The Biden administration recently released guidelines to expand eligibility for tax credits aimed at reducing the costs of installing electric vehicle (EV) chargers. This move is part of a broader effort to make EV chargers more accessible and affordable for Americans, supporting the administration’s goal of electric vehicles comprising 50% of new car sales by 2030.
Due to uncertainty over which locations would qualify for tax credit, as the chargers were required to be in non-urban or low-income areas, the new guidelines broadened eligibility. The Treasury Department will now cover areas where about two-thirds of the U.S. population resides, primarily outside major cities.
Businesses and consumers who install chargers for either public or private use, will receive a tax credit covering up to 30% of the installation cost. Clean energy supporters project that this will boost the installation of chargers, particularly in communities needing them the most. While EV sales have risen faster than other major car category, they have still not met the expected demand. Some car manufacturers have therefore reduced production. In an effort to broaden the adoption of EVs, these tax credits will increase the number of chargers available across the country.
The federal government is not only offering up to $7,500 in tax credits for each electric vehicle but is also investing billions in developing a national network of high-speed chargers. The rollout of this network has been slower than expected.
Experts like Luke Tonachel of the Natural Resources Defense Council believe the new guidance will accelerate the deployment of charging infrastructure. Albert Gore III of the Zero Emission Transportation Association also views this as a positive step towards attracting investments in rural and lower-income communities, significantly enhancing public charging availability.
