Grants for Electric Vehicles & EV Charging Infrastructure 2026
Electric vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure are key priorities for federal and state governments. Substantial grants and funding are available for consumers purchasing EVs, businesses installing charging stations, municipalities building infrastructure, and organizations supporting clean transportation initiatives.
This guide covers federal EV incentives, state rebate programs, charging infrastructure grants, fleet electrification funding, and programs supporting electric vehicle adoption across all sectors.
Types of Electric Vehicle & Charging Grants
EV Purchase Incentives & Tax Credits
Federal tax credits and state rebates reduce the upfront cost of purchasing electric vehicles for individuals and businesses.
- Federal EV Tax Credit: Up to $7,500 for eligible new EVs and $4,000 for used EVs
- State EV Rebates: California, New York, Colorado, and other states offer additional $2,000-$5,000 rebates
- Employer EV Programs: Some employers offer EV purchase assistance or subsidies
- Non-profit EV Programs: Community organizations provide EV purchase support for low-income buyers
EV Charging Station Installation Grants
Federal and state grants fund installation of Level 2 chargers, DC fast charging stations, and workplace charging infrastructure.
- NEVI Formula Program: $5B federal program for interstate DC fast charger networks
- Community Charging Program: Funding for public charging in underserved areas
- Workplace Charging Grants: Employer incentives to install charging at offices
- Multifamily Charging: Programs helping apartment complexes and condos install chargers
Fleet Electrification Funding
Federal and state programs fund vehicle replacements and electrification for commercial fleets, transit agencies, and government vehicles.
- Class 2-7 Vehicle Rebates: Up to $40,000 for commercial/medium-duty EV purchases
- Transit Bus Electrification: FTA funding for electric bus fleet conversions
- School Bus Grants: EPA funding for electric school bus purchases
- Government Fleet Programs: GSA and agency funding for federal vehicle electrification
Municipal & Community EV Infrastructure Grants
Grants help cities and regions build comprehensive EV charging networks and support community electrification goals.
- Regional Planning Grants: Funding for EV charging network planning and deployment
- Community Resilience Grants: Support for EV charging integrated with microgrid and resilience projects
- Disadvantaged Community EV: Priority funding for underserved neighborhoods
- Rural EV Infrastructure: Targeted support for charging in rural areas
EV Charging Manufacturer & Builder Incentives
Grants and tax credits for companies manufacturing charging equipment or installing charging infrastructure.
- Advanced Manufacturing Credit: Support for charging equipment manufacturers
- Infrastructure Installation Tax Credits: Credits for companies installing chargers
- Supply Chain Grants: Federal funding for EV and battery supply chain development
Who Qualifies for EV & Charging Grants?
Individual EV Buyers
- U.S. Citizens & Residents: Must have valid tax ID or SSN
- Vehicle Ownership: Buying new or used electric vehicles
- Income Limits: Some programs target low/moderate income buyers (varies by state)
- Vehicle Eligibility: Vehicle must meet EPA EV requirements and price caps
- U.S. Assembly: Federal tax credit requires North American assembly (applies to most EVs)
Businesses & Fleet Operators
- For-Profit Businesses: Companies purchasing commercial and fleet EVs
- Nonprofits: 501(c)(3) organizations operating vehicle fleets
- Delivery & Logistics: Companies electrifying delivery and freight operations
- Transit Agencies: Public transportation authorities and systems
- Government Agencies: Federal, state, and local government vehicle fleet operators
Charging Infrastructure Developers
- Utility Companies: Electric utilities building charging networks
- Private Charging Networks: Companies developing charging station networks
- Real Estate Developers: Builders installing chargers in new construction
- Workplace Operators: Companies installing employee charging stations
- Municipal Governments: Cities deploying public charging infrastructure
Communities & Nonprofits
- Nonprofit Organizations: 501(c)(3) organizations supporting EV adoption
- Community Development Organizations: CDCs building EV infrastructure in underserved areas
- Environmental Organizations: Groups promoting clean transportation
- Educational Institutions: Universities and community colleges supporting EV programs
Major Federal EV & Charging Programs
Federal EV Tax Credit
Amount: Up to $7,500 for new EVs, $4,000 for used EVs
For: Individual consumers purchasing electric vehicles
Requirements: Vehicle assembly, price caps, income limits vary
Contact: IRS.gov - EV Tax Credits
National EV Infrastructure (NEVI) Program
Funding: $5 billion federal program
For: Interstate DC fast charging networks
Coverage: Major highways, rural corridors
Contact: FHWA Alternative Fuels Corridors Program
Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grants
Funding: $2.5 billion from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
For: Public and private charging station installation
Focus: Underserved communities, rural areas, disadvantaged neighborhoods
Contact: USDOT Grants.gov
Clean School Bus Program
Funding: $5 billion federal program
For: School districts purchasing electric school buses
Coverage: Up to $375,000 per bus
Contact: EPA Clean School Bus Program
Commercial Vehicle Rebate Program
Funding: Up to $40,000 per Class 2-7 vehicle
For: Commercial and medium-duty electric vehicles
Eligibility: Businesses, nonprofits, government agencies
Contact: EPA Heavy-Duty EV Program
Transit Bus Electrification
Funding: FTA grants for electric transit buses
For: Public transportation agencies
Coverage: Vehicle purchase and charging infrastructure
Contact: FTA Office of Safety and Oversight
Community Charging Initiative
Funding: DOE-led national charging expansion
For: Public charging stations in communities
Focus: Equitable access for all communities
Contact: FuelCells.org / DOE EV Programs
Workforce Training for EV Technicians
Funding: DOL grants for EV mechanic training
For: Community colleges and training centers
Coverage: EV repair and maintenance training programs
Contact: Department of Labor Employment Training
How to Get EV Purchase Incentives & Charging Grants
- Check Vehicle Eligibility: Verify that your desired EV qualifies for federal and state incentives
- Verify Your Eligibility: Check income limits and residency requirements (varies by program)
- Purchase Your Vehicle: Buy from an authorized dealer who participates in incentive programs
- Claim Tax Credit: File IRS Form 8936 with your tax return (or claim at point-of-sale if available)
- Apply for State Rebates: Submit applications to state EV rebate programs separately
- For Charging Station Grants: Contact your city/region about installation grants or visit Grants.gov
State EV Incentive Programs
Leading EV Incentive States:
- California: $2,000-$5,000 EV rebates, extensive charging infrastructure funding
- New York: $2,000 EV rebates, $40M EV charging program
- Colorado: $5,000 EV rebates for qualifying buyers
- Massachusetts: $2,500 EV rebates, MOR-EV program
- Vermont: EV incentives through NEVP program
- Washington: EV charging station incentives and rebates
- Connecticut: EV rebates and charging installation grants
- Illinois: EV charging infrastructure grants
Note: State programs vary and change frequently. Check your state's environmental or energy agency for current incentives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the federal EV tax credit?
The federal EV tax credit is up to $7,500 for new electric vehicles and up to $4,000 for used EVs (3+ years old). The amount depends on vehicle assembly location, price caps, and buyer income limits. Some vehicles may qualify for a reduced credit. Check IRS.gov for specific vehicle eligibility.
Can I combine federal and state EV rebates?
Yes! In most cases, you can claim both the federal EV tax credit and state rebates. They are separate programs. The federal credit is claimed on your tax return, while state rebates are usually claimed directly through state programs or at point-of-sale. Total incentives can reach $10,000-$15,000 depending on your state.
What EV charging infrastructure grants are available?
Several programs fund charging stations: NEVI ($5B for interstate DC fast chargers), Community Charging Initiative ($2.5B), local grant programs, and utility rebates. Businesses can also access rebates for installing workplace charging. Contact your city and state transportation department for available programs.
Are commercial vehicles eligible for EV incentives?
Yes. Businesses can claim up to $40,000 per Class 2-7 medium-duty electric vehicle purchase. Transit agencies receive substantial FTA funding for electric buses. Many state and local programs also support commercial fleet electrification.
Can nonprofits and government agencies get EV grants?
Yes. Nonprofits and government agencies are eligible for many EV purchase incentives and fleet electrification grants. Nonprofits can claim tax credits, and government agencies can access dedicated fleet modernization funding. Transit agencies have access to substantial FTA grants.
What is the NEVI program?
The National EV Infrastructure (NEVI) Program is a $5 billion federal initiative funding DC fast charging stations along interstate highways and key corridors. States receive formula funding to develop charging networks. Private charging companies can compete for NEVI grants.
How do I find local EV charging grants?
Contact your city's transportation or sustainability department for local charging programs. Search Grants.gov for federal EV charging grants. Many utilities also offer rebates for charging installation. The PlugShare app and AFDC website have databases of incentive programs.
Related Grant Opportunities
Available EV & Charging Infrastructure Grants
Solicitation for the Electric Bicycle Incentives Project
Agency: Air Resources Board
Eligibility: The California Air Resources Board (CARB or the Board) is soliciting a Grantee to implement and administer the Electric Bicycle Incentives Project (EBIP) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-22 with an option to renew for a new Grant Agreement for each of the following two years for FY 2022-23 and FY 2023-24. On November 19, 2021, the Board approved the $10 million allocation to EBIP for FY 2021-22. EBIP is intended to encourage adoption for low-income individuals of electric bicycles as a replacement for motor vehicle trips. Consistent with the goals of SB 375, EBIP would increase access to clean transportation options while offsetting vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by way of incentivizing electric bicycles (e-bikes). A portion of project funds would support the development and administration of a...
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