A Comprehensive Guide To Maine EV Tax Credits, Rebates & Charging Incentives

To make the transition to an electric lifestyle as easy as possible, we’ve created this guide with everything Maine residents need to know about driving an electric vehicle (EV), including available EV tax credits, rebates, incentives and TOU electricity rates. Qmerit is your electrification partner in Maine.

Updated: January 15, 2025

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Maine Electric Vehicle Tax Credits, Rebates and Incentives

While the state of Maine recently decided against adopting Zero Emission Vehicle standards, residents of the state still have plenty of opportunities to embrace electric vehicles (EVs) with the benefits of state and local incentives.

Aimed at supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, various energy rebates and savings programs are available for Maine EV drivers, helping make the switch to driving an EV even more rewarding than ever before.

From the Efficiency Maine rebate to time-of-use rates with participating utilities, EV owners across the state can enjoy lower costs while driving toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Efficiency Maine EV Rebate Program for Low Income Households

Efficiency Maine offers incentives for low income residents to help save on the cost of qualifying plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and 100% electric vehicles (BEVs). Rebates range from $2,000 to $7,500 depending on the type and age of the vehicle.

If you qualify for a program such as MaineCare, SNAP, TANF, or other income-based initiatives, you can receive a low-income Efficiency Maine EV rebate, which adds up to $7,500 for a new EV, $3,000 for a new PHEV, and $2,500 for a used EV.

These incentives can also be received at the point of purchase when buying an EV or PHEV from a participating dealership, helping reduce the upfront costs of buying a new vehicle.

Efficiency Maine Rebate for Businesses and Non-Profits

Businesses and non-profits can receive up to $2,000 toward the purchase of a new EV and up to $1,000 for a new PHEV.

For Maine businesses and organizations looking to purchase an electric cargo van, chassis cab, or cutaway, there is an incentive of up to $8,000 available.

Utility Rebates for Electric Vehicles in Maine

Unlike other states, no utilities in Maine offer EV rebates on electric vehicle purchases or leases.

Instead, many utilities in the state are focusing on providing other 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.

Federal Tax Credits For Electric Vehicles

As of January 2025 there are no Maine EV tax credits, but car buyers may qualify for federal tax credits like the clean vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500 for new vehicles, or the used clean vehicle tax credit for up to $4,000. Income restrictions as well as battery component and critical mineral restrictions may apply. Be sure to speak to a qualified CPA or tax professional to check your eligibility.

Maine EV Charger Rebates

Although there are currently no rebates or tax credits for directly purchasing or installing a Level 2 EV charger for residential use, EV owners can receive an annual payout of $50 for participating in the Efficiency Maine managed charging program, while commercial entities have the opportunity to apply for funding through Efficiency Maine.

Managed Charging with Efficiency Maine

Efficiency Maine’s Managed Charging for Electric Vehicles program aims to reduce the strain on the state’s electric grid by automatically delaying charging until the evening when demand for electricity tends to be at its lowest.

You can earn $50 for enrolling, plus an additional $50 annually for continuing to participate in the program each year.

It is important to note that in order to participate, you’ll need to install a qualifying charger and own an eligible EV model to ensure your EV can interact with the Efficiency Maine remote charging infrastructure.

Efficiency Maine and Commercial EV Charging Opportunities

Efficiency Maine periodically issues funding for public and commercial EV charging projects and you can find a list of any current and upcoming opportunities on Efficiency Maine’s website.

The program is currently accepting applications for multifamily EV charging projects, some workplace EV charging initiatives, community charging, and more.

EV Charger Rebates from Maine Utilities

No Maine utilities currently offer rebates or incentives for installing a home EV charger, however, residents can still benefit from federal EV charger savings and utilities are supporting EV drivers with other incentives, such as time-of-use (TOU) rates for EV charging.

EV Charging Rates in Maine

There are currently two utilities in the state of Maine that offer time-of-use (TOU) rates, allowing you to reduce your energy bills by charging during off-peak hours when energy is often cheapest to produce and distribute.

Versant Power TOU Rates

Versant Power offers a residential and commercial time-of-use rate for customers located in the Bangor Hydro and Maine Public Service areas.

As a residential customer, you can enroll in the utility’s time-of-use Home Eco rate, paying $0.48 per kWh during winter on-peak hours and $0.47 per kWh in the summer, with off-peak and shoulder rates as low as $0.05 per kWh year-round.

On-peak hours are from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Shoulder hours last from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., while off-peak charging is available from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Versant Power also offers a similar program for commercial customers with the same schedule, but you will need to contact the utility directly for more information on current rates. In addition to Level 2 EV charging rates, Versant Power also provides a specialized rate for DC Fast charging (DCFC) stations.

Central Maine Power Co. TOU Rates

Central Maine Power Co. can help you save on EV charging with time-of-use rates of $0.13 per kWh during on-peak and shoulder times and only $0.06 per kWh during off-peak times.

On-peak hours are from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m, shoulder hours start at 12 p.m. and end at 4 p.m., and off-peak rates last from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.

The utility’s commercial time-of-use rate follows the same schedule, but you’ll pay $0.12 per kWh during on-peak or shoulder hours and $0.05 per kWh during off-peak hours.

Public EV Charging Stations in Maine

In addition to issuing funding through the Efficiency Maine program, the state of Maine has been leveraging the $19 million in NEVI awards to develop and expand public EV charging infrastructure. This includes adding Level 3 EV chargers, also known as DCFC, along travel corridors to support EV drivers traveling longer distances throughout the state.

How Many Public EV Charging Stations Are in Maine?

Maine has over 491 public charging stations available to EV drivers and more than 1,000 public charging ports. This includes over 400 Level 2 and 99 DC Fast stations.

There are 20 Tesla Supercharger stations and 160 Tesla Supercharger ports in Maine.

How Much Do Public EV Charging Stations Cost in Maine?

Prices for public EV charging will vary from one network to another, but you should also typically expect to pay more for DC Fast charging than for Level 2 EV charging.

Some locations may also charge for time spent charging instead of basing the cost on kWh used.

For example, using one of the Level 2 EV chargers located on the University of Maine’s campus will cost $1 to $1.50 per hour of charging, while charging at a hotel in Portland, Maine reportedly costs $0.15 per kWh.

Are There Free Electric Car Charging Stations in Maine?

Yes, free EV charging options are also available throughout the state. For example, the city of Kennebunk offers two free charging locations powered by solar panels, while Lee Auto Malls car dealerships offer free charging options at their locations.

Where Are Public Charging Stations Located for Electric Cars in Maine?

Public charging stations tend to be available near municipal buildings, in some state parks, and along busy travel corridors. Hotels and other destination businesses also often offer charging options.

Tesla has built a Supercharger network of fast charging stations throughout the state, with locations approximately 150 miles apart along I-95 and I-295.

Visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center Map of EV Charging Station Locations in Maine, which can be sorted and filtered based on public access, charger type (Level 1, Level 2, DC Fast), and connector type (NACS, J1772, CCS, CHAdeMO).

Additionally, you can learn more about recent and upcoming projects so you’re aware of new locations as they are added.

Home Electrification Incentives in Maine

In 2024, Maine is expected to offer home energy rebates funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, making $35.9 million for home efficiency rebates and $35.7 million for home electrification available for things like appliance rebates, insulation and air sealing, heat pumps for space and water heating, and upgrades to smart electrical panels necessary to enable those retrofits.

Combining EV ownership with other electrification projects, such as upgrading your home with solar panels & battery storage, or investing in a heat pump, will help you save even more while reducing your environmental impact.

In Maine, you may qualify for home electrification incentives through your electricity provider in addition to the U.S. federal government. Scroll down to read rebate and incentive details for specific home electrification technologies.

Battery Storage

Currently there are no state or utility incentives for battery storage in Maine. However, the 25D Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit provides a 30% federal tax credit on the cost of new battery storage systems size 3kWh and larger.

Electrical Panels

The 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit provides a federal tax credit for electrical panel upgrades needed to complete electrification projects like heat pumps and heat pump water heaters (up to 30% of project costs, capped at $600). The 25C tax credit can be used by renters, and homeowners making upgrades to their primary or secondary home.

Qualifying electrical panels must meet the standards of the National Electric Code (NEC) and have a capacity of 200 Amps or more. This means that your new/upgraded panel must be able to serve a load of at least 200 Amps, but you don’t need 200 Amps of incoming utility service. Smart panels may qualify if they allow you to serve a load of 200 Amps.

If you’re claiming 25D for a residential solar or battery storage project and the installation required you to upgrade your main panel, you may be able to apply 25D to electrical panel costs as well.

Heat Pumps & Heat Pump Water Heaters

For income-eligible customers, Efficiency Maine can cover up to 80% of the cost of installing a whole-home heat pump, up to $8,000. If you don’t meet the income requirements, this rebate can still cover up to $4,000, or 40% of the project cost

You can also get instant discounts when buying a heat pump water heater, with prices as low as $399 for a new unit.

The 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit also applies to heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. A 30% federal tax credit is available (capped at $2,000 dollars). Eligible technologies must meet certain energy efficiency requirements.

Solar Panels

There are no state tax credits or utility rebates available for going solar in Maine, but the 25D Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit provides a 30% federal tax credit on the cost of photovoltaic (PV) solar panel systems.

Recent Maine EV Charging News

Maine will add more than 50 new high-speed EV chargers near busy highways, outdoor recreation areas

Maine receives $15 million federal grant to install nearly 600 electric vehicle chargers

An EV charging station may be coming to a Maine town near you

Why Qmerit is the #1 EV Charger Installer in Maine

With the savings available from Efficiency Maine, alongside the rapidly growing rate of EV adoption and public EV charging infrastructure, 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 450,000 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!