This model state law provides rebates to subsidize the installation of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging equipment. Under the law, the state would provide a one-time payment for the cost of the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charging equipment that is: (i) readily accessible to the public, and (ii) provides at least “Level 2” charging. The amount of the rebates (and the overall limit for state expenditures under the program) would be at the discretion of the legislature. However, the model law is drafted to create a two-tier structure whereby a higher rebate would be issued for the purchase and installation costs of equipment installed at a location where none had previously existed, or for additional equipment at an existing charging location; and (ii) a lesser rebate would be provided for installing upgraded equipment to replace equipment previously installed at a given location.
The model law directs the program administrator to adopt implementing regulations that, among other things, would provide for the recapture of rebates previously given for equipment that ceases, within one year after installation, to provide a specified level of service offering and use at the location where it initially had been installed. The law directs that, in promulgating the regulations, the program administrator consider measures that may encourage: (i) the deployment of charging stations along heavily traveled corridors designated in consultation with the state’s transportation commissioner; (ii) the equitable deployment of charging stations; (iii) the installation of charging equipment with features making it widely accessible by, and convenient for the general public, and that is co-optimized with other electric vehicle charging networks; and (iv) is capable of tracking time of use or otherwise designed to benefit the electrical grid. The rebate program would terminate in 2030.