The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is committed to boosting electric vehicle (EV) adoption across the state. A key initiative in this effort is the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Rebate Program, designed to ease the financial burden of acquiring and installing EV charging stations. This program plays a crucial role in supporting Maryland’s broader goals of EV deployment and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Understanding the Electric Car Rebate Program
The EVSE Rebate Program offers financial assistance to Maryland residents and businesses for the purchase and installation of qualified electric vehicle supply equipment, commonly known as charging stations. By offsetting the upfront costs associated with EV charging infrastructure, the program aims to make EV ownership more accessible and convenient.
FY25 Program Status and Funding Details
For Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), the EVSE Rebate Program has a total budget of $2.5 million. Initially, $1.5 million was allocated for residential EVSE applications and $1.0 million for commercial EVSE applications.
Important Update as of January 27, 2025: Currently, all FY25 funds for both Residential and Commercial EVSE rebates have been fully allocated. This means that while the program is still open and accepting applications, the initial funding for this fiscal year is exhausted for both categories.
What Happens Next? MEA continues to accept and process applications in the order they are received. While immediate rebates cannot be guaranteed due to the current funding status, submitting an application is still worthwhile. Should additional funding become available for the FY25 program, eligible applications will be processed based on their submission date. For commercial projects, applicants are encouraged to explore the Community Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Grant Program for potential funding opportunities.
Rebate Amounts for FY25
The EVSE Rebate Program offers a significant contribution towards the cost of charging station equipment and installation. The rebate structure is as follows:
| Rebate Category | Percentage of Total Eligible Costs | Maximum Rebate Amount per Charger |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 50% | Up to $700 |
| Commercial | 50% | Up to $5,000 |
It’s important to note that to encourage more permanent EVSE infrastructure, rebates are no longer available for Level 1 EVSE purchased on or after October 1, 2023.
While the FY25 EVSE Rebate Program is open to all multi-unit developments (MUDs), MEA is actively exploring additional incentives specifically for EVSE installations within MUDs located in low-to-moderate-income, overburdened, and/or underserved communities. Further details on these potential enhanced benefits will be released as they become available.
How to Apply for the Electric Car Rebate
The EVSE Rebate Program operates on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are depleted. To apply, interested individuals and businesses should consult the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) document available under the “Program Documents” section on the official MEA program webpage.
Key Application Guidelines:
- Applicants must use the most current versions of the FY25 EVSE Rebate Program Residential or Commercial Application Forms, dated August 15, 2024 or later. Applications submitted using outdated forms after October 1, 2024 will be rejected.
- Thoroughly review the FOA document before submitting an application. It contains critical information regarding project eligibility, application procedures, and program terms and conditions.
For any questions regarding the EVSE Rebate Program, application submissions, or application status, please contact the MEA through the dedicated EVSE email inbox at [email protected].
Important Note: Maryland’s Excise Tax Credit vs. EVSE Rebate
It is crucial to distinguish between the EVSE Rebate Program administered by MEA and Maryland’s Excise Tax Credit for Plug-In Electric Vehicles. The tax credit program is managed by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and pertains to vehicle excise taxes, not charging equipment. For information on the MVA’s EV tax credit program, please visit the MVA webpage. Direct any inquiries about the tax credit to the MVA through their Contact MVA portal.
Stay informed about program updates and other MEA initiatives by following MEA on social media: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn.
