Key takeaways:
- In Georgia, EV owners can save on EV charging with rebates and other programs.
- Georgia Power, the largest utility in the state, will give you $250 toward a Level 2 EV charger.
- To take advantage of EV incentives, you’ll need to have your home upgraded with an EV charger installed by a licensed installer.
Incentive programs can make a big difference when adding an EV charger to your home. Georgia Power and some local utilities are offering cash rebates to help you save on chargers, and you might qualify for special pricing on your electric rate.
If you live in Lawrenceville, Roswell, or somewhere else in the greater Atlanta area, read on to learn more about incentives, EV permits, and other practical considerations for EV charging at home.
Why Level 2 EV Charging?
Before going further, it helps to understand your options for charging at home. Most EV owners start with Level 1 charging, which uses a standard 120-volt outlet. But if you have tried it, you know how slow it can be. Charging an empty battery to full can take more than 24 hours, which is not practical if you rely on your vehicle every day.
The better choice is Level 2 charging. A Level 2 charger connects to a 240-volt circuit and adds about 25 to 30 miles of driving range per hour of charging. This means you can plug in your vehicle in the evening and wake up with a full battery.
Installing a Level 2 charger requires buying the charger itself and sometimes upgrading your electrical panel or wiring. These costs vary depending on your home’s setup, and some Georgia utilities have rebates to help you save on this process.
Before you can install an EV charger in Lawrenceville, GA, or another nearby city, you’ll need an EV charging permit from Gwinnett County.
Save on EV Charging with Georgia Power
Georgia Power serves about 2.7 million customers, including many in Gwinnett County. Customers can get a $250 rebate for installing a Level 2 charger at their single-family homes.
In addition to the rebate, Georgia Power offers the Overnight Advantage plan. With this optional plan, electricity costs less at night between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. You can take advantage of this lower rate by using the scheduling feature on your EV charger.
City of Norcross EV Charger Incentive
If you’re a customer of Norcross Power, you can claim a $200 rebate toward a Level 2 charger. However, this incentive is only good for hardwired chargers, so you won’t be able to save on a portable model.
Incentives for Georgia Businesses
Businesses can save on EV charging thanks to tax incentives at the state level. You can claim a tax credit equal to 10% of the cost of a charging station, up to $2,500. A similar credit is available if a business converts a traditional vehicle to clean energy.
Getting Your EV Charging Permit and Why You Should Work With a Licensed Installer
You can’t claim an EV rebate without going through the proper installation process. Here’s what it looks like:
- A licensed Lawrenceville or Roswell electrician inspects your electrical infrastructure to determine if it can handle Level 2 charging.
- They will then plan for any necessary upgrades and help you choose a Level 2 charger, as well as the best spot for installing it.
- Next, they’ll pull an EV permit for you. It’s an official authorization from your city or township’s building department to do electrical work in your home.
- Once they have the permit, your installer will wire the Level 2 charger and handle any other electrical upgrades.
- Your local building department will then perform a final inspection to ensure that your EV charger is up to code.
After your charger passes this final inspection, you can send documentation from your EV installer and local building department to Georgia Power of Norcross Power and claim your rebate.
EV Charger Installation Made Easy With Kalahari Electrical Services
Work with a licensed EV installer to take advantage of the rebates available to you. Your installer can help you navigate the application process for these incentives and perform an installation that is safe and up to code.
At Kalahari Electrical Services, we offer all-inclusive EV charger installations. Our licensed electricians plan the entire process with you, from the initial assessment to the final testing.
Contact us at 678-665-2309 or online to learn more about our EV charger installation services.
FAQ
The cost depends on the charger brand and the kind of electrical upgrades needed to install it. On average, homeowners in Georgia spend between $700 and $2,000, plus labor and any required panel upgrades.
Yes, most counties, including Gwinnett County, require an EV charging permit. A licensed electrician will handle this step as part of the installation.
Georgia Power offers a $250 rebate on a Level 2 charger. You can also get a $200 rebate through Norcross Power, and businesses can claim a state tax credit.
