Off-Peak Charging EV Rebates Launch on July 14, 2025

On Monday, July 14, 2025, Efficiency Maine will launch the new Off-Peak Charging Electric Vehicle Rebate program. As with the previous EV rebate program, Participating Dealers will issue rebates to eligible purchasers as a discount at the time of sale, then request reimbursement via our website within 60 days. The program will offer tiered rebate amounts based on income as well as rebates for businesses, nonprofits, and government entities.

As the name suggests, this program differs from the previous EV rebate program in that rebate recipients must use an off-peak charger with their vehicle. These discounted chargers automatically pause charging from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, when the electric grid experiences “peak demand.” This reduces strain on the grid and helps to keep electricity costs down for all Mainers. Off-peak charger users can override the default for the day if they need to charge during peak. Customers must purchase this $129 off-peak charger before purchasing the vehicle, and must install and activate the charger within 90 days of the vehicle purchase.

Other program changes include:

• Rebates on used EVs will now be available to all customer types.

• All customers buying an EV for personal use (i.e., not commercial) must be verified as low-income or moderate-income. Individuals above the moderate-income threshold cannot claim an Off-Peak Charging EV Rebate, though they can still purchase an off-peak charger.

• Plug-in hybrid vehicles are not eligible.

• Leases are not eligible.

The rebate amounts for this new program are as follows:

Efficiency Maine will host a dealer training webinar on the new program on Tuesday July 15 at 9:00 a.m. You can sign up for the webinar here: https://efficiencymaine.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9_aiIY-HSTSi_kOvtEQwmQ

The Rebate Claim Form and Program Manual for this new offering will be posted to the Dealer Portal on Monday July 14. As always, you can reach us Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except holidays) at (866) 376-2463 or ev@efficiencymaine.com.

Thank you for your continued participation in our programs to get more electric vehicles on the roads in Maine.