August 13, 2024
Guide To Georgia EV Tax Credits, Rebates & Charging Incentives
12 Min. Read
With Georgia’s rapidly expanding public charging network and attractive electric vehicle (EV) incentives for local utilities, going electric has never been easier in the Peach State.
As a leader for EV adoption in the Southeast, Georgia is paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future on the road.
In this article, we’ll explore the EV tax credits, rebates, and EV charging incentives that are helping to make Georgia one of the top states for electrification in the South.
Georgia Electric Vehicle Tax Credit, Rebates and Incentives
While there are currently no state-level EV tax credits or rebates, Georgia residents benefit from a strong private sector driving the rise of electrification with key programs to help alleviate the cost of going electric.
Additionally, with savings from local utilities and various state-offered incentives—such as savings when you buy an EV charger—along with perks for driving electric available from the state, there are plenty of reasons to buy an EV in Georgia.
HOV and HOT Lane Exemptions
As an EV owner, you can save time and money by using high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on highways regardless of the number of passengers in your vehicle. Plus, with a PeachPass, you can access high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes at no additional cost.
Utility Rebates for Electric Cars in Georgia
Three utilities in Georgia offer EV incentives in the form of bill credits, making it easier for you save on your electric vehicle purchase.
The Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative offers a Drive Free for a Year program. You can qualify for this program by purchasing a new battery electric vehicle (BEV), and earn a $30 monthly energy credit during your first year of EV ownership, totaling $360 in energy savings for the year.
The Snapping Shoals EMC offers a similar EV incentive. This program applies to new purchases and leases and offers a $30 monthly credit, intended to cover the cost of charging your EV during your first year of ownership.
Tri-County EMC residential customers can also benefit from similar incentives by qualifying for the EV365 program, which provides a $30 monthly bill credit during the first year of EV ownership.
Georgia EV Charger Rebates
Twelve utilities in Georgia offer rebates on EV chargers, helping to reduce EV charger installation costs by offsetting equipment and labor costs to help you recoup your investment in driving electric even faster.
Georgia Utility Rebates for Level 2 EV Chargers & Installation
With 2.5 million customers, Georgia Power Company (GPC) is the largest energy provider in the state. If you’re among its residential customers, you can earn up to $150 toward a Level 2 charger, either by purchasing a charger directly from the GPC website or submitting proof of purchase. Additionally, while GPC offers an EV charging rate, enrollment is not required to benefit from this Georgia EV rebate.
The Carroll EMC offers a $250 rebate to help reduce the Level 2 EV charger installation cost. Note that you’ll have to enroll in the utility’s Drive Free for a Year program to qualify, saving you a total of $610.
If you’re a Cobb EMC customer, you can qualify for a $250 rebate on a new Level 2 EV charger if you choose an Energy Star-certified model with connected features. If you claim this rebate, you’ll be automatically enrolled in the utility’s EV charging program.
With the Coweta-Fayetteville EMC, you can earn $100 toward a Level 2 EV charger for at-home charging.
For those planning new residential construction projects, Diverse Power offers a $50 rebate per NIMA 14-30 or 14-50 outlet to help you build an EV-ready home.
The GreyStone Power Corporation is supporting electrification with a program that offers a $250 Georgia EV charger rebate for installing a Level 2 charger for at-home EV charging.
Jackson EMC has a similar program, providing a $250 rebate toward a residential Level 2 EV charger when you complete the utility’s application form.
For Sawnee EMC residential customers, there is a $200 rebate for Level 2 chargers. You’ll have to sign up for the utility’s plug-in vehicle rate for at least a year to qualify for this rebate.
Snapping Shoals EMC is another Georgia utility offering a $250 rebate on Level 2 EV chargers.
As a Sumter EMC customer, you can qualify for a $250 Level 2 charger rebate to save on the upfront cost of charging your EV at home.
Tri-County EMC offers a rebate program where you can save $250 on a Level 2 EV charger.
The city of LaGrange is currently the only MEAG public power community that offers a Georgia EV incentive. This program offers a $250 rebate toward a Level 2 charger for residential use.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Tax Credit for Businesses
Commercial entities can claim a tax credit of up to $2,500 (as much as 10%) to cover a portion of the cost of EV charger installation. This credit applies to Level 2 and DC Fast charging stations.
Non-Residential Utility Rebate Programs for EV Charging Stations
Business owners can take advantage of three Georgia EV incentives to save on their EV charging project.
The first is offered through the Georgia Power Company, the state’s largest utility provider. This program uses a tiered structure to determine the amount of these Georgia EV rebates. If your business installs five or fewer Level 2 chargers, you can qualify for up to $2,000 for the entire project, with a limit of $50 per kWh.
For commercial EV charging installation projects with six or more Level 2 chargers, there is a Georgia Power EV charger rebate of $250 per kWh, with a limit of $20,000 per project and $40,000 per year. Additionally, if you are installing one or more DC Fast chargers, your business can qualify for $100 per kWh in rebates, up to $20,000 for the entire project and $40,000 in a year.
The Cobb EMC offers another non-residential EV charger rebate program. Depending on project size and available funds, businesses can apply for grants ranging from $500 to $5,000. Note that your charging project must be publicly available to qualify for this rebate program.
Additionally, if you are a commercial customer of the Sumter EMC, you can qualify for a $500 rebate per charger, valid for Level 2 and DC Fast charging.
EV Charging Rates in Georgia
Nine Georgia utilities offer time-of-use programs, which means you’ll pay a lower rate for shifting your energy consumption to off-peak hours, which can help you save even more on EV charging costs by plugging in at night or when electric demand is low.
The Georgia Power Company offers two options for residential customers. You can join the utility’s time-of-use plan and pay $0.137 per kWh during on-peak hours from 2 to 7 PM during weekdays or an off-peak rate of $0.0146 per kWh when demand is higher. Keep in mind that charging during high demand can lead to additional fees and you’ll pay a demand charge of up to $11.70 per kWh, which makes staggering your electricity usage important.
The Overnight Advantage plan is another Georgia Power incentive designed for EV owners. This billing structure waves demand charges in exchange for a slightly higher per-kWh rate. Under this program, you’ll pay $0.286 per kWh during on-peak hours, $0.096 per off-peak kWh, and only $0.021 during super-off-peak hours from 11 PM to 7 AM.
The Georgia Power Company offers several commercial time-of-use plans based on business size. For medium businesses, on-peak electricity will cost $0.237 per kWh, while off-peak usage will cost $0.059 per kWh.
Small businesses can take advantage of an on-peak rate of $0.236 per kWh and an off-peak rate of $0.1118 per kWh that drops to $0.042 per kWh from October through May for consumption over 1,500 kWh, which can unlock additional savings for fleet charging.
The Coastal Electric Cooperative offers a time-of-use program with rates ranging from $0.20 per kWh during on-peak hours to only $0.05 per kWh during super off-peak hours from 10 PM to 6 AM meaning that charging at night could help you save 75% on your vehicle’s fueling needs!
As a Cobb EMC residential customer, you can join the utility’s NiteFlex program and get up to 400 kWh of free energy each month. Once you join the program, the first 400 kWh you use between midnight and 6 AM are free – after that, you’ll have to pay $0.05 per kWh. This program also includes an off-peak rate of $0.075 between 6 AM to 1 PM and 9 PM to midnight.
Commercial customers can sign up for the Cobb EMC pilot program for EV charging and by shifting charging to off-peak hours, your business can reduce the cost of EV charging by around 33%.
Coweta-Fayeteville EMC offers a time-of-use program with a super-off-peak rate as low as $0.065 per kWh. You’ll pay $0.095 per kWh during off-peak hours and $0.30 per kWh if you charge your EV during on-peak hours.
The utility also has a tiered system for commercial electric rates, meaning the more energy you use, the more you can save on your per-kWh rate, which can be advantageous for fleet charging.
If you get your power through Flint Energies, you can sign up for the utility’s EV rate. You’ll pay a basic charge of $35 per month to benefit from a super-off-peak rate of $0.05 per kWh if you charge between midnight and 6 AM. This program also includes a $0.09 per kWh off-peak rate from 6 AM to 2 PM and 8 PM to midnight. Plus, you’ll get a $25 bill credit during your first year, and some EV models are eligible for an additional $8 per month reward if you charge at night.
The GreyStone Power Corporation has a special EV charging rate. During super-off-peak hours from midnight to 7 AM, you’ll only pay $0.04 per kWh, which is 80% cheaper than one-peak charging between 2 to 8 PM in the summer.
The Jackson EMC offers an EV charging rate to its residential customers on a case-by-case basis. If you’re approved, you’ll pay a $30 per month flat service, an on-peak rate of $0.34 per kWh, an off-peak rate of $0.07 per kWh, and a super-of-peak rate of $0.06 per kWh.
Additionally, commercial customers can also qualify for a time-of-use program through the Jackson EMC. The flat monthly charge is $49 for single-phase customers and $77 for three-phase power, and you’ll pay $0.34 per kWh for on-peak energy usage or $0.15 during off-peak hours.
The Sawnee EMC offers multiple time-of-use programs. You can opt for a standard time-of-use program with a $0.0445 per kWh off-peak rate and a $0.335 per kWh on-peak tariff or opt for the utility’s critical peak pricing program with a slightly lower on-peak rate and a critical peak energy rate of $0.95 per kWh.
The utility also offers an EV charging program that requires a second meter to track your charging. With this program, you’ll pay $0.04 per kWh for off-peak charging and $0.28 for charging during on-peak hours.
Public EV Charging Stations in Georgia
Georgia will receive $135 million in NEVI funding from 2021 to 2026, primarily to support the deployment of EV charging stations along Alternative Fuel Corridors and in underserved communities.
Lawmakers are also exploring other potential initiatives, such as regulating billing for commercial EV charging, establishing inspection requirements for commercial charging stations, or adopting an EV tax.
How Many Public EV Charging Stations Are in Georgia?
Georgia is rapidly expanding its EV infrastructure and has nearly 2,000 charging locations at this time, with more installations planned to meet the needs of the more than 30,000 electric vehicle drivers already in the state.
With over 1,300 publicly available EV charging stations and over 3,400 individual outlets, Georgia offers a comprehensive network of charging options. Here’s a breakdown of the state’s EV charging facilities:
- Public charging ports: 5,092
- Public charging stations: 1,938
- Public Level 2 stations: 1,596
- Public DC Fast charging locations: 380
- Tesla Supercharger ports: 731
- Tesla Supercharger locations: 60
How Much Do Public EV Charging Stations Cost in Georgia?
Pricing varies based on the level of charging offered and the entity that operates the EV charging station. Public charging tends to cost more than at-home charging, especially for those who can take advantage of Georgia EV rebates.
For instance, Level 2 charging at the Ark of Salvation in Atlanta will cost you $0.70 per hour. If you decide to use the Level 2 charging station at the Honda dealership on Morrisson Parkway in Alpharetta, you’ll have to pay $0.50 per hour for the first two hours. After that, the cost will increase to $3 per hour.
The cost of Level 3 EV chargers can vary depending on the location. For instance, you can expect to pay around $0.49 per kWh at the charging station in front of the City Clerk’s Office in Ringgold.
Are There Free Public Electric Car Charging Stations in Georgia?
One of Georgia’s EV incentives is free charging, available at various locations across the state. For example, the City of Blakely has deployed a free Level 2 charging station on Main Street.
Keep in mind that while public and free charging stations can be a great option, having a reliable home or workplace charging solution can help you avoid issues with station outages and long lines, and will provide improved convenience in being able to wake up or leave work with a fully charged vehicle rather than spending hours plugged in at a public charging station.
Where Are Public Charging Stations Located for Electric Cars in Georgia?
You can find EV charging stations along Alternative Fuel Corridors, such as I-85 and I-75, but it’s easiest to locate charging locations in major cities like Atlanta, Savannah, or Athens.
You can use this tool to conveniently explore nearby charging stations in Georgia.
EV Manufacturing in Georgia
Georgia is home to several major EV manufacturing facilities. In Fort Valley, an electric bus facility supports the growing demand for eco-friendly transit options. The Kia assembly plant in West Point is dedicated to producing some of the automaker’s electric vehicle models, while Rivian operates a plant in Covington.
Additionally, if you’re in the Savannah area, you might be familiar with the Bryan County Hyundai plant, which focuses on EV production. As a whole, EVs are providing Georgia with a sustainable and cost-effective transportation future, while also helping to further drive the economy and provide jobs.
The future of EVs in Georgia is looking bright, as residents and businesses across the state take advantage of incentives and rebates to further fuel their transition to an electric-powered transportation future for the state.
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