Ohio EV rebates and tax credits: Your complete guide for 2025

If you're considering switching to an electric vehicle in Ohio, you have more options than you might think. While the state doesn't offer its own EV tax credit like some other states, Ohio has built a network of utility rebates that can put substantial money back in your pocket when you go electric.

From utility rebates that can reach $1,000 for EV charger installations to comprehensive time-of-use rate programs that slash your charging costs, Ohio has created an incentive landscape that makes electric vehicle ownership accessible and affordable. We'll walk you through every available program—federal and utility—and help you understand how to maximize your savings while going electric in the Buckeye State.

While Ohio doesn't offer its own statewide EV tax credit, the state has utility-based programs that provide immediate cash back and charging cost savings. Ohio's deregulated utility market allows you to compare energy rates from different suppliers, potentially saving even more on EV charging costs.

Local incentive programs

While statewide funding for EV rebates doesn't exist in Ohio as of 2025, select cities offer direct incentives. If you work in Columbus, your employer may offer benefits through the Smart Columbus Acceleration Partner program, rewarding employees who drive EVs to work.

The city of Columbus leads Ohio in EV adoption with its Smart Columbus program, leveraging public-private partnerships to develop workplace and multifamily EV charging infrastructure throughout the metro area.

Ohio home electrification rebates

Ohio offers substantial home energy rebates funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, making $124.8 million available for home efficiency rebates and $124.1 million for home electrification. These funds support appliance rebates, insulation and air sealing, heat pumps for space and water heating, and upgrades to smart electrical panels necessary to enable those retrofits.

Combining EV ownership with other electrification projects, such as upgrading your home with solar panels and battery storage or investing in a heat pump, helps you save even more while reducing your environmental impact.

Home charging transforms your EV ownership experience and saves serious money. While public charging can cost $0.39 per kWh, home charging typically runs $0.18 per kWh in Ohio. 

Ohio utilities recognize that widespread EV adoption depends on convenient home charging, which is why several utilities across the state offer substantial charger incentives designed to make home charging accessible even for houses that need electrical upgrades.

Utility EV charger rebate programs

Fourteen utilities across Ohio offer Level 2 EV charger rebates ranging from $200 to $1,000. Most programs cover the charger equipment cost, making home charging accessible for Ohio residents.

• Butler Rural Electric Cooperative offers rebates up to $1,000 to help offset the cost of buying and installing a residential Level 2 EV charging station—the most generous program in the state.

• Consolidated Cooperative, Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative, Darke Rural Electric Cooperative, Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Union Rural Electric Cooperative, Carroll Electric Cooperative, and The Energy Cooperative each provide $250 rebates toward Level 2 charger purchases.

• Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative, North Central Electric Cooperative, Firelands Electric Cooperative, and Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative offer $250 rebates for Level 2 EV chargers, with North Central allowing up to six chargers per location.

• Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative provides $200 bill credits for installing Level 2 EV chargers for both residential and commercial customers.

• Midwest Electric offers $200 rebates on Level 2 EV chargers for its customers.

Electrical panel upgrade incentives

Most EV chargers require a 240-volt circuit, and older homes often need electrical panel upgrades to handle the additional load safely. Most Level 2 home chargers require a 240-volt, 40-amp circuit. If your electrical panel doesn't have the capacity, expect to pay $1,500-$4,000 for an upgrade.

The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit previously covered up to 30% of electrical panel upgrade costs (capped at $600) when the upgrade supported EV charging, but this credit expired on December 31, 2025.

Before installing an EV charger, have a qualified electrician assess your electrical panel's capacity to ensure your home can safely handle the additional electrical load.

Time-of-use rates and smart charging incentives

Beyond installation incentives, many Ohio utilities offer special time-of-use rates that make charging your EV cheaper during specific hours. These programs can dramatically reduce your cost per mile compared to gasoline, especially when you charge during off-peak hours when electricity demand is lower.

Most modern EVs and home chargers can be programmed to automatically start charging during off-peak hours, making these savings completely hands-off once you set them up.

According to data from the Alternative Fuels Data Center, Ohio has approximately 1,899 public charging stations statewide as of September 2025, including 4,973 public charging ports. Of those publicly available chargers, 3,627 are Level 2 stations and 1,346 are DC fast chargers.

Where to find public charging stations

The state continues investing in charging infrastructure to support growing EV adoption. Stations are rapidly appearing along highways to make longer trips more convenient, with most charging options located in Columbus, followed by Cincinnati and then Dayton. 

Public charging costs and economics

Public charging in Ohio averages $0.39 per kWh. Many networks now use variable pricing that accounts for location, time of day, and power delivery, so costs can fluctuate throughout the day.

Level 2 public charging typically costs less but charges more slowly, making it better suited for longer stops like shopping or dining.

Free charging and municipal programs

Free EV charging stations are available across Ohio, especially near public buildings and popular travel destinations. Hotels sometimes offer free charging as a guest amenity, making EV travel more convenient for visitors.

Ohio makes going electric more practical with a growing network of utility rebates, charging incentives, and competitive electricity rates. By combining these programs—and pairing your EV with solar panels—you can maximize savings on both vehicle costs and ongoing charging. Many Ohio utilities offer rebates for home charger installations and special time-of-use rates that reward smart charging habits, helping reduce long-term transportation costs. With expanding infrastructure and continued support from utilities, Ohio is building a future where driving electric is affordable, accessible, and part of the state’s move toward cleaner energy.