As LA homeowners are purchasing electric vehicles (EV) to lower their dependence on fossil fuels, their utility bills are skyrocketing. To help offset the added costs of purchasing and installing an EV charger, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is offering a $1,000 rebate on qualifying EV chargers. This “Charge Up LA! Residential Program” helps electric car owners purchase chargers so they can conveniently fill up their car’s battery at home, rather than at a public charging station.
What Types of Chargers Does the EV Rebate Cover?
The LADWP EV charger rebate applies to Level 2 EV (240-volt) charging stations. These chargers can add between 12-60 miles to a car battery each hour and charge much faster than Level 1 chargers. Some qualifying Level 2 EV chargers include the Enphase IQ EVSE-40, Tesla Universal Wall Connector, and ChargePoint Home Flex CPH50.
To be eligible for this rebate, at-home charging stations must:
- Receive a nationally recognized testing laboratory certification at the time of purchase
- Be network-capable and able to connect to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable
- Have a J1772 connector (Note: Proprietary connectors like the Tesla connector are not eligible)
- Be new and unused at the time of purchase
- Be purchased within 12 months of rebate application submission
- Be wall-mounted and hard-wired at the LADWP electric service address provided in the program application
Who Is Eligible for the EV Charger Rebate?
LADWP account holders with an active LADWP electric meter on their residential rate plan are eligible for the EV charger rebate. The rebate does not apply to commercial accounts for businesses and non-profit organizations.
Installations must be completed by a licensed electrician. Costs eligible for a rebate include:
- Labor
- Panels
- Circuit breakers
- Meter sockets
- Electrical conduits
- Wiring
- Junction boxes
- Disconnects
- Switches
- Fuses
- Permit costs
How to Apply for the EV Rebate
To apply for the EV rebate, click here to log into your LADWP account online and follow the on-screen prompts. Additionally, you can call 1-866-484-0433 to have an application mailed to you or print the application form and apply by mail to:
LADWP Residential EV Charging Station Program P.O. Box 51111, Room 1019 Los Angeles, CA 90051-0100Additional EV Rebates Available
EV owners can save even more money through several other federal and California incentives:
EV-Save & Lifeline Customer Rebate
In addition to the $1,000 “Charge Up LA!” rebate, income-eligible customers participating in LADWP’s Senior Citizen, Disability Lifeline, or EZ-Save programs can qualify for a $500 rebate. Likewise, LADWP is also offering a $250 rebate for those installing a dedicated EV charging station meter.
Used Electric Vehicle Rebate
Those purchasing a used electric vehicle within 12 months of an application submittal qualify for up to $1,500 through the Used EV Rebate Program. This applies to used EVs with model years at least two years before the year of application submittal.
Federal EV Charger Tax Credit
Individuals who meet specific construction and labor requirements can receive a 30% discount on their EV charging system hardware and installation costs through the Federal EV Charger Tax Credit.
Save Even More with Solar Optimum
If you’re thinking about investing in an EV charging station, consider maximizing your long-term energy savings by harnessing the power of the sun to fuel your car with residential solar and battery storage.
At Solar Optimum, we have 16 years of experience in helping Californians save on energy costs and achieve their sustainability goals with reliable, customized PV systems. Download our Ultimate Guide to Going Solar or contact us today to learn more about how you can charge your electric car using solar energy.
