The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released long-awaited guidance on Thursday regarding expanded tax credits for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The new guidance aims to increase access to credits for EV chargers across the country.
Background
As part of the Inflation Reduction Act signed into law last year, Congress expanded tax credits available for EV charging stations. Previously, the credits only applied to chargers in homes and businesses. Now, under the updated guidance, the credits also apply to EV chargers in multi-unit dwellings, public parking facilities, and along public roads and highways.
Additionally, more types of chargers now qualify for the 30% tax credit. Both Level 2 chargers, which can provide around 25 miles of range per hour of charging, and faster DC fast chargers are eligible. The new guidance also allows for unused credits to be carried forward for future tax years.
Key Details in Updated Guidance
The recently released guidelines from Treasury and the IRS provide specifics on exactly which EV chargers installed in 2023 qualify for the tax credits.
Some key details include:
- Chargers must be new and must provide recharging to vehicles powered by electricity. Chargers for hybrid vehicles do not qualify.
- Installation costs, including labor, wiring, and related infrastructure can be included in claiming the credit.
- The credit applies to costs paid or incurred after December 31, 2022.
- Businesses and individuals can receive up to $100,000 in credits per tax year, covering multiple chargers if applicable.
| Type of Charger | Max Credit Per Charger |
|---|---|
| Level 2 Charger (240V) | $2,000 |
| DC Fast Charger (400V+) | $200,000 |
The guidance specifies that the credits apply to EV chargers installed in a wide variety of public locations, including:
- Retail parking facilities
- Public parks and recreation areas
- Public rest stops
- Park and ride facilities
- CommercialPorts
- School and university parking areas
- Airport parking and transportation facilities
Reactions from Leaders and Industry
The release of the updated Treasury guidance on EV charger tax credits received praise from Congressional leaders, including Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO).
In a joint statement, Padilla and Cortez Masto called the guidance “a major step toward making electric vehicle charging more accessible and equitable for Americans across the country.”
The electric vehicle industry also reacted positively. ChargePoint, which operates one of the world’s largest EV charging networks, said on Twitter that the guidance will “help accelerate the transition to electric mobility.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk also weighed in, tweeting that the credits will “hopefully encourage people to install Tesla home chargers!”
Expected Impact
Industry experts project that the updated Treasury guidance will significantly expand installation of EV charging infrastructure across the United States. More convenient charging options are seen as key to increased consumer adoption of electric vehicles.
Under the new guidance, businesses are likely to install chargers in retail locations and office parking garages. Municipalities can also now tap into the credits to build out public charging infrastructure. Overall, the tax credits are expected to help improve EV charging access for millions of Americans in the coming years.
What’s Next
States may also consider new incentives and programs to complement the expanded federal tax credits for EV chargers. For example, California is currently proposing a $1.4 billion initiative to accelerate charger installation over the next 3 years.
The Treasury Department and IRS may continue updating guidance as the EV market and charging technology continues advancing rapidly. Any further changes would likely aim to streamline credits and ensure equitable access to convenient charging options across communities.
As more drivers adopt EVs, convenient charging infrastructure will only grow in importance. The recently updated federal tax credit guidance marks an important milestone in continuing that growth by defraying costs for individuals and businesses investing in our electric transportation future.
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