Excel Energy EV Rebates

Electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow in popularity, driven by their environmental benefits and potential cost savings. However, the cost of installing home charging infrastructure can be a significant barrier for many homeowners. Xcel Energy's EV Home Wiring Rebate Program aims to mitigate this cost, providing meaningful financial incentives to encourage more residential customers to embrace electric mobility.

Why the Xcel Energy EV Home Wiring Rebate is Essential

Given recent legislative changes, such as the signing of Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," which will eliminate key federal incentives like the $7,500 EV credit and the 30C tax credit for charging infrastructure after September 30, 2025, and June 30th, 2026 respectively, programs like Xcel Energy’s rebate become increasingly critical. By offering rebates directly to customers, Xcel Energy helps offset the upfront expenses of installing Level 2 EV charging equipment, ensuring continued affordability and adoption despite diminishing federal support.

Residents Eligible for the EV Home Wiring Rebate

Currently, the rebate program is available to residential customers of Xcel Energy in Colorado and/or other states. This specific geographical focus allows Xcel Energy to support local EV adoption efforts effectively. Colorado residents can significantly benefit from this program, aligning with the state's broader goals for sustainable energy use and reducing transportation-related emissions, adding and expanding upon other Colorado state based EV tax credits and incentives.

Understanding the Benefits of the EV Home Wiring Rebate

Xcel Energy provides two rebate options to accommodate varying customer needs:

Standard Rebate

Customers can receive up to $500 toward the cost of installing a dedicated 240V electrical circuit (Premises Wiring) and the purchase of a qualifying Level 2 EV charger. This support greatly reduces the financial barrier to setting up effective home charging infrastructure, facilitating faster and more convenient charging compared to standard Level 1 outlets.

Enhanced Rebate for Income-Qualified Customers

To further encourage equitable access to EV technology, income-qualified customers may receive an enhanced rebate of up to $1,300. This additional support ensures broader participation across diverse income levels, democratizing the benefits of EV ownership.

What are the Eligibility Criterion?

The eligibility criterion consists of the following per Xcel Energy's website:

Reside in a home serviced by Xcel Energy for electricity.
Drive an electric vehicle (electric or plug-in-hybrid) or plan to buy or lease an EV.
Purchased a qualifying charger or have installed or plan to install a 240V circuit in your garage on or after March 11, 2025.
Installation of your 240V circuit by a licensed electrician
Participate in one of the following programs:
You must agree to participate in the program for at least 12 consecutive months from the date the Rebate is issued*.

*Income-qualified customers are able to cancel their participation in the program at any time.

Participating in Xcel Energy EV Charging Programs

To qualify for the EV Home Wiring Rebate, customers must participate in one of their following programs. Here's a closer look at each one:

EV Accelerate at Home – Pay As You Go

This flexible program allows customers to rent a ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger directly from Xcel Energy with minimal upfront costs. Customers pay a low monthly rental fee of approximately $15, billed directly by Xcel Energy. Alternatively, participants can use their own qualifying charger. The program provides cost savings through off-peak pricing, encouraging customers to charge their vehicles between midnight and 6 a.m., helping manage electricity demand efficiently.

Eligibility:

Residential Xcel Energy electric customer
Ownership or lease of an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle
Single-family home or townhome residence
Wi-Fi connectivity at the charging location
Installation performed by a licensed electrician

EV Accelerate at Home – Subscription

Xcel Energy's EV Accelerate at Home – Subscription program offers a comprehensive solution for EV owners seeking a hassle-free home charging experience. For a flat monthly fee, customers receive a Level 2 charger, professional installation, and ongoing maintenance, all managed by Xcel Energy. This turnkey approach eliminates the complexities of purchasing equipment and coordinating installation.

Key Features:

Flat Monthly Fee: Enjoy the convenience of a consistent monthly charge (~$50) that covers the charger, installation, and maintenance.
Professional Installation: Xcel Energy coordinates the installation of the Level 2 charger by a qualified electrician, ensuring safety and compliance with local codes.
Ongoing Support: Maintenance and support for the charging equipment are included, providing peace of mind for participants.

Eligibility Requirements:

Residential Customer: Must be a residential electric customer of Xcel Energy.
EV Ownership: Own or lease an electric vehicle (battery electric or plug-in hybrid).
Home Type: Reside in a single-family home or townhome.
Wi-Fi Access: Have Wi-Fi service at the charging location to enable communication with the charger.
Installation: Agree to the installation of the Level 2 charger by an Xcel Energy-approved electrician.

Charger Details:

Eligible Charger: The program utilizes the ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger, known for its fast charging capabilities and compatibility with a wide range of EV models.

For more information or to enroll in the program, visit Xcel Energy's EV Accelerate at Home – Subscription page.

Optimize Your Charge Pilot

Xcel Energy's Optimize Your Charge program is designed to encourage electric vehicle (EV) owners to charge their vehicles during off-peak hours, thereby supporting grid efficiency and promoting the use of renewable energy sources. Participants receive financial incentives for adhering to optimized charging schedules.

Key Benefits

Annual Incentive: Participants can earn up to a $50 annual credit on their Xcel Energy electricity bill for each enrolled EV or qualifying charger.
Grid Efficiency: By charging during off-peak hours, customers help reduce strain on the electrical grid and support the integration of renewable energy.
Personalized Charging Schedules: Participants select charging schedules that align with their driving needs while benefiting the grid.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the program, customers must:

Be residential electric customers of Xcel Energy in Colorado, Minnesota, or New Mexico.
Own or lease a qualifying EV or use a qualifying home charger.
Charge their EV at home using Level 1 or Level 2 charging equipment.
Enroll in the program and agree to charge during selected off-peak hours.

Qualifying Vehicles and Chargers

The program supports various EV models, including:

Tesla: All models and trims.
Toyota: bZ4X (2023+), Prius Prime (2017+), RAV4 Prime (2021+), among others.
Lexus: NX 450h+ (2022+), RZ 300e (2024+), RZ 450e (2023+).

Participants can use any home charging equipment, including Level 1 (120V) or Level 2 (240V) chargers. However, Level 2 chargers are recommended for faster and more efficient charging.

Charging Schedules

Participants select from predefined charging windows that vary by state:

Colorado and New Mexico:
- 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM
- 12:30 AM – 9:30 AM
- 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Minnesota:
- 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM
- 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM

Participants must charge during their selected window at least 25% of the time to remain eligible for the annual incentive.

Enrollment Process

Create an Account: Sign up through the WeaveGrid portal to create a personal EV profile.
Connect Vehicle or Charger: Authorize WeaveGrid to access your EV or charger's data by signing in with your respective app credentials.
Select Charging Schedule: Choose a charging window that aligns with your routine and supports grid efficiency.
Maintain Participation: Ensure that at least 25% of your charging sessions occur during your selected window to qualify for the annual credit.

Additional Considerations

Data Sharing: Participants consent to share charging data with Xcel Energy and its authorized vendors to facilitate program benefits and grid planning.
Program Flexibility: Participants can override their charging schedule as needed without penalty, provided they meet the minimum charging requirements.
Rebate Eligibility: Enrollment in the Optimize Your Charge program is a prerequisite for certain rebates, such as the EV Charger and Wiring Rebate.

For more information or to enroll, visit Xcel Energy's Optimize Your Charge page.

Time of Day – Separate Meter

Xcel Energy's Time of Day – Separate Meter program offers Minnesota residential customers the opportunity to reduce their electricity costs by shifting usage to off-peak hours. By installing a separate meter, customers can take advantage of lower rates during designated off-peak periods, making it particularly beneficial for electric vehicle (EV) owners and those with high electricity consumption.

Key Features

Off-Peak Savings: Charge your EV or use electricity during off-peak hours (typically nights and weekends) at rates approximately 50% lower than standard residential rates.
Separate Meter Installation: A dedicated meter is installed to track electricity usage during off-peak and peak periods, ensuring accurate billing.
Flexible Usage: Ideal for customers who can shift a significant portion of their electricity usage to off-peak times, such as EV charging, laundry, or dishwashing.

Rate Structure

The program operates on a time-of-day rate schedule, with distinct rates for peak and off-peak hours:

Peak Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Off-Peak Hours: All other times, including weekends and designated holidays

Rates vary based on the season and service type. For instance, during summer months (June–September), non-heating customers with overhead service pay:

Off-Peak: 1.92¢ per kWh
Peak: 16.358¢ per kWh

Monthly service charges also apply, ranging from $6.65 to $10.65, depending on the service configuration.

Eligibility and Requirements

To participate in the program, customers must:

Be a Residential Customer: Located in Minnesota and served by Xcel Energy.
Install a Separate Meter: A qualified electrician must install a dedicated meter socket with a lever bypass, conforming to Xcel Energy's specifications.
Shift Usage: Commit to using at least 65% of electricity during off-peak hours to maximize savings.
Maintain Compliance: Adhere to all installation and operational guidelines as outlined by Xcel Energy.

Enrollment Process

Consultation: Contact Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-4999 to discuss eligibility and program details.
Installation: Hire a licensed electrician to install the necessary metering equipment.
Application: Submit the completed application and inspection documents to Xcel Energy.
Activation: Xcel Energy will install the off-peak meter and activate the program.

Considerations

Upfront Costs: Installation of the separate meter and associated equipment is at the customer's expense, with estimates ranging from $300 to $900.
Usage Patterns: Customers who cannot shift a significant portion of their electricity usage to off-peak hours may not realize substantial savings.
Program Commitment: Participants are typically required to remain on the Time of Day rate for a minimum of one year.

How to Apply for the Xcel Energy EV Home Wiring Rebate

Applying for the rebate involves several straightforward steps:

Step 1: Purchase and Installation

Select and install a qualifying Level 2 EV charger through a licensed electrician to ensure compliance and safety.

Step 2: Enroll in a Qualifying Program

Join the Optimize Your Charge or any of the other eligible programs outlined above. These initiatives help manage energy costs and grid impacts effectively.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once installation and enrollment are complete, submit your rebate application via Xcel Energy’s Digital Application portal, email, or mail, along with required documentation:

Proof of charger purchase
Installation receipts
Program enrollment confirmation
Written permission from property owners for renters

Detailed instructions are available in the Rebate Application PDF.

Important Considerations and Deadlines

Applications must be submitted by September 30th of the year following installation. Participants are required to maintain enrollment in the chosen program for at least 12 months, underscoring a commitment to responsible energy use.

Strategic Timing: Act Now Before Federal Incentives Expire

With federal incentives like the 30C tax credit soon ending, programs like Xcel Energy's rebates are increasingly valuable. Taking timely action ensures maximum financial benefit. Xcel Energy’s EV Home Wiring Rebate and associated programs significantly lower barriers to EV adoption, making sustainable transportation accessible and affordable.

Licensed Electricians In Colorado

If you are looking to install a level 2 charger in your home, ChargerPro can help. ChargerPro's team of licensed electricians offers fast, affordable, and expert EV charger installation. We install all kinds of chargers, including the ChargePoint Home Flex, for all vehicle brands. Book an installation date today!

Excel Energy EV Rebates - What To Know and How To Apply