November 21, 2024
Guide to Virginia EV Tax Credits, Rebates & Charging Incentives
12 Min. Read
As the electric vehicle (EV) revolution accelerates, Virginia is making its mark as the 13th state in EV adoption and access to charging infrastructure.
Although the state’s EV incentives may seem currently limited, many utilities within the state currently offer innovative time-of-use pricing models, enabling residents to charge their EVs at home more affordably.
This blend of forward-thinking policies and utility programs positions Virginia as a hub for electric vehicles.
In this guide, we’ll explore electric vehicle tax credits, rebates, and incentives across The Old Dominion State and uncover how residents can benefit from Virginia’s available initiatives to support electrification.
Virginia Electric Vehicle Tax Credit, Rebates and Incentives
As of 2024, no Virginia EV tax credits are available to individuals or businesses, however, a few existing state-level incentives are worth mentioning and prospective buyers can still take advantage of the 2024 EV tax credit at the federal level.
Virginia Electric Vehicle Rebate Program
In 2021, the Virginia General Assembly established an EV rebate program that would create a $2,500 Virginia electric vehicle rebate available to anyone purchasing a new EV. Used EV buyers could also qualify for a $2,500 rebate as long as the vehicle’s price didn’t exceed $25,000. Additionally, an extra $2,000 rebate would be available to eligible buyers based on income level.
Although as of 2024, the program is still awaiting funding, it will remain in place until 2027, and these Virginia EV rebates could become retroactively available once the bill receives funding.
National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Funding
In August 2023, Virginia received over $22 million in federal NEVI funding to go toward building public EV charging infrastructure and enhancing charging accessibility.
The current goal is to address gaps in charging availability, improve reliability by upgrading older public stations, and build a modern highway network with a charging station every 50 miles.
NEVI funding will also support the adoption of public EV charging stations in urban, suburban, rural, and disadvantaged communities.
Electric Vehicle Charging Assistance Program
The Electric Vehicle Charging Assistance Program distributed over $1 million in grants designed to foster public-private partnerships for developing public EV charging in underserved communities.
Although applications are currently closed after distributing the initial grants, the program will begin accepting more applications to continue EV adoption in the state as more funding becomes available.
HOV Lanes Exemptions
As an EV owner in Virginia, you can also get a Clean Special Fuel license plate by paying an additional registration fee of $25. This license plate makes you eligible for an HOV exemption in some areas, including portions of I-64, I-264, I-564, the Dulles Toll Road, and even some parts of Alexandria.
Emissions Inspection Program Exemption
One of the other perks of driving an electric vehicle in Virginia is that, as zero-emission vehicles, EV owners are exempt state’s emissions inspection program. This means EV owners can save money on registration renewal costs, adding another financial benefit to going electric.
Utility Rebates For Electric Cars
Although as of 2024, no Virginia utilities offer rebates on EV purchases, Virginians still receive significant support in their transition to electric vehicles with other forms of financial incentives and support for driving electric.
Many utilities in the state are focusing on providing other valuable incentives, such as time-of-use pricing models, which can significantly reduce the cost of charging your EV at home. Additionally, utilities are investing in expanding the EV charging infrastructure in the state, making it more convenient for drivers to find charging stations.
As EV adoption increases, we can anticipate more utility companies to introduce rebate programs and other benefits to support this eco-friendly transition.
Virginia EV Charger Rebates
While the Commonwealth of Virginia may not offer state-wide residential rebates for EV chargers yet, going electric and making the switch to driving an EV can still help you enjoy significant savings at the pump.
Switching to an EV can help you save money in the long run, but to help ease the upfront cost of installing an at-home charger, it’s a great idea to also explore financing options and utility savings.
Additionally, federal incentives for purchasing an EV charger can help you save money even faster and recoup your investment, making it more affordable to charge your car at home and a sound economic decision to drive electric.
Virginia Utility Rebates for Level 2 EV Chargers & Installation
Several utilities in Virginia currently offer incentive programs to help you save on the cost of installing a Level 2 EV charger and there are programs and incentives available for both residential and commercial EV charger installation, making it easier than ever to make the switch to electric.
Powell Valley Electric Cooperative, in partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority, offers a nonresidential rebate program that provides $1,000 to $2,000 toward the purchase or lease of an electric forklift. This initiative provides a significant incentive for commercial customers to incorporate electric machinery into their operations.
Dominion x Qmerit Partnership
As a leading Virginia utility serving over 2.5 million customers, Dominion currently offers an opportunity to save money on the upfront cost of your installation of an at-home Level 2 EV charger through Dominion’s partnership with Qmerit, the nation’s leading EV charging installer network.
Getting started is easy, and after filling out an interest form, Dominion will connect you with a Qmerit charging advisor who will assess your specific charging needs and help you determine a home charging solution that works best for you. Instead of paying upfront, the cost of the charger and installation will be conveniently spread out over the course of several months on your energy bills.
For income-qualifying customers, the program offers even greater benefits, including both a free charger and free installation.
Additional benefits include high-quality EV charger installation from a fully licensed, certified, insured, and background-checked electrician, plus a five-year warranty and maintenance package from Qmerit, ensuring a reliable and worry-free experience.
EV Charging Rates in Virginia
Virginia’s utilities are increasingly offering time-of-use programs to help EV owners save on charging costs, with twelve utilities either already offering time-of-use programs or currently working to develop one. While not all these programs are geared specifically to EV charging, EV owners can save by scheduling their charging sessions during lower-rate periods.
Under time-of-use programs, electricity rates fluctuate based on projected demand. Typically, off-peak hours, such as during the night when activity and electric demand are lower, offer significantly cheaper electricity rates and some utility programs also have seasonal schedules with lower rates during the winter.
For example, Appalachian Power Company customers can save around 15% on EV charging by plugging in their electric car between 8 PM and 6 AM. During these hours, your rate will be $0.138 cents per kWh during these hours instead of $0.165 cents. The only requirement is installing a separate EV meter provided by the utility at no cost.
Dominion Energy offers both residential time-of-use program and an EV charger rewards incentive. Although you can’t combine the two programs, each offers unique savings so reviewing the benefits of the programs can help you determine which will better fit your needs.
The Dominion Energy demand response program allows customers to earn $40 per year for opting in and granting the utility to remotely control EV charging via a connected charger and potentially interrupt the flow of electricity during peak demand events. These events last no more than four hours at a time, and the utility can’t call more than 15 events per month or 45 in a year. For reference, there were 27 events in 2023.
Alternatively, Dominion’s time-of-use program offers rates as low as $0.09 per kWh in the summer and $0.12 in the winter, encouraging off-peak electricity use.
Kentucky Utilities, operating as Old Dominion Power in Virginia, offers charging rewards for EV owners. By joining this program, customers receive an initial $25 rebate and $5 per month for adhering to a chosen charging schedule. Conditions include using a Level 2 ChargePoint or Tesla charger and participating in up to 10 demand response events per year.
Danville Utilities offers a time-of-use program that allows residential customers to cut EV charging costs by 30%. The program features a flat $15.80 monthly service fee per meter, with off-peak rates of $0.10 per kWh and on-peak rates of $0.15 per kW.
The A&N Electric Cooperative’s time-of-use residential program offers significant savings, with on-peak rates of $0.31 per kWh in the summer and $0.16 in the winter. Off-peak rates are as low as $0.04 per kWh, providing savings of 75% to 88%.
A&N Electric Cooperative’s commercial customers can benefit from off-peak rates of $0.04 per kWh compared to on-peak rates of $0.32 per kWh in the summer and $0.15 in the winter.
Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative offers residential customers a time-of-use program that can cut the cost of EV charging by around 59%. Between delivery and supply charges, participants can expect to pay $0.13 per kWh during on-peak hours and only $0.06 per kWh when the off-peak price goes into effect.
Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative’s EV-1 program provides off-peak rates of $0.05 per kWh on-peak rates of $0.11 per kWh. This program, exclusive to EV owners, offers savings on any off-peak electricity use.
Prince George Electric Cooperative’s time-of-use program has an on-peak rate of $0.23 per kWh, including the supply service and delivery charge, with an off-peak rate of around 70% lower at $0.07 per kWh. Note that this program is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative’s time-of-use program features on-peak rates up to $0.37 per kWh in the summer and $0.21 per kWh in the winter, with an impressive off-peak rate of $0.06 per kWh for the first 300 kWh used. Additionally, their separate EV program offers a $7 monthly bill credit for prioritizing off-peak charging, though the program is currently full, with a waitlist for future enrollment opportunities.
Southside Electric Cooperative’s time-of-use program includes on-peak residential rates that range from $0.44 per kWh in the summer to $0.30 per kWh in the winter. The off-peak rate is $0.18 per kWh, inclusive of energy, demand, and supply delivery charges
Town of Culper’s Light and Power Department offers a time-of-use program with on-peak rates of $0.06 per kWh and off-peak prices of $0.01 per kWh (demand charges are extra).
Finally, Northern Neck Electric Cooperative is currently developing a program with a special rate of EV charging, with updates available via utility’s online form.
Public EV Charging Stations in Virginia
Virginia is currently using NEVI funding to develop its EV charging network, with the goal of creating 1,825 miles of EV charging corridors. Funding allocated in 2024 will help build 18 charging stations with a total of 66 ports along I-64, I-77, I-81, I-85, I-95, and I-295.
How Many Public EV Charging Stations Are in Virginia?
Virginia has over 1,600 public charging stations available to EV drivers.
Here are additional stats when it comes to how many public EV charging stations are in Virginia:
- Public charging stations: 1,626
- Public charging ports: 4,767
- Level 2 charging stations: 1,375
- Level 2 charging ports: 3,540
- DC Fast charging locations: 295
- DC Fast charging ports: 1,227
- Tesla Supercharger locations: 79
- Tesla Supercharger ports: 707
How Much Do Public EV Charging Stations Cost in Virginia?
The cost of public EV charging in Virginia varies based on the charging speed and the network used.
For instance, the city of Falls Church, VA, operates several Level 2 EV charging stations where the first hour of charging is free. After the initial hour, EV drivers are charged $0.20 per kWh, making it an affordable option for those needing a quick top-up.
On the other hand, DC Fast charging, which provides much quicker charging times, tends to cost more. For example, using the Level 3 chargers located at the Water Street Parking Garage in Charlottesville, VA requires a flat fee of $4.95 and another $0.20 per minute of charging. This pricing structure reflects the convenience and speed of fast charging, making it a suitable choice for drivers who need to quickly recharge their vehicles while on the go.
Are There Free Public Electric Car Charging Stations in Virginia?
In an effort to foster EV adoption, several municipalities operate free charging stations. You’ll find three Level 2 EV charging stations with free EV charging in Harrisonburg, VA, eight options throughout York County, VA, and additional free locations in Fredericksburg, VA.
Where Are Public Charging Stations Located for Electric Cars in Virginia?
Free EV charging stations are often located near public buildings, including city halls, libraries, and courthouses. Additionally, some parking garages offer complimentary charging options, making it convenient for EV owners to charge their electric vehicles while doing day-to-day activities in surrounding areas.
This EV charging station locator tool will help you explore nearby options.
EV Manufacturing in Virginia
These innovative businesses are contributing to the rise of electrification with effective and affordable solutions and provide great job opportunities for Virginians interested in supporting the energy transition and creating a more sustainable future.
Torev Motors
Arlington-based company Torev Motors is developing a new generation of electric motors with the potential to revolutionize the automotive industry and expand the use of marine and industrial electric vehicles.
ElectroTempo
When it comes to electrification, data plays a pivotal role. ElectroTempo is leveraging this important asset by gathering fleet charging analytics and making this information available to utilities. This critical work is helping to create a more adaptive and responsive energy grid that aligns with the evolving energy needs of businesses.
Fermi Energy
Specializing in cathode manufacturing, Fermi Energy is dedicated to making EV batteries more accessible and cost-effective. Through the use of cutting-edge materials, this company has been able to cut cathode costs by 50%.
Lithium Technologies, Inc
Lithium Technologies is on a mission to create a sustainable, US-based supply chain to meet the demand for lithium hydroxide from EV battery manufacturers. This chemical is crucial for developing high-capacity EV batteries, and making its production more sustainable will help offset environmental impacts for the next generation of EVs.
The State of Electrification in Virginia
As a whole, Virginia’s electrification movement is growing with the adoption of electric vehicles and general shift toward more sustainable, electric-powered technology. This is creating job opportunities across the state and helping transform what it means to drive electric in the state of Virginia.
While state-specific EV tax credits and rebates are limited, many of the utilities within Virginia offer time-of-use charging rates for electricity that can help savvy EV drivers with significant savings on charging their EVs. Additionally, public charging within the state continues to grow as more EV drivers continue to hit the roads and federal funding will help this continue to improve over the next several years.
The future is electric in the state of Virginia and Qmerit is proud to help make electrification easy for residents and businesses across the state.
