How to Claim EV Charger Rebates in Colorado

Thinking about installing an EV charger at home? Great news.

EV charger rebates in Colorado

Colorado wants to help you pay for it. With generous EV charger rebates, tax credits, and local utility incentive programs, it is never been easier (or smarter) to upgrade your garage for electric vehicle charging.

In this guide, we will walk you through how to claim EV charger rebates in Colorado, what incentives are available, who qualifies, and how The Electricians can help you make it happen without the stress.

What Is the EV Charger Rebate in Colorado? (2026 Update)

Colorado homeowners still have access to excellent incentives for installing a Level 2 home EV charger. However, rebate programs have changed, and not every amount you may have seen in previous years still applies.

Here are the verified, accurate incentives for 2026:

Federal EV Charger Tax Credit (Available Through June 30, 2026)

The federal Alternative Fuel Refueling Infrastructure Tax Credit is still active but has a new expiration date.

What you can claim:

  • 30 percent of the total charger + installation cost, up to $1,000
  • Claimed using IRS Form 8911

This applies to most home Level 2 chargers installed in 2026.

Important: This tax credit is scheduled to end June 30, 2026, unless extended by Congress.

Colorado State Incentives (2026)

Colorado’s home EV charger incentives are now delivered through the Colorado Affordable Residential Energy (CARe) rebate platform, available only in Xcel Energy service areas.

CARe EV Charger Rebates (Homeowners in Xcel Territory):

  • Up to $200 for a qualifying ENERGY STAR Level 2 charger
  • Up to $2,000 for a bi-directional (V2B) charger
  • Rebates generally cover up to 80 percent of equipment cost

These rebates do not apply to every utility in Colorado. They are specific to homeowners served by Xcel Energy.

2026 Utility Company EV Charger Rebates in Colorado

Utility companies offer the most reliable rebates for Colorado homeowners. These amounts are verified from late-2025 program data and expected to continue into 2026, though homeowners should always confirm current amounts.

Xcel Energy – Colorado (Denver Metro & Front Range)

EV Charger & Wiring Rebates (2026):

  • Up to $500 for installing a 240V circuit and Level 2 charger
  • Up to $800 for customers in Disproportionately Impacted Communities
  • Up to $2,300 for income-qualified customers (covers wiring + charger)

Requirements:

  • Must use a licensed electrician
  • Must join Xcel’s Optimize Your Charge smart-charging program for full benefit
  • Receipts must be submitted within one year of installation

The Electricians can handle all required documentation for you.

Black Hills Energy (Southern Colorado, Pueblo, Cañon City)

Ready EV Residential Charger Rebates:

  • $500 for a Level 2 charger
  • Up to $1,300 for income-qualified homeowners

This program is one of the most generous outside of the Front Range.

Holy Cross Energy (Vail, Aspen, Glenwood Springs Region)

Home Charger Rebate:

  • Up to $549 toward a qualifying Level 2 charger
  • Additional annual rewards for joining their smart charging network

La Plata Electric Association (Durango & Surrounding Areas)

Residential EV Charger Rebate:

  • Up to $500 toward the charger
  • Up to $500 toward installation
  • Total possible savings: $1,000

Gunnison County Electric Association (Gunnison, Crested Butte)

Home Level 2 Rebate:

  • 50 percent of charger + installation cost, up to $1,250 total

United Power (Brighton, Mead, Carbon Valley, North Metro)

Home Charger Incentives:

  • Up to $500 for make-ready wiring
  • Up to $1,000 for enrolling in United EV managed charging
  • Total potential rebate: Up to $1,500

claim ev charger rebates in Colorado

Poudre Valley REA (Fort Collins / Northern Colorado)

2026 Rebates:

  • $250 to $1,000, depending on charger type and whether you join TOU or smart-charging programs

Other Colorado Co-ops

Many rural and mountain co-ops offer additional rebates:

  • $250–$1,000 for Level 2 home chargers
  • Typically cover up to 50 percent of total project cost
  • Often require joining a Time-of-Use rate or smart-charging program

These programs change frequently based on annual funding. Homeowners should check with their specific electric co-op before installing.

Here is some more information from the Colorado government.

Why Is Colorado Offering EV Charging Incentives?

Colorado is going all in on clean transportation. With ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the state is encouraging drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs).

EV incentives, including rebates and tax credits for home charging equipment, help offset the upfront installation costs and make owning an electric vehicle more accessible. Whether you are driving a Tesla, Nissan Leaf, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), you can take advantage of these savings.

Colorado’s goal is to have nearly 1 million EVs on the road by 2030. These rebate and assistance programs are one way they are helping homeowners get there.

These incentives also support local economic growth by creating demand for skilled electricians and EV infrastructure installation. So when you invest in home EV charging, you are not just helping the environment. You are helping your community, too.

In addition, these programs can lead to reduced dependence on fossil fuels, improved air quality, and long-term cost savings for families statewide. It is a win for your wallet and for the planet.

Do I Need a Permit to Install an EV Charger in Colorado?

Yes, you do. Like most significant electrical upgrades, installing a Level 2 EV charger requires a permit and electrical inspection. It ensures everything is safe, legal, and will not cause issues with your home’s electrical system.

Skipping this step can lead to denied rebates, failed inspections, or even voided insurance claims. At The Electricians, we are licensed, insured, and certified Tesla installers. We handle all permits, inspections, and paperwork so you can relax.

If your home requires an electrical panel upgrade to support a new charger, we can evaluate your current setup and provide expert recommendations that fit your needs and budget.

How to Claim Credit on My EV Charger: Step-by-Step

Here is how to make the most of Colorado’s EV incentives without the stress:

1. Choose a Qualified EV Charger

Make sure your Level 2 charger or DC fast charger is on the approved list. Tesla Wall Connectors and many ENERGY STAR certified models qualify. This helps ensure your rebate eligibility and provides top safety and charging performance.

2. Hire a Certified Electrician

Rebate programs often require professional installation. The Electricians are your go-to experts. We ensure your charger is properly integrated with your home panel, and we will let you know if a smart electrical panel upgrade is recommended.

3. Pull Permits and Schedule Inspection

We take care of this. Permitting is essential for most rebate applications. Do not skip this part, or you might miss out on valuable savings.

4. Apply for Rebates

Submit the required documents online. This usually includes:

  • Your receipt or invoice
  • Photos of the completed installation
  • Permit approval
  • Our licensed contractor info

We recommend saving digital copies of everything. Processing times can vary, and having all the paperwork ready helps avoid delays.

5. Claim Your Federal Tax Credit

Use IRS Form 8911 to claim a portion of your installation costs. This form is submitted with your federal tax return, and you could receive up to $1,000 depending on expenses. We provide all documentation to support your claim.

Do not forget to speak with your tax preparer or financial advisor to make sure you maximize your benefits. The savings are well worth the effort.

Common Questions About Colorado EV Charger Rebates

What if I already installed my charger?

Most programs accept applications within 60 to 90 days of installation. If you miss that window, you might still qualify for federal incentives. Double-check the requirements and act fast.

ev charger at home

Can I stack multiple rebates?

Yes, you can. State, federal, and utility rebates can be combined to save you even more. Some homeowners recoup more than $2,000 in total incentives.

Are rebates available for apartment buildings?

They are. Property owners and managers can qualify for commercial or multi-family EV charging incentives. These often come with larger rebate amounts and support shared charging infrastructure.

Do plug-in hybrid vehicles qualify?

Yes. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are eligible as long as you install a qualifying Level 2 charger.

What charging equipment is eligible?

Most ENERGY STAR certified Level 2 chargers qualify. Brands like Tesla, ChargePoint, JuiceBox, and others are commonly accepted. DC fast chargers are typically covered under commercial or multifamily programs.

If you are ever unsure about whether your charger qualifies, just ask us. We stay updated on approved models and can recommend what works best for your situation.

Bonus: EV Charging Rewards and Smart Charging Programs

Ongoing savings are available through smart charging programs. Utilities offer:

  • Bill credits for charging during off-peak hours
  • Annual rewards for joining automated charging systems

Examples:

  • Xcel Energy offers monthly credits through its smart charging network.
  • Holy Cross Energy provides $50 per year for smart charging participation.

Participating in these programs does more than save money. It helps balance energy demand, reduce fossil fuel use, and protect the environment. Plus, it is as easy as setting your charger to run while you sleep.

ev installation at home

Get Expert Help with Your EV Charger Installation (and Rebates!)

Installing EV charging equipment should not be a hassle. At The Electricians, we make it simple:

  • We take care of permits and inspections
  • We recommend the best charging equipment for your vehicle
  • We install everything to code
  • We help you claim every rebate and credit available

We support Colorado’s clean energy future and are proud to help homeowners join the electric revolution. Whether you drive a Tesla or any other EV, we are ready to assist.

With hundreds of successful installations under our belt, we know how to get the job done right. Let us help you save money and drive into the future with confidence.

Want help installing your EV charger and getting your rebate? Contact us today or call 720-633-5937.

Electrical Panels in Colorado Homes

Many homes across Colorado, especially in Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, and Colorado Springs, were built with electrical panels that were never designed for modern power demands. Cold winters, EV charging, home offices, and newer appliances place added stress on older panels and breakers.

If you are noticing frequent breaker trips, buzzing sounds, or planning an upgrade like an EV charger or heat pump, a licensed Colorado electrician can evaluate whether your panel needs repairs or a full power upgrade.