NJ EV charger rebates available right now
New Jersey has four programs that reduce the cost of installing an EV charger at your home. Combined, they can save you $1,000 to $6,000 depending on your utility and the scope of work.
| Program | Amount | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Charge Up New Jersey | $250 rebate | All NJ residents |
| PSE&G Make-Ready | Up to $5,000 | PSE&G customers |
| JCP&L EV Driven | Varies | JCP&L customers |
| Federal Tax Credit (Form 8911) | 30% of cost, up to $1,000 | All US taxpayers |
Charge Up New Jersey
This is the state-level rebate program run by the NJ Board of Public Utilities. It offers a $250 rebate on the purchase and installation of a Level 2 home EV charger.
How to apply: You install the charger first, then submit your application online through the NJ Clean Energy website. You will need your receipt for the charger, the installation invoice, and a copy of your electrical permit.
Processing time: Applications are typically processed within 6 to 8 weeks. The rebate comes as a check.
Fine print: The charger must be Level 2 (240V), ENERGY STAR certified, and installed at a residential property in New Jersey. One rebate per household.
PSE&G Make-Ready Program
This is the biggest money saver if you are a PSE&G customer. The Make-Ready program covers up to $5,000 in electrical infrastructure costs to prepare your property for an EV charger.
What it covers:
- Panel upgrades needed to support the charger
- New electrical conduit and wiring runs
- Meter upgrades
- Trenching for underground wiring to a detached garage
- The charger unit itself
- The final charger mounting and connection
- Permits (though these are relatively small, $75 to $200)
Why this matters: If your panel needs an upgrade to support an EV charger (about 40% of installations), the Make-Ready program can cover most or all of that $1,800 to $4,500 cost. That turns a $3,500 installation into a $1,500 one.
JCP&L EV Driven Program
JCP&L (Jersey Central Power & Light) offers rebates through their EV Driven program. The program has changed several times since it launched, so the current rebate amount varies.
How to check: Call JCP&L at 1-800-662-3115 or visit their website and search for "EV Driven." The customer service team can tell you the current rebate amount and eligibility requirements.
General structure: JCP&L has offered rebates ranging from $250 to $1,500 for Level 2 home charger installations. The program is funded in rounds, so availability depends on remaining budget.
Federal tax credit (Form 8911)
The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Equipment Credit covers 30% of the total cost of purchasing and installing a home EV charger, up to a $1,000 maximum.
What qualifies: The charger unit cost plus installation labor. If your total cost is $2,500, your credit is $750 (30% of $2,500). If your total cost is $4,000 or more, you get the full $1,000 cap.
How to claim: File IRS Form 8911 with your annual tax return. Keep your charger receipt and installation invoice.
Important: This is a tax credit, not a deduction. It reduces your tax bill dollar for dollar. If you owe $3,000 in taxes, a $1,000 credit drops that to $2,000.
How to stack these rebates
You can use all four programs on the same installation. Here is a real example:
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Total installation cost (including panel upgrade) | $4,200 |
| Minus PSE&G Make-Ready (panel + wiring) | -$3,000 |
| Minus Charge Up NJ rebate | -$250 |
| Minus federal tax credit (30% of remaining) | -$285 |
| Your out-of-pocket cost | $665 |
We handle the paperwork
At Harrelson Electric, Bruce identifies which rebates you qualify for during the free estimate. We fill out the PSE&G Make-Ready application, provide the documentation for Charge Up NJ, and give you the invoices you need for the federal tax credit.
Call (800) 732-0585 for a free EV charger estimate. We will tell you exactly which rebates apply to your situation and what your actual out-of-pocket cost will be.