You may have heard that the Arkansas Department of Energy & Environmental (AE&E) is working to expand the State’s growing electric vehicle charging infrastructure through an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Rebate Program.
If you have not heard about it, through this program, government, private, and non-profit organizations may qualify for a rebate for the installation of an electric vehicle charging station, known as Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). Renewable Rayna is here to answer all your questions about this environmentally friendly and cost-saving program.
How much is the rebate?
Rebates will be awarded up to 50-90% of the purchase price of the equipment and the installation cost of the EVSE, not to exceed the dollar limit rebate. The table below provides the rebate amounts for the Level 2 EVSE publicly available.
The rebate in the table above is on a per station basis. This means that each site host can have up to 10 stations and while receiving a full rebate for each qualifying station.
What technology is eligible for the rebate?
According to the AE&E, “Electric Vehicle Equipment Supply” or “EVSE” means the conductors, including the ungrounded, grounded, and equipment grounding conductors and the electric vehicle connectors, attachment plugs, and all other fittings, devices, power outlets, or apparatus installed specifically for the purpose of delivering energy from the premises wiring to the electric vehicle.
And “Level 2 EVSE” means a freestanding or wall-mounted charging structure capable of being networked that delivers a 208/240Vcharge via a SAE J1772 or “J” plug.
In short, qualifying for this rebate are commercial level 2 EV chargers capable of charging via a standardized port, such as the ChargePoint Commercial Level 2 Charger. Qualifying chargers will need to be “smart” chargers to ensure remote monitoring and measurement capabilities.
“Smart chargers” are chargers that have a network connection. Necessary for this rebate, a network connection enables you to collect the data to report the charging demographics and environmental offsets required by the AE&E.
Deploying a network of “smart chargers” across Arkansas doesn’t only allow station owners to operate and manage stations remotely, but also allows EV owners to navigate a map of chargers and their availability while driving.
How long will the funds be available?
The Department of Energy and Environment has approved $215,563 in annual funding for Level 2 electric vehicle charging supply rebates for 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. On a first-come, first-serve basis, the funds will be accessible when funds are still available.
Interested in getting started? Here are a few ways to start gathering information:
- Request presentation material
- Start getting quotes for EV Charging Infrastructure
- Audit parking lots and garages for ideal charging spots
- Determine if any “make-ready” construction can be taken care of in-house to reduce installation costs
How do I apply for the rebate?
Qualified participants must send an application to AE&E in order to obtain a rebate. There will be no reservations approved, as the AE&E will grant rebates on a first-come, first-served basis.
The following documentation will be required to apply:
- Photocopy of itemized paid invoice(s), itemized receipt(s) or itemized equivalent proof of payment for EVSE equipment. Must include a detailed, paid vendor invoice with at least the following information:
- Model number, description, and equipment purchase price of EVSE
- Network Service Plan price
- Station Activation price
- Sales Tax
- Invoice Date
- Photocopy of paid invoice (s), itemized receipt(s), or itemized equivalent proof of payment for installation and labor
- Photocopy of building/electrical permit authorizing operation of installed EVSE
- Photo of completed EVSE installation
