Plug-In Austin EV Charging Station Rebate

Rebates Available for Installing EV Charging Stations

The Plug-In Austin network offers hundreds of electric vehicle charging stations throughout the Austin area. Most Plug-In Austin charging stations are privately owned, though some are also owned by Austin Energy. Commercial and multifamily Austin Energy account holders or their authorized representative are eligible for Plug-In Austin EV Charging Station Rebates if they install a ChargePoint network compatible station and join the Plug-In Austin network. The Plug-In Austin network allows subscribed drivers to charge unlimited for $4.17 per month at Level 2 stations. 

Station hosts joining the Plug-in Austin network must sign a Station Host Agreement (pdf) to let Austin Energy set station pricing for the Level 2 Plug-In EVerywhere station driver program and the DC Plug-In Fast stations. Austin Energy provides a bill credit for energy consumed (kWh) at host’s station(s), pays for hosts’ network renewal fees, and monitors the station(s).

Station host’s employees, customers, visitors, residents, or EV drivers in general can be Plug-In EVerywhere members and use all participating charging stations on the network, including the station host’s charging station(s). The station host has the option of limiting access to their level 2 charging stations for residents or employees.

Plug-in Austin Network is enabled by ChargePoint cloud services, which allows Austin Energy to set charging station session pricing, remotely monitor stations and sessions, and deploy electric grid solutions (for example, to cycle charging station off occasionally as needed). 
 

Why Join Plug-in Austin?

• Austin Energy pays for annual network licensing renewal fee*
• Austin Energy reimburses Host for the electricity (kWh) used at the station
• Austin Energy monitors the station(s) for problems and maintains the network infrastructure

Incentives Available

• All ChargePoint and Leviton Level 2 (240V) one or two port charging stations are eligible for a rebate of up to $4,000 per charging station installed at an existing construction site, and up to $2,500 per charging station installed with new construction.
• ChargePoint network compatible DC fast charging station(s) (480V, 50 kW or more) with SAE Combo & CHAdeMO connectors are eligible for a rebate of up to $15,000 per station. 
• Rebate amount is based on whichever is less (either the maximum rebate amount or 50% of total equipment and installation costs).
• Total rebate cannot exceed net costs paid by host, and to include third-party incentives.
• Application for rebate must be submitted within 180 days of charging station installation or, if in the City of Austin, within 180 days of a passing permit inspection. 
• Up to six level 2 and DC fast charging stations can be rebated per address, per year. 

*Austin Energy will not pay for initial network licensing fee but will pay for every subsequent year the stations remain on the Plug-In Austin network. 

Eligibility

• Must be an Austin Energy commercial or multifamily customer or their authorized representative. Authorized representatives include electric account holder at alternate address, parent corporation of account holder, property manager or owner, or tenant.
• One application per address point per fiscal year (October - September)
• Application for rebate and documentation of costs must be submitted within 180 days of charging station installation or, if in the City of Austin, passed permit inspection
• All steps to onboard charging station(s) onto Plug-In Austin network must be completed within 60 days of application submission (assistance will be provided by Austin Energy staff)

 
Contractual

• An executed Station Host Agreement (pdf)
• Rebate conditions include participation in future Austin Energy charge management Programs for a three-year term
• Station host allows Austin Energy to set and collect session fees (Austin Energy pricing policy)
• Station host owns station(s) and purchases the initial network cloud services activation fee
• Station host repairs station(s)

Installation

• Installations must follow National Electric Code
• Installations within the City of Austin must pass an inspection from the City of Austin
• Electric and construction make-ready can be done by any licensed professional but final station set up must satisfy station manufacturer (ChargePoint) requirements
• If installing DC fast charging station(s), station(s) must be open to the public
• Station(s) must have a wheel stop, a bollard, or a curb that protects the station and does not block a person using a wheelchair from using the station
• Must install standard “EV Charging ONLY” and tow away sign(s)
• Must install Austin Energy provided station inserts to identify the Plug-In Austin station(s)
• EV parking space must be reserved for electric vehicle charging only (except in parking spot reserved for ADA)

Technical 

• Hardware must be new, and ETL/cETL/UL listed
• Must submit photo(s) of site showing each: 1) charging station with program insert, 2) "EV Charging Only" and tow away signage (1 per port/ parking spot),  and 3) bollard, wheel stop, or curb (one per port/parking spot)
• Station host grants stations’ ChargePoint Cloud network access to Austin Energy