New Jersey offers rebates to help cover the cost of installing a home electric vehicle charger

New Jersey's EV charger rebate program reimburses you for part of the cost of buying and installing a Level 2 charger at your home. The program is run by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and funded through the state's Clean Energy Program. You pay for the charger and installation upfront, then submit receipts and documentation to receive a rebate check.

The rebate amount depends on which program year you explore in and what type of charger you install. The state has offered rebates ranging from several hundred to over a thousand dollars in past years, though the exact amount changes annually as funding is allocated. You must own or have permission to install the charger on the property where you live, and the charger must be a new installation — not a replacement of an existing one.

Key Takeaways

  • You pay for the Level 2 charger and installation yourself, then submit receipts to the New Jersey BPU for reimbursement.
  • The rebate covers a portion of your total cost, with the exact amount varying by program year and charger type.
  • You must own the home or have written permission from the property owner to install the charger.
  • The process process requires proof of purchase, proof of installation, and documentation that you own or control the property.
  • Funding is limited and programs may close when money runs out, so checking current availability before purchasing is important.

What chargers and installations the rebate covers

The rebate applies to Level 2 chargers only — the type that plugs into a 240-volt outlet and typically charges a vehicle overnight or over several hours. The program does not cover DC fast chargers or Level 1 chargers (standard 120-volt outlets). The charger must be installed at your primary residence, and it must be a new installation, not replacing an existing charger you already own.

Installation costs are included in the rebate calculation. This means you can claim the cost of the electrician, wiring, permits, and any other labor or materials needed to get the charger safely connected to your home's electrical system. Keep all invoices and receipts from both the charger purchase and the installation work, as you will need to submit them with your rebate request.

Who can request the rebate

You must be a resident of New Jersey and own the home where the charger will be installed, or you must have written permission from the property owner. If you rent, you will need a signed letter from your landlord authorizing the installation and agreeing that you may remove the charger when you move. Some landlords will not permit permanent electrical work, so confirm this before purchasing.

You must also own or lease an electric vehicle registered in New Jersey. The vehicle does not have to be brand new — used EVs count. You cannot install the charger if you are planning to sell the home in the near term or if the charger will serve a commercial or shared property. The program is designed for individual homeowners and residents, not businesses or multi-unit buildings.

How to request your rebate

First, check the New Jersey BPU website or call their Clean Energy Program office to confirm the program is currently open and accepting requests. Funding runs out periodically, and the program may be closed while the state allocates new money. Once you confirm it is open, purchase your Level 2 charger and pay for installation. Do not submit a request before the work is complete — the program requires proof that the charger is already installed.

After installation, gather your receipts: the invoice for the charger itself, the invoice for installation labor, and any permits or inspection documents. You will also need proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), proof of vehicle ownership (registration), and documentation that you own the property or have permission to install the charger (a deed, mortgage statement, or landlord letter). Submit these documents to the New Jersey BPU through their online portal or by mail, following the instructions on their website.

The BPU will review your submission and notify you whether your request is approved. If approved, you will receive a rebate check by mail. The timeline varies, but processing typically takes several weeks to a few months. If your request is denied, the BPU will explain why — common reasons include incomplete documentation, a charger type that does not meet program requirements, or the program being out of funds.

Rebate amounts and what affects them

The rebate amount is not a fixed dollar figure — it changes based on the program year, the type of charger, and available funding. In some years, the state has offered rebates of $500 to $1,500 or more, but this varies. The BPU website lists the current rebate amount for the program year you are explore in. Some programs offer higher rebates for chargers with certain features, such as smart charging capability or load management.

The rebate is typically a percentage of your total cost, capped at a maximum dollar amount. For example, a program might reimburse 50 percent of your costs up to $1,000. This means if you spend $2,000 on the charger and installation, you would receive $1,000 back. If you spend $1,500, you would receive $750. Check the current program rules on the BPU website to understand how the rebate is calculated for the year you are explore.

What to do if the program is closed or you are denied

If the program is temporarily closed due to lack of funding, the BPU typically reopens it when new money becomes available. You can contact the Clean Energy Program office to ask when funding is expected and whether you can be notified when applications reopen. Some residents choose to install their charger anyway and explore later when the program reopens, though there is no may provide future funding will cover your installation date.

If your request is denied, read the denial letter carefully to understand the reason. Common fixable issues include missing documentation, a charger that does not meet specifications, or an installation date outside the program period. You may be able to resubmit with corrected information. If the denial is due to the program being out of funds, you can ask to be placed on a waiting list or contact the BPU to learn when the next funding cycle begins.

Other ways to reduce charger costs

The federal government also offers a tax credit for EV charger installation through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This is separate from the New Jersey rebate and can be claimed on your federal tax return. You may be able to use both the state rebate and the federal tax credit, though you cannot claim the same expense twice. Consult a tax professional to understand how both programs work together in your situation.

Some utility companies in New Jersey also offer their own charger rebates or discounts. Contact your electric utility to ask whether they have a program. Additionally, some employers offer EV charger installation benefits to employees, and some car manufacturers offer charger discounts to buyers. These programs are separate from the state rebate and may stack with it, depending on the terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install the charger myself to save money and still get the rebate?

No. The charger must be installed by a licensed electrician, and you must provide an invoice showing professional installation. DIY installation does not may have access to. The program requires this for safety and code compliance reasons.

What if I move after getting the rebate — do I have to pay it back?

No. Once the rebate is approved and paid, it is yours to keep. You do not have to repay it if you move or sell the home. However, you can remove the charger when you leave if you own it, or leave it for the next owner.

Can I get a rebate for a charger at my workplace or a public charging station?

No. The program only covers chargers installed at your primary residence. Workplace and public chargers are not may be able to access.

How long does it take to get the rebate check after I submit my request?

Processing time varies, but most approvals take four to twelve weeks from the date the BPU receives your complete process. Contact the BPU if you have not heard back after three months.

What if I bought my charger before the program opened — can I still explore?

This depends on the program rules for that year. Some programs allow retroactive requests for chargers installed within a certain window before the program launched, while others do not. Check the BPU website or call to ask about your installation date.