March 20, 2025

South Carolina Electric Vehicle Tax Credits, Rebates, and Incentives

7 Min. Read

With a wide range of incentives and programs designed to make EV ownership more accessible and cost-effective, South Carolina is driving toward a more sustainable, electrified future.

From rebates to reduced charging rates, South Carolina is paving the way for a more energy-efficient transportation landscape for both individuals and businesses.

In this guide, we’ll explore South Carolina’s EV incentives, including EV tax credits, rebates, and utility programs, as well as cover details about charging programs and station availability across the state.

South Carolina EV Rebates

While South Carolina does not currently offer state tax credits for EV purchases, including fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), residents can still take advantage of federal tax incentives.

Federal Tax Credit for EVs

Eligible South Carolina residents may qualify for up to $7,500 through the federal EV tax credit for purchasing a new EV, depending on the vehicle model and manufacturer.

This federal credit is available for qualifying vehicles purchased from participating manufacturers, however, this incentive is subject to phase-outs based on manufacturer sales thresholds.

South Carolina EV Charger Rebates

Although South Carolina does not offer state-wide EV charger rebates, several utility providers have implemented rebate programs to promote EV charging at home and encourage EV adoption.

Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative

Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative offers a $500 rebate to customers with proof of charger purchase and vehicle ownership who install a Level 2 EV charger at their home.

Greer Commission of Public Works (CPW)

Greer CPW provides a $250 rebate to residential customers who install a Level 2 home charger. To qualify, customers must own or lease a fully electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and install the charger at their residence. This program is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Santee Cooper

Santee Cooper provides a rebate of up to $250 for residential customers who purchased and installed a qualified Level 2 EV charger between December 1, 2023, and November 30, 2024. To qualify, customers must provide proof of purchase, a photo of the installed charger, and a copy of their electric vehicle registration matching the installation address.

Participants must also be on an eligible residential rate and agree to share charging data for at least five years. The rebate is limited to two per customer and cannot exceed the charger cost. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.

York Electric Cooperative

York Electric Cooperative offers a $200 rebate to members who install a Level 2 EV charger at their residence. To qualify, the charger must be installed within YEC’s service territory, and members must enroll in YEC’s time-of-use (TOU) rate program.

EV Charging Rates in South Carolina

Charging your EV at home or on the go can be affordable, thanks to South Carolina utilities offering time-of-use (TOU) rate plans. These programs encourage charging during off-peak hours to save on electricity costs by incentivizing prices when demand is lower.

Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative

Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative offers an EmPOWERment Rate designed to encourage energy use during off-peak hours.

The plan includes a daily account charge of $1.10, an energy charge of $0.10 per kWh, and a peak charge of $13 per kW based on the highest single hour of energy use during peak hours.

Peak hours are from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in summer (April through October) and from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. in winter (November through March). All other times, including weekends and holidays, are off-peak. Members can lower their overall electricity costs by shifting energy use to off-peak times.

Dominion Energy (formerly SCE&G)

Dominion Energy South Carolina offers a TOU rate plan with different pricing depending on the season and time of day.

During the summer months (May to September), on-peak hours are from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. at a rate of $0.26 per kWh, while off-peak hours are from 9 p.m. to 1 p.m. at a rate of $0.13 per kWh. Super off-peak hours are between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. at $0.08 per kWh.

In the winter months (October to April), on-peak hours are from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. at $0.26 per kWh, with off-peak hours and super off-peak hours following similar pricing structures.

Duke Energy Carolinas

Duke Energy Carolinas offers a TOU plan with on-peak rates of approximately $0.21 per kWh and off-peak rates of about $0.10 per kWh.

On-peak hours are weekdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (May through September), while off-peak hours include all other times, weekends, and holidays.

Santee Cooper

Santee Cooper offers a Residential Experimental Electric Vehicle Power Schedule (REV-22) with three tiers of rates.

On-peak rates are $0.25 per kWh, applied Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Off-peak rates are $0.09 per kWh for all other times, while super off-peak rates, the lowest-cost period, are $0.04 per kWh and apply daily from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

York Electric Cooperative

York Electric Cooperative’s TOU plug-in electric vehicle rate (Rate Code 6) offers experimental rates for residential members with separately metered Level 1 or Level 2 EV charging equipment.

Participants pay a daily service charge of $0.21, with energy usage billed at $0.16 per kWh during on-peak hours and $0.04 per kWh during off-peak hours. Off-peak hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM daily, while all other hours are considered on-peak. The program is voluntary and limited to the first 100 members.

Public EV Charging Stations in South Carolina

South Carolina has significantly expanded its public EV charging infrastructure to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles. As of 2020, the state had approximately 1,780 public charging stations, including a mix of Level 2 and DC Fast chargers.

Major cities such as Charleston and Greenville offer numerous charging options. For instance, Charleston has 8 publicly available charging stations located in city parking garages, with charging at no cost to users, though a fee applies for garage entry.

Key highways such as I-26 and I-95 are also equipped with charging stations, facilitating long-distance travel. These stations are strategically placed to ensure drivers have easy access to charging, whether they’re in urban areas, traveling, or visiting local attractions.

How Many Public EV Charging Stations Are in South Carolina?

South Carolina has over 600 public electric vehicle (EV) charging locations and more than 1,300 charging ports.

Most of these stations are Level 2 chargers, which comprise more than 500 locations and over 1,100 ports.

There are over 60 DC Fast charging stations, accounting for around 200 ports. The Tesla Supercharger network operates 12 locations in the state, with over 100 charging ports.

How Much Do Public EV Charging Stations Cost in South Carolina?

Public charging rates in South Carolina vary depending on the provider and charging speed, with Level 2 EV charging stations averaging $0.10-$0.20 per kWh and DC Fast Chargers ranging from $0.30-$0.50 per kWh.

Are There Free EV Charging Stations in South Carolina?

Yes, South Carolina offers free EV charging stations across the state in several key locations with an emphasis on more urban and heavily trafficked areas, enhancing accessibility for EV owners. Although standard parking fees apply, Charleston provides free EV charging in several municipal parking garages.

In Charleston, there are 8 public EV charging stations. Charging your electric vehicle is free; however, using these stations will require a garage entry fee.

Additionally, there are numerous private charging stations throughout the city, such as at hotels and commercial enterprises.

Where Are Public EV Charging Stations Located in South Carolina?

Public charging stations for electric cars in South Carolina are conveniently located in major cities and along key highways.

Notable locations include Tesla Superchargers in Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Spartanburg, Florence, and Dillon, with up to 40 Superchargers at the Dillon site alone.

In addition to Tesla chargers, there are Level 2 and DC Fast chargers in areas such as Charleston and Greenville, ensuring EV drivers have access to charging infrastructure throughout the state.

These stations are strategically placed in urban centers, near popular destinations, and along major travel routes for easy access.

Use the Alternative Fuels Data Center for precise locations and availability.

Go Electric in South Carolina

South Carolina offers plenty of opportunities to go electric, with utility programs providing exciting incentives and rebates. Contact your utility provider to learn about the options available, and work with a certified EV installer to ensure your charger is installed safely and performs at its best.

Qmerit is here to make it easy.

With the savings available from South Carolina, including a federal tax credit, charger rebates, and TOU rates, alongside the rapidly growing rate of EV adoption, there’s never been a better time to make the switch to electrification. The cost savings created by adopting clean, sustainable energy are just the start of the benefits you’ll see, and by partnering with a qualified electrician who can tailor an EV charger installation to your specific needs, you can maximize these benefits even more.

As North America’s most trusted and largest network of certified EV charger installers, Qmerit is recommended by automakers, EV charger manufacturers, utilities, businesses, and homeowners alike. Rated #1 in customer satisfaction, our expert network has installed over 770,000 EV charging stations across the U.S. and Canada.

Discover how Qmerit is paving the way forward for residential EV charger installation and whole-home electrification solutions. Contact us today to find out how easy home electrification can be!