Maryland EV charger rebates for 2026–27.

Maryland still pays part of the cost of a home EV charger, but the rules are specific and the money is first come, first served. This guide walks through the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) program as its FY2027 funding announcement describes it, what counts toward the rebate, and the paperwork that trips people up. When you're ready for the install itself, our Level 2 EV charger installation page covers how we do the work.

The rebate at a glance

How much you'll get back

The rebate is half of your eligible costs, capped at $700. If your eligible costs come to $1,000, the rebate is $500. Once eligible costs reach $1,400, you've hit the $700 cap, and spending more doesn't raise it. The My MEA application estimates the rebate from the costs you enter, but MEA only pays on costs you can document, so the final amount can be lower than the estimate. It is never higher.

MEA also notes that state rebates may be taxable and may come with a 1099-G form. MEA doesn't give tax advice, and neither do we, so ask your tax preparer how to handle it.

What counts as an eligible cost

The FY2027 announcement counts costs directly tied to getting the charger working: site design, the charger itself, installation and labor, permitting, site preparation, upgrades for the utility connection, signage, and the equipment needed to run the charger. Either a mounted (hardwired) charger or a plug-in charger qualifies.

Some costs don't count:

• Sales tax, shipping and credit card convenience fees
• Electricity to charge the car, and ongoing maintenance
• Used or refurbished chargers, unless the manufacturer or seller certifies a refurbished unit
• A charger that has already received a rebate, even if it changed hands or moved
• A charger replacing one at the same location that was already paid for by an MEA program

MEA also encourages, but doesn't require, chargers certified under the federal ENERGY STAR program.

The licensed electrician rule

If your application includes installation costs, a Maryland-licensed professional electrical contractor has to do the install. You can't self-install and claim it unless you hold that license yourself. The work also has to meet local building codes, which in practice means an electrical permit and an inspection in Harford County, Baltimore County or Baltimore City. Our guide to electrical permits in Harford, Baltimore County and Baltimore City explains who can pull one where.

The paperwork MEA asks for

The application runs through the My MEA portal at mea.maryland.gov. Plan to have:

1. Final paid invoices and receipts showing the equipment and installation are paid in full, with line items, prices and quantities for every eligible cost.
2. Charger details: manufacturer and model, purchase date, installation date, and the equipment and installation costs.
3. At least two photos: one of the mounted charger showing the installation, and one of the charging cord plugged into your car while it charges. If you're claiming a NEMA 14-50 outlet for a plug-in charger, the photos still have to show the actual charger plugged into the new outlet.
4. A signed IRS Form W-9 for the person receiving the rebate. The name and billing address on the W-9 and the application must match.

If MEA asks for missing information, you have 14 calendar days to send it, or the application can be rejected. MEA encourages signing up for ACH direct deposit with the Comptroller of Maryland so the payment isn't delayed by a mailed check.

Timing: why to apply promptly

The program has no upfront reservation. MEA anticipates up to $1.5 million from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund for FY2027, and the portal can close before the May 31, 2027 deadline if requests exceed the budget. On October 19, 2026, MEA's program page showed about 34% of the budget reserved and about 42% requested. Check the live figure on MEA's page before you count on the money, and apply as soon as the charger is working and paid for.

Does the federal tax credit stack with it?

Not for anything installed now. The federal 30C credit for home chargers ended for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. See our guide on why the EV charger tax credit ended for the dates and what happens if your charger went in before then.

Before you buy the charger

The rebate tops out at $700, so the bigger cost question is usually the panel. A Level 2 charger needs its own 240-volt circuit, and an older or full panel may not have room. A load calculation tells you before you spend money. If it does point to more capacity, our guide to upgrading from 100 to 200 amps explains what that involves. Building new? Maryland already requires EV-ready parking on most new homes; see EV-ready requirements for new Maryland homes.

Wyatt Electric has done electrical work in Harford County, Baltimore County and Baltimore City since 1986. When we install your charger, you get an itemized, paid invoice that lines up with what MEA asks for, and we're glad to take the installation photo before we leave.