In North America, the EV revolution is being fueled by new rebates from the US and Canadian governments. Through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Biden administration made significant moves to make EV technology more accessible and affordable than ever. Much of this push toward greener transportation lies in the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (or NEVI Formula), a $5 billion program enabling state governments to build and expand publicly-available EV charging networks across the country.
In addition to this program, the US federal government provides several opportunities for states, local governments, and even private businesses looking to build or expand their EV capabilities through tax credits, rebates, and grants. In fact, private companies can get up to 30% back in tax credits—on top of the additional benefits EV tech can provide your organization.
Meanwhile, Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) is offering an RFP-based funding initiative to help build out an EV charging infrastructure. Companies can file applications during a funding cycle. If approved by Natural Resources Canada, applicants need to sign a Contribution Agreement with NRCan. Each round of ZEVIP comes with requirements for minimum and maximum project size, use cases, and deployment timelines. In addition to ZEVIP, EV charging businesses in Canada can apply for other rebates and local funding. See our Canadian rebates page for a full list.
In other words, now’s the perfect time for businesses to make the EV transition.
Benefits of electric vehicles for businesses
If you’re in the business of EVs, you’re well aware of the value they deliver. Businesses that convert their fleets to EVs can expect to experience improved productivity and reduced costs. Be sure to include these points in your sales pitch:
- Reduction of fuel costs: While initial up-front costs exist to transition from gas to electric vehicles, the long-term savings can be immense. Individual savings depend on the efficiency of the vehicle and whether it was charged during off-peak times, but when applied across an entire fleet of vehicles, the savings add up.
- Reduction of emissions: By utilizing EVs for transportation, freight, and other aspects of daily business operations, your organization will reduce its overall carbon footprint and promote sustainable transportation within your industry.
- Improved global access to EVs: The more businesses that adopt EVs, the more accessible vehicles and infrastructure becomes, making repairs, refueling, and upgrades less expensive over time.
- Generation of additional revenue: When developing charging station infrastructure for your EV fleet, making these stations available to the general public can provide additional revenue streams for your business. White-label EV charging software solutions like ChargeLab make it easy to differentiate between employee and public use, process payments, and more. Contact us today to learn more.
Available US federal government rebates
As a result of the Biden administration’s recent investment into the EV market, there are a number of federal government rebates, grants, and tax credits available that businesses can take advantage of.
Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit
What it is: A tax credit for businesses that install designated alternative fuel infrastructure, such as EV charging stations.
How much can businesses save: Starting January 1, 2023, businesses can earn a tax credit of 30% of the cost of infrastructure, not to exceed $100,000. Businesses installing fixtures at multiple locations may claim the credit for each location.
Eligibility criteria: Qualified fueling infrastructure must be used predominantly in the United States, placed during the claimed tax year, and be located in an eligible census tract.
How to apply: Claimants must fill out an IRS Form 8911 when filing to receive the tax credit.
Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit
What it is: This program is a tax credit for businesses and tax-exempt organizations that purchase a qualified clean vehicle. There is no limit on the number of credits a business can claim.
How much can businesses save: According to the IRS, businesses will receive a tax credit based on one of two metrics, whichever is lesser:
- 30% of the business’ basis in the vehicle if it is not powered by gas or diesel (15% otherwise).
- The incremental cost of the vehicle.
The maximum credit allowed under this program is either:
- $7,500 for vehicles with gross vehicle weight ratings under 14,000 pounds.
- $40,000 for all other vehicles.
Eligibility criteria: Purchased vehicles must adhere to several criteria, including:
- The vehicle must be subject to a depreciation allowance.
- The vehicle must be made by a qualified manufacturer—that is, they meet the requirements for commercial clean vehicles under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) section 45W.
- It must be used in your business, not for resale, and primarily in the United States.
- It must be recognized as either a motor vehicle for the purposes of Title II of the Clean Air Act or be defined as mobile machinery.
- It must either be a plug-in electric vehicle with specific battery capacities (depending on vehicle size) or a fuel cell motor vehicle that satisfies specific requirements.
How to apply: The IRS is finalizing the form to enable businesses to claim the credit. Visit the IRS website for more information on how to fill out the form when it is available.
Available Canadian government rebates
In addition to the nationwide ZEVIP program, individual Canadian provinces offer other rebates and incentives to help businesses transition to EVs. A few are listed below.
British Columbia: CleanBC Go Electric Public Charger Program
What it is: A rebate program for municipalities and EV businesses installing Level 2 and DCFC chargers at public sites in British Columbia.
How much can businesses save:
- 50% of project costs up to $80,000 per DCFC (>50 kW)
- Up to $130,000 per HPCS (>100 kW).
- Maximum funding can be increased by up to 90% of project costs for Indigenous communities.
The application deadline for the latest round of funding passed on June 2, 2023, but interested parties should keep an eye on the program’s page for the next round of funding.
Eligibility criteria: Applicants must:
- Be the current site owner of a future EV charging station or have written approval from the site owner to install the charging infrastructure for a minimum ten-year period.
- Be a business, nonprofit, local government, Indigenous community, utility, or public sector organization located and operating in British Columbia. (core government entities, i.e. Provincial Ministries are excluded).
How to apply: Read the application guide carefully and submit your proposal during the next funding cycle.
Yukon: Government of Yukon Level 2 charger rebate
What it is: A Yukon government-funded rebate program for the installation of Level 2 chargers.
How much can businesses save:
- 5% of total install costs, up to $7,500 per Level 2 charger. Maximum of 20 chargers per location.
Eligibility criteria: The program is available to multifamily property owners, businesses building EV chargers on public sites, municipalities, and fleet operators.
How to apply: The application procedures vary by applicant type. Take a look at the different guidelines for businesses and municipalities. Applicants will need to submit their application through an online portal after creating an account.
Québec: Transition énérgetique Québec rebates
What it is: A government-sponsored program that provides rebates for Level 2 charger installation.
How much can businesses save:
- 50% of total installation costs up to $5,000 per Level 2 charger. Maximum rebate of $25,000 per organization per year.
Eligibility criteria: The program is limited to multi-family units and workplace sites for EV charging. Funding for consumers looking to purchase new or used EVs is also available.
How to apply: To submit an application, create a user account and fill out an application in the online services portal.
Power your commercial enterprise with ChargeLab
Whether your business runs a commercial fleet of vehicles or you’re reselling EV charging infrastructure, the software will form the backbone of your entire solution. To ensure the widest range of compatibility across vehicles and chargers, selecting a future-proof, hardware-agnostic software provider is crucial.
ChargeLab enables businesses to oversee their entire EV charging infrastructure from a centralized hub. We’re also hardware-agnostic, and therefore compatible with any OCPP EV charger. Manage and charge sedans, trucks, freight vehicles, and buses, limit usage to employees or open charging stations up to the public, and reduce costs with active energy load balancing—all under one roof. Contact us today to learn more.
