fuels long-term growth.
Federal EV Charging Incentives: A Window of Opportunity
At the national level, two programs stand out:
• NEVI Program – Billions in funding distributed through state-led EV charging infrastructure incentives
• 30C Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit – Up to 30% off eligible equipment and installation costs
These incentives won’t be around forever. The 30C tax credit is scheduled to expire soon, and NEVI funds are competitive and time-bound. Businesses that move now can lock in meaningful savings, while those that wait may find the best opportunities already gone.
State and Local Charging Incentives: Multiplying the Impact
Federal support is just the starting point. Many states, including California, New York, and Michigan, have built robust programs offering EV charging rebates, grants, and tax credits to accelerate infrastructure deployment.
At the local level, incentives can include:
• Extra hardware/install rebates or tax breaks
• Streamlined permitting
• Targeted grants
When layered with federal support, these programs can significantly reduce project costs. Think of them as financial multipliers that reward businesses willing to move quickly.
Utility Charging Programs: Tackling Make-Ready Costs
One of the biggest pain points in charging projects is make-ready work, the “behind-the-meter” upgrades that often carry the highest price tag. Many utilities now provide:
• Rebates for electrical upgrades
• Incentives for EV charger installation
• Full coverage of certain site make-ready costs
For businesses, tapping into utility EV charging programs can mean the difference between a project that feels out of reach and one that makes immediate financial sense.
The Power of Stacking Incentives
Each of these programs are valuable, but the real magic happens when you combine multiple EV charging incentives:
• Federal and state incentives chip away at equipment and installation costs
• Utility programs offset infrastructure upgrades
• In some cases, fleet electric vehicle incentives add even more savings
The businesses that figure out how to align and combine these programs effectively are the ones best positioned to lead in, and benefit from electrification.
Why Timing Matters
Incentives are powerful, but they’re also finite:
• Federal tax credits are scheduled to sunset
• Utility budgets reset each year
• State programs are often first-come, first-served
Waiting too long can mean missing out while competitors secure lower costs and faster timelines. Acting now not only locks in financial support, it also positions your business to attract customers, support fleets, and build resilience for the future.
Next Steps
At StrategEV, we help businesses cut through complexity, maximize EV charging incentives, and create electrification strategies built for long-term success.
If you’re considering EV charging infrastructure for your business or community, StrategEV can help you navigate the complexity and build a smart plan forward.
This article is part of our Transportation Electrification Series. Be sure to check out Why Now Is the Time to Invest in Transportation Electrification for a look at the market drivers behind this moment, and stay tuned for upcoming posts focused on incentives for local governments and non-profits.