If you own an electric vehicle (EV), you know that charging it can be a significant expense. However, there are some hidden secret savings that you can take advantage of to lower your charging costs and make your EV ownership more affordable. Here are some tips and tricks to help you save money on EV chargers.

1. **Use free charging stations.** One of the easiest ways to save money on EV charging is to use free charging stations that are available in many public places, such as shopping malls, parks, hospitals, city parking garages, and more¹. The government gives companies a tax credit of up to $100,000 for installing EV chargers, so you may see more free charging stations pop up near you⁴. You can use apps like PlugShare or ChargePoint to find free charging stations near you.
2. **Use off-peak rates.** Another way to save money on EV charging is to charge your EV during off-peak hours, when the electricity rates are lower¹. Off-peak hours vary depending on your location and utility company, but they are usually at night and on weekends. You can check your local utility company's website or app to find out the off-peak hours and rates in your area. Some EVs, such as Tesla models, allow you to schedule your charging to start and stop at specific times, so you can take advantage of the off-peak rates without having to remember to plug in or unplug your EV¹.
3. **Use special rates or discounts.** Some utility companies offer special rates or discounts for EV owners who charge their EVs at home or enroll in smart charging programs¹. For example, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) in California offers an EV rate plan that charges lower rates at night and on weekends¹. Southern California Edison (SCE) offers a Clean Fuel Reward program that gives a one-time rebate of up to $1,000 for new or used EVs¹. Con Edison in New York offers a SmartCharge New York program that pays EV owners up to $500 per year for charging during off-peak hours¹. You can contact your utility company or visit their website to find out if they offer any incentives for EV charging.
4. **Use tax credits or rebates.** The federal government offers a tax credit of up to $7,500 for qualifying new EVs and PHEVs purchased after January 1, 2023². The amount of the credit depends on the battery capacity and the manufacturer of the vehicle. Some popular models, such as the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, and the Volkswagen ID.4, are eligible for the full credit². However, the credit is not refundable, which means you need to have enough tax liability to claim it. You also need to be the original owner of the vehicle and use it for personal or business purposes².

The federal government also offers a tax credit of up to $1,000 for installing a residential charging station at your home³. The credit covers 30% of the cost of the equipment and installation, up to $1,000 for individuals and $30,000 for businesses³. The credit is available for chargers installed between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023³.

Some states also offer tax credits or rebates for buying new or used EVs or installing charging stations at home or at work³. For example, Colorado offers a tax credit of up to $4,000 for new EVs and PHEVs, and up to $2,000 for used ones³. New York offers a rebate of up to $2,000 for new EVs and PHEVs that cost less than $42,000³. California offers a rebate of up to $4,500 for new EVs and PHEVs, with higher amounts for low- and moderate-income consumers³. You can check your state's incentives here.

1. **Use solar energy.** If you have solar panels installed on your home or business, you can use them to charge your EV and save money on electricity bills¹. Solar energy is clean, renewable, and free once you pay for the initial installation costs. You can also sell any excess solar energy back to the grid and earn credits that can offset your electricity costs¹. Some solar companies offer special deals or packages for EV owners who want to install solar panels and chargers at the same time. For example, Tesla offers a Solar Roof and Powerwall package that includes a home battery and an EV charger¹.