The Wisconsin EV Tax Credit Explained

Wisconsin has a slow adoption rate when it comes to electric vehicles. According to the latest figures, of the 6.1 million cars registered in the state, less than 60,000 are electric. So, what is the state doing to increase the number of EVs? Do they offer a tax credit?
At a Glance:
1️⃣ As things currently stand, Wisconsin does not offer a tax credit for EVs.
2️⃣ However, residents of Wisconsin are eligible for the federal state tax credit of up to $7500.
3️⃣ Utility providers in the state handle rebates for EV charging stations.
4️⃣ Most of Wisconsin’s EV programs are aimed at businesses and Government entities.
Wisconsin offers far less than other states, especially when you compare states like Oregon and California.
Still, you can save some money by going green, and in this article, you’ll learn what you need to know.
Does Wisconsin Have An Electric Vehicle Tax Credit?
Unfortunately, WI does not offer a tax credit for electric vehicles or a rebate. However, state residents who purchase an electric car should consider the federal EV tax credit as it applies nationwide.
Most incentives in Wisconsin that involve electric vehicles are not aimed at residents. Instead, they are aimed at businesses and government entities. However, the state’s utility providers do offer incentives.
Does Wisconsin Have An EV Charging Station Rebate?
Some states offer incentives for installing a charger, but not Wisconsin. However, your utility provider might offer you a rebate. And if that fails, then the Federal EV charger tax credit will help you recover the cost.
The average cost of installing an electric vehicle charging station at home is around $1000. That price includes the equipment and labor. It is advisable to get one if you own an electric vehicle.
While $1000 does not seem like much compared to the vehicle, it still adds to the cost of ownership.
WI has incentive programs for businesses and government entities that install EV chargers. By doing this, Wisconsin promotes EV charging, making it more accessible for individuals who own an electric vehicle.
Wisconsin Utility Incentives For Electric Vehicles
There are so many utility providers in the state of Wisconsin, which can make finding out what you are eligible for a little bit tricky.
Below is a table that includes the utility provider, what they offer, and how to qualify for what they offer:
Qualifying for these incentives is quite simple. All you need to do is be a customer of one of those utility providers and install a level 2 charging station.
That said, I recommend contacting them before making any decisions, as they can guide you in the best direction.
Incentive Program | Provider | Offer | Eligibility | More Information |
---|---|---|---|---|
EV Accelerate at Home | Xcel Energy | Install and maintain Level 2 EV charging stations; TOU rate for electricity used. | Residential customers | Xcel Energy EV Accelerate at Home website |
EV Charging Station Rebate | Alliant Energy | Up to $750 for networked Level 2; Up to $500 for non-networked Level 2 | Residential customers | Alliant Energy Rebates website |
EVs for Good Grant Program | RENEW Wisconsin | Grants for EV purchase and $500 for Level 2 or higher EV charging station installation | Nonprofit organizations | RENEW Wisconsin EVs for Good Rebates website |
Charge@Home Leasing Program | Madison Gas & Electric (MGE) | $20/month for installation and maintenance of Level 2 EV charging station | Residential customers, 5-year agreement | MGE’s Charge@Home website |
🎓 Information Source: Alternative Fuels Data Center
Touchstone Energy Network Incentives
You may be eligible for incentives if your utility provider falls under the touchstone energy network. Here is a list of providers therefore under this cooperative:
- Barron Electric Cooperative
- Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative
- Clark Electric Cooperative
- East Central Energy
- Price Electric Cooperative
- Riverland Energy Cooperative
- Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services
To find out more, I recommend following this link.
What Are The Benefits Of Wisconsin’s EV Incentives?
Even though most of the incentives offered by Wisconsin are not aimed at individuals, there are still plans to promote the use of alternative fuels. Those plans have benefits.
The proposal mainly involves making electric vehicles more accessible by funding research programs and giving back to companies that install EV chargers.
Anything that promotes the use of EVs and charging infrastructure positively impacts our environment, and the automotive industry contributes significantly to the economy.
FAQs
Why Does Wisconsin Have An Electric Vehicle Surcharge?
Clearly, states all across the US are trying to promote electric cars. So, why would they make you pay more to register the vehicle if it is electric or hybrid?
Well, as electric vehicles become more popular, fuel sales decrease. A lot of states, including Wisconsin, have a fuel tax. So, the less fuel sold, the less tax the state receives.
Those taxes play a crucial role in the state’s ability to maintain the roads and all the safety precautions associated with driving, such as signs, traffic lights, etc.
Does Wisconsin Offer A Solar Tax Credit?
Yes. Wisconsin residents may be eligible for multiple solar incentive programs. Most notably, the federal tax credit can provide these three benefits:
Up to 30% savings on the total cost of solar installation costs.
Get a tax credit of up to 5% on the sales tax.
Tax exemption for the additional home value.
On top of that, programs like Focus Energy offer a rebate of up to $500 for new solar installations. For rural residents, the rebate is up to $1000.
Key Takeaways
1️⃣ Wisconsin does not offer a state tax credit for electric vehicles, but residents may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $7,500 from the government.
2️⃣ No incentives are offered for installing EV charging stations at home, but utility providers in the state may offer rebates.
3️⃣ Most of Wisconsin’s EV programs are aimed at businesses and government entities rather than individual residents.
🎓 Disclaimer: this article is accurate at the time of publication in 2023. Please reference the publication date to determine whether any rebates or schemes still apply.