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Off-Peak Charging EV Rebates for Low- and Moderate-Income Mainers

Passenger's side view of two women in an electric vehicle.

Thousands of Mainers drive electric vehicles. They’re popular because they can cost less to drive and maintain, have various safety benefits, and provide both comfort and high performance. Click here to learn more about driving electric. 

Efficiency Maine offers rebates for low-income and moderate-income Mainers to purchase eligible electric vehicles. To minimize impact on the electric grid, rebate recipients must purchase and use an off-peak charger with their vehicle. You must receive income verification from Efficiency Maine and purchase an off-peak charger before purchasing the vehicle in order to receive the rebate. Additionally, you must be able to install the charger at home within 90 days of vehicle purchase.

Rebate Amounts

New
 Used
Low Income $8,000* $4,000*
Moderate Income $6,000* $3,000*

*Includes an additional $1,000 bonus that expires April 30, 2026.

Rebate Eligibility

Electric Vehicle

  • All-electric vehicle (a.k.a. battery electric vehicle)
    • Hybrid vehicles, including plug-in hybrids, are not eligible.
  • Vehicle must be purchased, not leased.
  • Vehicle must be titled in the name of the rebate recipient. If the rebate recipient is not named on the income verification letter, the address on the title must match the address on the letter. The title may have an additional name (e.g., co-owner). 
  • NEW
    • On the Eligible Vehicles List
    • Total MSRP or “sticker price,” including options and accessories, minus destination/delivery charges, no more than:
      • $80,000 for eligible pickup trucks and commercial vans
      • $55,000 for other eligible new vehicles.
  • USED
    • Vehicle final purchase price no more than $40,000
    • Model year no more than 6 years old (in 2026, must be model year 2020 or newer)
      • For complete list of vehicles sold within model years 2020-2026, see fueleconomy.gov. 
    • Odometer has no more than 72,000 miles

Participant

  • Individual Maine resident at least 18 years of age with a current, valid Maine driver’s license. A temporary license is acceptable.
  • Able to install an off-peak charger where the vehicle will be regularly parked (e.g., not limited to street parking only).
  • Low Income – Household member participates in MaineCare, HEAP, SNAP, or TANF, and has an Efficiency Maine income verification letter (request one here).
  • Moderate Income – Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is less than $70,000 for individual tax filers, or $100,000 for joint filers, and has an Efficiency Maine income verification letter (request one here).
  • Limit of one rebate per individual (two rebates per household) per 36 months.

Timeframe

  • Valid (unexpired) income eligibility letter.
  • Off-peak charger purchased before vehicle is purchased.
  • Rebate recipient installs off-peak charger at Maine residence and connects it to Wi-Fi via mobile app no more than 90 days after vehicle purchase.
  • If vehicle is purchased from a Participating Dealership, rebate must be provided as an instant discount at the time of purchase.
  • If vehicle is purchased directly from a manufacturer, rebate claim form must be submitted within 60 days of vehicle purchase date.

How to Get a Rebate When Purchasing a Vehicle from a Dealership

  1. Complete income-based eligibility verification form and receive confirmation of eligibility from Efficiency Maine via email or postal mail.
  2. Purchase an off-peak charger through Efficiency Maine. 
  3. Go to a Participating Dealership with the income verification letter from Efficiency Maine and off-peak charger order confirmation email.
  4. Fill out the rebate claim form with the dealer and purchase an eligible vehicle with the Efficiency Maine time-of-sale discount (amounts listed above).
  5. Install the off-peak charger at your home and connect it to Wi-Fi within 90 days of the vehicle purchase.
  6. Use the off-peak charger to avoid charging the vehicle from 5:00-9:00p.m. on weekdays. Retain ownership and registration of vehicle in Maine for at least 36 months.

How to Get a Rebate for a Vehicle Purchased Direct-from-Manufacturer (Polestar, Rivian, and Tesla ONLY)

  1. Complete income-based eligibility verification form and receive confirmation of eligibility from Efficiency Maine via email or postal mail.
  2. Purchase an off-peak charger through Efficiency Maine.
  3. Order an eligible vehicle directly from the manufacturer and submit the rebate hold request form (optional).
  4. Complete the vehicle purchase and submit the rebate claim form within 60 days of the purchase date.
  5. Efficiency Maine will follow up via email if corrections are needed to rebate claim form. Please allow up to 6 weeks for rebate processing.
  6. Install the off-peak charger at your home and connect it to Wi-Fi within 90 days of the vehicle purchase.
  7. Use the off-peak charger to avoid charging the vehicle from 5:00-9:00p.m. on weekdays. Retain ownership and registration of vehicle in Maine for at least 36 months.

Terms and Conditions

Efficiency Maine does not warrant the performance of incentivized vehicles. Program and incentives subject to change or termination. Incomplete information may delay or disqualify your rebate. Please see the Program Manual for all terms and conditions and complete instructions for the rebate process.