Skip to Main Content

Funding

Find EV charging grants & incentivesExplore programs

Electric Vehicle Incentives in 2026: What Is Still Available

Posted 09/03/2026

The $7,500 federal tax credit for EV purchases expired in 2025, but several electric vehicle incentives remain. In 2026, drivers can lower the cost of ownership via state rebates, utility programs, new EV loan interest deductions, and a federal credit for qualifying home chargers. 

Electric vehicle incentives can also be combined in some cases, creating multiple opportunities to save before and after purchasing an EV.

What Happened to the Federal EV Tax Credit?

Both the $7,500 federal Clean Vehicle Credit and the $4,000 used EV credit expired September 30, 2025, following changes to federal tax legislation.

The government incentives on electric cars were originally expanded under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to encourage more people to purchase electric vehicles. If eligible, buyers could claim a tax credit for purchasing a new or used electric vehicle that met manufacturing, battery sourcing, and income requirements.

These credits ended after Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which eliminated federal purchase incentives for vehicles purchased after the September 2025 deadline.

Drivers who purchased EVs before the cutoff may still be able to claim credits if they meet all requirements. 

Even though federal purchase credits ended, other incentives remain available via state agencies, utility providers, and local programs. These can help offset both purchase and home charging costs.

EV Incentives Still Available in 2026

State, utility, and loan-based programs now fill the gap left by federal purchase credits. EV buyers can still access incentives for electric cars, including state rebates, utility programs, a new loan interest deduction, and a home charger tax credit. Some of these can be stacked, allowing for both upfront and long-term ownership costs. State programs remain one of the largest sources of incentives for EVs in 2026.

Because these programs operate independently, it may take more work to find one and sign up for one. Taking time to do this, however, is the key to maximizing savings.

State EV Rebates and Tax Credits

More than 30 states currently offer EV purchase rebates or tax credits in 2026, with amounts ranging from $750 to $7,500 depending on the program and eligibility.

These electric car incentives may reduce the purchase price of a qualifying EV or provide savings through a state tax return. Some offer point-of-sale rebates that lower costs immediately, while others provide benefits after purchase. Income limits, vehicle price caps, and residency requirements often apply.

Some of the types of programs available across the country include:

StateProgramPotential Incentive
ColoradoLight-duty EV or FCEV Tax Credit$750
New JerseyCharge Up NJ RebateUp to $4,000 in rebates
New YorkDrive Clean RebateUp to $2,000 of purchase or lease price
MassachusettsMor-EV RebatesUp to $6,000 on purchase or lease price
OregonClean Vehicle RebateVaries

Not every state offers EV purchase incentives, and some have no active programs. Others focus on charging infrastructure incentives rather than vehicle purchase.

Funding levels and eligibility requirements can change quickly, so drivers should verify currently available incentives via their state energy office or the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) before making a purchase.

The New EV Loan Interest Deduction

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act created a new annual deduction for auto loan interest on new, U.S.-assembled vehicles, including qualifying EVs. It provides ongoing savings for financed purchases.

Unlike a one-time rebate, this deduction can provide savings over multiple years for financed vehicles. If eligible, taxpayers can deduct up to $10,000 of qualifying loan interest per year when filing their annual federal tax returns. The deduction is available whether or not you itemize. Income limits apply: the full deduction phases out for single filers earning above $100,000 and joint filers earning above $200,000.

Drivers considering an EV should consult a tax professional or review IRS guidance to ensure eligibility and documentary requirements.

Home EV Charger Tax Credit

The federal home EV charger tax credit (Section 30C) expired June 30, 2026. But home charging installation costs can still be offset through utility company rebates and, in some states, state-level incentives.

Installing a Level 2 home charger still makes financial sense without the federal credit. Charging at home costs less per mile than public charging, and many utilities offer time-of-use rates that lower costs further when you charge overnight. Drivers also avoid the unpredictability of public charging availability.

Check your utility company's website or the AFDC incentive database for current charger rebates in your area. Many programs cover $200–$500 of equipment or installation costs and can be combined with state programs where available.

We offer residential charging solutions for homeowners who want reliable, convenient home charging. Explore Blink's EV chargers and check whether your utility offers a rebate that can offset the cost of installation.

Utility Company EV Rebates

Many electric companies offer rebates for EV purchases or home charger installation, unrelated to state and federal programs. These incentives often receive less attention than state rebates but can still provide significant savings. These will vary based on both providers and service areas.

Some of the common incentives include:

  • EV purchase rebates

  • Home charger rebates

  • Charger installation incentives

  • Reduced off-peak charging rates

  • Time-of-use electricity programs

  • Fleet electrification support

Many utilities encourage customers to charge during periods of lower electricity demand. Time-of-use programs reward drivers who charge overnight or during designated off-peak periods, helping reduce energy costs while supporting grid stability.

Utility rebate details are usually listed directly on the provider's website, with the AFDC incentive database serving as a helpful cross-check for programs in your area.

How to Stack EV Incentives

EV buyers can often combine state, utility, and loan deduction incentives, since each layer operates independently.

Consider a hypothetical buyer in New Jersey:

Incentive TypeExample Benefit
State RebateCharge Up NJ rebate
Utility IncentiveHome charger rebate
Federal DeductionEV loan interest deduction

In practice, a buyer might:

  • Purchase an eligible EV and receive a state rebate

  • Install a qualifying Level 2 home charger

  • Receive a utility rebate for charger installation

  • Deduct qualifying EV loan interest annually

Each program addresses a different aspect of EV ownership, allowing incentives to work together rather than compete with one another.

Because eligibility requirements vary by state, and some programs can expire, buyers should confirm rules before assuming incentives can be combined.

Do EV Incentives Apply to Used Electric Vehicles?

The federal used EV credit expired with the new vehicle credit in September 2025, but some state programs still cover used EV purchases.

Several states recognize used EVs help expand access to electric transportation and offer rebates specifically for pre-owned vehicles. Many programs focus on income-qualified households or lower-cost vehicle purchases.

Eligibility rules vary widely from state to state. Some programs require purchases from licensed dealerships; others impose restrictions on vehicle age, mileage, or purchase price. Drivers interested in used incentives for electric vehicles should review their state's current program requirements before purchasing a vehicle.

How to Find EV Incentives in Your State

The U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) is the most reliable source for current EV incentives across the country. To identify incentives:

  • Search the AFDC incentive database

  • Visit your state's energy office website

  • Check your utility company's rebate programs

  • Review local municipal incentive programs

  • Research available EV car incentives offered in your area

If you own a business or commercial property, charging infrastructure incentives are available through separate programs. Our Commercial Incentives Finder can help organizations identify opportunities available in their area.

Getting the Most Out of EV Incentives in 2026 

Drivers who understand available electric vehicle incentives can still unlock significant savings in 2026, even with the federal purchase credit gone. State rebates, utility incentives, and the new loan interest deduction create multiple opportunities to reduce the cost of EV ownership.

Before purchasing a vehicle, research available programs through state energy offices, local utility providers, and the AFDC database. Taking time to compare current EV incentives can help maximize available savings.

Drivers interested in home charging can explore our residential charging solutions and find equipment that supports convenient and reliable charging at home. Whether purchasing your first EV or upgrading an existing charging setup, combining incentives can help lower costs and make the transition to electric driving more rewarding.

Share this post