Establishing EV charging stations can pose a significant obstacle due to costs. However, EV charging station grants offer financial aid and incentives to promote the adoption of cleaner transportation options.

This article examines the landscape of EV charging station awards, guiding you through various opportunities to find grants aligning with your business objectives, location, and commitment to sustainable transportation.

Understanding available grants could lead to a greener and more energy-efficient future, whether you’re a business owner, property manager, or an entrepreneur entering the electric car market.

Download the full guide about EV US Government Grants for more details.

How Can You Find EV Charging Station Grants? 

Discovering grants for EV charging stations can help alleviate the expenses of setting up and maintaining these stations. Here’s a step-by-step process for locating such grants:

Research Government Programs

Start by exploring government programs at local, state, and federal levels that offer subsidies or incentives for establishing EV charging stations. These programs aim to promote clean mobility and reduce emissions.

Check websites of relevant government agencies like the US Department of Energy, state energy offices, and local environmental agencies to find available grant programs.

Use Online Grant Databases

Several online databases aggregate information about grants and funding opportunities:

Grants.gov: A comprehensive database of government grants in the US, including those for clean transportation, infrastructure, and sustainability.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Database: Managed by the US Department of Energy, it provides details on financing options for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, including EV charging infrastructure.

State and Local Energy Efficiency Programs: Many states offer funding for EV charging stations through their energy efficiency initiatives. Explore your state’s energy agency website for more information.

Join Industry Associations

Industry associations in electric cars, clean transportation, and renewable energy often provide details about available grants, financing options, and tools.

Examples of such associations include the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Association (EVIA) and the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA).

Check with Electric Utilities

Electric utility companies often introduce incentives or grant programs to promote EV charging station usage. Incentives like grants, refunds, or low-interest loans might be available. Contact your local utility provider to check for similar programs.

Network and Attend Events

Engage in conferences, workshops, and seminars focusing on renewable energy, electric cars, and infrastructure development. These events offer a chance to connect with industry leaders who might share information on potential funding opportunities.

Contact Regional Development Agencies

Regional economic development agencies, business associations, and chambers of commerce could offer details about subsidies or incentives accessible to businesses or organizations interested in installing EV charging stations.

Download the free EV Startup Starter Kit that includes an EV Charging Business Plan template, Pitch Deck template, Funding Strategy, and the EV US Grant Guide.

Federal EV Charging Station Grants to Fund Your EV Business

US Department of Energy 

The US Department of Transportation’s Energy Improvement in Rural or Remote Areas Funding Opportunity allocated billions of dollars in government funding for constructing sustainable infrastructure for electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

The grant opportunity comes with a key condition: charging stations must be installed in rural areas, defined as locations with fewer than 10,000 people. Nevertheless, this could be a strategic commercial decision.

Establishing charging stations in remote areas implies minimal competition, providing an advantageous position in the market. There’s no specified maximum prize amount, and the opportunity is discretionary.

Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Environmental Mitigation Trust (US)

The VW Settlement Fund emerged from the resolution of the Volkswagen emissions scandal. A portion of this fund will be allocated to construct EV charging infrastructure across the United States.

Each state is responsible for choosing and executing initiatives. Funds are granted to individual states based on the number of affected vehicles in each state.

The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) provides comprehensive grant information on its website. Those interested in applying for EV charging station grants should visit their state’s website for specific requirements. Grant amounts vary because each state received a different portion of funds from the settlement.

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Alternative Fuel Corridors Program

The FHWA’s Alternative Fuel Corridors initiative aims to establish a network of alternative fueling and charging facilities along major routes.

This effort encourages the adoption of alternative fuels, including electricity, for long-distance travel. Grants are provided to state and local governments to build EV charging infrastructure along designated routes.

Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Low or No Emission (Low-No) Program

The FTA’s Low-No program finances the acquisition or leasing of low- or zero-emission transit buses and supports related infrastructure like charging stations. While mainly targeted at public transportation providers, this initiative indirectly aids in expanding EV charging infrastructure.

Clean Cities Coalition Grants

The Department of Energy (DOE) oversees the Clean Cities program, which allocates funding to local Clean Cities coalitions nationwide. These groups promote the use of alternative fuels and vehicles, such as electric cars. Some awards may be utilized to finance the installation of EV charging stations in their respective regions.

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program

The CMAQ program finances projects that improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion in state and local governments. This initiative might offer funding for EV charging infrastructure in areas with poor air quality.

The Steps to Apply for a Federal Tax Grant

To apply for a government grant for EV charging, you must go through the following steps:

1. Gather all of your company information, including the number of EV chargers and stations you own.
2. Gather all of your information, including your business kind, your goal for EV chargers, and how many you believe will be applicable to your firm.
3. Choose the federal agency you want to apply to.
4. Fill out the appropriate federal grant application, which is available on the federal government’s website.
5. Before the deadline, submit your federal grant application.
6. You will then have to wait for the federal government to make a decision, which might take many weeks or months.

While you wait for the decision, investigate EV charging firms near you and produce marketing materials to announce your dedication to sustainability.

Read the blog to find out what you need to know to start a business in the EV charging industry.

State Grants to Fund Your EV Business

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) — ChargeNY

Charge NY is a New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) effort that intends to accelerate electric car adoption and improve the state’s EV charging infrastructure. 

NYSERDA provides financing through a variety of initiatives, including the Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) program. These initiatives give incentives for the installation of Level 2 and Level 3 fast charging stations, among other things, in companies, municipalities, and multi-unit homes.

The amount of money available varies. In the case of DCFC, grant applicants can request that the fund pay 80% of the purchase, installation, and operational costs.

Businesses must be able to present a plan for establishing and managing a portfolio of EV charging stations in order to obtain award funds.

California Energy Commission — Clean Transportation Program

California allocates $100 million annually for initiatives like public charging stations, workplace charging, and multi-unit dwelling charging.

These funds support the adoption of clean transportation technologies, particularly EV charging infrastructure, under the California Energy Commission Clean Transportation Program.

The program offers a mix of competitive grants, contracts, and rebates that fluctuate throughout the year for eligible applicants. There’s a focus on grant opportunities for rural towns, similar to the Department of Energy grant.

Colorado Energy Office — Charge Ahead Colorado

Charge Ahead Colorado, managed by the Colorado Energy Office and the Regional Air Quality Council, is a financing initiative designed to increase electric car adoption and charging infrastructure.

Grants are accessible for installing Level 2 and Level 3 DC fast charging stations in public and private settings, including offices, multi-unit housing, and transit corridors.

Colorado’s incentives are comparable to New York’s in that they pay up to 80% of the cost of deployment for most EV charging stations and up to 90% for charging stations situated in income-qualified regions.

The Steps to Apply for a State Tax Grant

To apply for a state grant for EV charging, you must go through the following steps:

1. Gather all of your company information, including the number of EV chargers and stations you own.
2. Collect all of your information, including your business kind, your goal for EV chargers, and how many you believe will be applicable to your firm.
3. Choose the state grant you want to apply to. 
4. Fill out the appropriate state grant application, which is available on the state website.
5. Before the deadline, submit your grant application.
6. You will then have to wait for the state government to make a decision, which might take many weeks or months.
7. While you wait for the decision, investigate EV charging firms near you and produce marketing materials to announce your dedication to sustainability.

Here is a list of potential EV investors you need to look into today for your EV charging business! 

Final Thoughts

As you aim for success, you need to focus on the steps to apply for these grants. It involves gathering documentation and creating detailed project plans. Applying for the grant and waiting for approval demands hard work and dedication.

While waiting for the decision, use this time to create marketing materials. These materials should showcase your dedication to sustainability. They will help build excitement about how your EV charging stations will bring about a significant and positive transformation.

Besides, if you need any help managing and monetizing your EV charging infrastructure, 6senseEV is here to help you. Contact us here to speak to an expert about your EV charging business.