Incentives play an important role in any comprehensive strategy to help charge point operators (CPO) expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. And though the United States and the European Union have taken significant steps to expand EV charging infrastructure, the sector’s political backing is uncertain, underscored by political shifts in North America and Europe.
Under the Trump administration, there could be a greater emphasis on market-driven solutions, which may reduce government involvement in the sector. Regardless of political headwinds, the e-mobility industry will continue to meet the rising demand for EV charging, driven by both technological advancements and environmental goals.
While China is the undisputed leader in EV charger infrastructure buildout, the United States and the EU offer compelling reasons for charge point operators (CPO) to expand EV charging infrastructure in 2025. At Driivz, we strive to make sure CPOs have every opportunity to expand their charging networks, so we’ve assembled this up-to-date list of key incentives in the US and EU and how to access them to supercharge your networks.
US Federal Incentives for EV Charging Infrastructure
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)
The IRA includes provisions to improve access to EVs and EV charging infrastructure. The IRA funds several EV-related programs across multiple Federal agencies by means of the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit, which provides funding for diverse EV charging infrastructure projects:
- Certain EV charging equipment for a business, fleet, or tax-exempt entity may be eligible for a tax credit valued at 6 percent of the cost of property subject to depreciation, with a maximum credit of $100,000 for each piece of equipment (“Equipment” is defined as a charging port as well as energy storage equipment like batteries)
- Costs that are essential for operating charging ports—including labor costs for construction and installation—are also eligible for the credit. It’s important to remember that the entity claiming the credit must be the owner of the infrastructure
- Projects that meet special labor and wage requirements may be eligible to receive a tax credit equal to 30% of the cost of property subject to depreciation
Eligible equipment must be installed in an eligible census tract, which you can identify with this tool.
National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program
NEVI aims to strategically deploy EV charging infrastructure along North American highways. NEVI funding can be used to acquire, install, operate, and maintain EV charging stations and establish long-term data sharing. The program’s initial goal is to establish an interconnected system of Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) featuring DC fast chargers every 50 miles. Funding is available in any publicly accessible location. The Program allocates $5 billion to states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico through 2026.
How to Access NEVI Funding
Qualifying projects must meet the EV Charging Minimum Standards Rule. To become eligible for funding, states must submit annual plans outlining how they will utilize NEVI funds. Funding can only be distributed after a project’s location state has built out its AFC network, so be sure to check your state’s NEVI plan and federally approved state NEVI plans for additional eligibility requirements.
State Incentives
In addition to federal incentives, many states and local governments offer monetary and non-monetary incentives to EV charging infrastructure. These programs can vary dramatically and are updated frequently, but include programs such as:
- New York’s Charge Ready NY 2.0, which provides $4,000 per charging port in qualifying disadvantaged communities and $2,000 per charging port installed at a workplace or multi-family residential building
- Other New York State programs that could help pay for some or all of the expenses related to purchasing, installing, and maintaining EV charging infrastructure can be found here
- In California, the CalCAP Zero-Emission Heavy-Duty Programs provide financing for zero-emission heavy-duty and medium-duty EV infrastructure
How to find State EV Charger Incentives
The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) contains a wealth of information related to EV charging infrastructure incentives. To start, enter your zip code, then filter your search for charging equipment incentives. Additionally, the Department of Energy’s searchable database provides an exhaustive list of state, federal, municipal, utility, and private incentives available to offset the cost of EV charging equipment.
European Incentives for EV Charging
The European Commission estimates that 3.5 million charging points will be needed by 2030 to support the level of vehicle electrification necessary to reach the EU’s 55% CO2 reduction for vehicular transportation. ACEA, Europe’s premier automotive manufacturing consortium, says that meeting the continent’s decarbonization targets will likely require nearly 9 million charge points by 2030.
The European Union (EU) and its member states offer generous incentives promoting EV charging infrastructure in Europe.
Connecting Europe Facility Transport (CEFT)
The CEF Transport Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) Call for Proposal supports the deployment of clean fuel infrastructure, contributing to decarbonizing transport along the TEN-T Network. One of AFIF’s primary objectives is the expansion of public EV charging infrastructure across the EU’s primary transport corridors and hubs.
The following EV-related projects are eligible for AFIF funding:
- Public EV charging stations
- Megawatt recharging stations for Heavy Duty Vehicles
- Support to electricity and hydrogen supply at airports
- Support to electricity supply and ammonia and methanol bunkering facilities in ports
AFIF only funds mature projects with a financing approval letter from an Implementing Partner (such as the European Investment Bank or other national banking institutions) or a public or private financial institution established in the EU. Check the EU’s call for proposals page regularly to stay up-to-date on funding opportunities. Applicants can submit their proposals before any of the two 2025 cut-off dates:
- June 11, 2025 at 17.00 (CET)
- December 17, 2025 at 17.00 (CET)
Required documentation, contact information, and applications can be found on the Funding & Tenders Portal. Country-specific CEF Transport contacts can help CPOs navigate EU funding for EV infrastructure in specific jurisdictions.
Which European Countries Offer EV Charging Infrastructure Incentives?
In parallel with EU-wide policies, countries across Europe are proactively encouraging the expansion of EV charging infrastructure. National incentives come in a variety of forms, with just a few examples being:
- Lithuania: Up to €3,000 for shared systems in multi-family buildings and a public charging infrastructure subsidy of up to €10,000
- Spain: Companies and public charging points below 50 kW receive 35-55 percent of the eligible cost. Companies and public charging points above 50 kW receive 30 percent of the eligible costs. These amounts increase in municipalities with less than 5,000 inhabitants
- Sweden: The “Ladda bilen” grant allows for the installation of AC charging for residents in apartment buildings and workplaces. The grant covers up to 50 percent of costs with a maximum SEK 15,000 per charging point
- United Kingdom: The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) covers up to 75% of the cost and a maximum £350/socket (maximum 40 sockets)
Looking ahead
Programs like the IRA, NEVI, and EU’s CEF are driving the expansion of charging networks, making EV adoption more accessible and practical for a wider range of consumers and businesses. At the state and local levels, tailored incentives offer additional funding opportunities to help overcome the high costs of installation and operation. However, under a future Trump administration, CPOs must double down on market-driven solutions considering how global reduction in government support could alter the landscape for EV infrastructure incentives.
Despite these uncertainties, the EV industry will continue to thrive with or without continued government incentives. The growing demand for electric vehicles and the technological advancements driving the sector ensure that the transition to cleaner transportation will persist, driven by both market forces and environmental imperatives.
Until then, billions are up for the taking.
