The Federal EV Charger Tax Credit Is Gone: What Connecticut Homeowners Need to Know About Remaining Incentives and Permit Requirements

The federal 30C tax credit for residential and commercial EV charger installations -- 30 percent of equipment and installation costs -- no longer applies to property placed in service on or after July 1, 2026. For Connecticut homeowners who missed the window, the credit is gone for now. But Eversource rebates (now income-restricted), a new nine-year statewide EV charging infrastructure program, and Connecticut's ongoing EV charger installation requirements are still in effect. Here is what changes and what does not.

The 30C Credit Is Gone -- What Expired and What It Covered

The federal 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit provided a tax credit equal to 30 percent of the cost of EV charger equipment and installation, with a maximum of $1,000 per port for residential use. For a homeowner who spent $2,500 on a Level 2 home charger and installation, the credit returned $750 in federal tax savings. Connecticut's own commercial and business EV charging rebates are a separate matter from the federal credit: they remain active in 2026 and are not income-tested, with incentive levels tiered by geography -- a baseline property versus one in an underserved community. Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issued a formal notice urging homeowners and businesses to place installations in service on or before June 30, 2026.

The credit lapsed as scheduled: it applied to property placed in service on or before June 30, 2026. There is no current legislative pathway that would revive it in the near term. Homeowners who began the installation process but did not get the work placed in service inside the window should consult a tax professional about whether any partial credit is available for equipment placed in service on or before June 30, 2026. Nothing placed in service on or after July 1, 2026 qualifies.

This does not mean there are no remaining incentives for Connecticut EV charger installations. The Eversource rebate program, Connecticut's equity-focused charging infrastructure program, and potential future federal action all remain in the landscape. But the most broadly accessible federal incentive is gone, and homeowners who were planning an installation should understand exactly which incentives are still available before proceeding.

Eversource Rebates: Now Income-Restricted in 2026

Eversource, Connecticut's largest electric utility, offered residential EV charger rebates that previously applied to a broad range of customers. As of January 1, 2026, those rebates are now restricted to qualifying income-eligible customers. To qualify for the current rebate program, a household must have income not exceeding 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, or the property must be situated in a state-designated High Poverty or Low Opportunity area. Customers outside these eligibility criteria are no longer eligible for the Eversource residential charger rebate.

For customers who do qualify, the Eversource rebate remains a meaningful incentive -- up to $1,500 total across a qualified smart charger and/or the associated wiring upgrade, not $1,500 for each. Enrollment in Eversource's Managed Charging program is required to receive that upfront rebate, and participation appears to carry a minimum commitment of roughly 24 months, so confirm the current terms before buying equipment. Customers who enroll in Managed Charging but do not receive an upfront rebate can instead receive a one-time $100 enrollment incentive -- the $100 and the upfront rebate are not stackable. Because the rebate applies to a qualified smart charger, verify that the specific unit is eligible before purchase, and confirm the current application steps and documentation requirements with Eversource.

United Illuminating, which serves the Greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas, has its own residential EV incentive programs with different eligibility requirements. Connecticut homeowners served by municipal utilities (Groton, Norwalk, Norwich, and others) should check their specific utility's program, as municipal utility incentives are set independently and may have different terms and eligibility than Eversource or United Illuminating.

Permit Requirements and What a Compliant EV Charger Installation Involves

In Connecticut, all EV charger installations require an electrical permit. This applies to both Level 1 (120-volt) and Level 2 (240-volt) installations. The permit must be pulled by a licensed Connecticut electrical contractor, or by a homeowner installing in their own owner-occupied, non-rental, non-for-sale single-family residence. The permit triggers an inspection by the local building department, which verifies that the installation meets NEC requirements for the breaker size, wiring gauge, and charger placement.

A typical residential Level 2 EV charger installation involves adding a dedicated 240-volt circuit -- usually a 50-amp circuit for a 40-amp charger -- from the main electrical panel to the charger location. For homes with a 100-amp service panel, the additional load from an EV charger may require a panel upgrade to 200-amp service before the charger circuit can safely be added. TJF Electric assesses the existing electrical service before quoting EV charger work to avoid surprises when the permit inspection identifies a panel upgrade requirement.

The Connecticut DMV has installed Level 2 EV charging stations at six branch locations across the state -- Cheshire, Enfield, Hamden, Norwalk, Old Saybrook, and Winsted -- with 36 units billing at $0.32 per kilowatt-hour. This public infrastructure expansion is part of Connecticut's nine-year statewide charging program. For homeowners who want the convenience of home charging rather than relying on public infrastructure, TJF Electric handles the full installation process from service assessment through permit, installation, and final inspection. Contact us for a quote.

7 Questions to Answer Before Installing an EV Charger in Connecticut

EV charger installations are straightforward when the right groundwork is done first. These questions determine what the project will actually require and what it will cost.

1. What is my current electrical panel size?: A 100-amp service panel may not have capacity for a dedicated 50-amp EV charger circuit without a panel upgrade. A 200-amp panel usually does. TJF Electric checks available capacity as part of every EV charger assessment.
2. Where is the charger going and how far is it from the panel?: The length of the circuit run from the panel to the charger location affects the wire gauge required and the total installation cost. Garage installations close to the panel are simpler; outdoor installations at the far end of the property are more involved.
3. Do I qualify for the Eversource rebate?: As of 2026, Eversource rebates require income eligibility or a qualifying location, and receiving the upfront rebate also requires enrolling in Managed Charging. Check the Eversource website for current program details and income limits before assuming the rebate is available.
4. Am I served by Eversource, United Illuminating, or a municipal utility?: Incentive programs differ by utility. United Illuminating and municipal utilities have their own programs with independent eligibility requirements. Confirm which utility serves your address before researching rebates.
5. What Level 2 charger amperage do I need?: Level 2 chargers range from 16 amps to 48 amps. A 40-amp charger on a 50-amp circuit adds roughly 25-30 miles of range per hour of charging, which is sufficient for most daily charging needs. Higher amperage costs more but charges faster -- useful if you drive high mileage or have multiple EVs.
6. Does my HOA or landlord allow EV charger installation?: Connecticut law gives EV owners the right to install chargers in their parking spaces in most HOA and rental contexts, but the process for obtaining approval and the cost responsibility for installation varies. Reviewing your HOA documents or lease before scheduling installation avoids delays.
7. Is the permit and inspection process included in my electrician's quote?: Permitting and inspection are required parts of every compliant EV charger installation in Connecticut. Some electricians quote the installation and list permitting as a separate add-on. TJF Electric includes permit handling in all EV charger installation quotes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I install a Level 2 EV charger myself in Connecticut?

A homeowner can pull an electrical permit and perform the work at their own owner-occupied primary residence that is not for rent or sale, under Connecticut's homeowner exemption. However, Level 2 charger installation involves 240-volt wiring and panel work that carries real safety risks. Most homeowners hire a licensed electrician, and many charger warranties require professional installation. TJF Electric handles the full installation and permit process for a fixed, quoted price.

Is there still any federal tax incentive for EV charger installation?

The 30C credit for residential EV charger equipment and installation does not apply to property placed in service on or after July 1, 2026. The general residential clean energy credit (Section 25D) applies to solar panels and battery storage but not EV chargers. Consult a tax professional to determine whether any other applicable credits -- such as the commercial energy credit for business-owned charging equipment -- may apply to your situation.

How long does a typical residential EV charger installation take?

The physical installation at a typical Connecticut home takes 2-4 hours for a straightforward garage installation with an existing 200-amp panel. Panel upgrades add time and require coordination with Eversource or the local utility. The permit inspection is typically scheduled within 1-2 weeks of installation completion. TJF Electric coordinates all of this and keeps the project moving through inspection.