Are you thinking about installing a Tesla charger at home in Colorado? You’re in luck! The state has rebates and incentives to make going electric easier and more affordable. Whether you’re in Denver or a rural area, there are plenty of ways to save money on your Tesla charger installation and even your EV purchase. In this blog, we’ll break it all down in simple terms—covering everything from the Denver EV charger rebate to how to claim Colorado EV tax credit options. Let’s dive in and see how you can power up your Tesla while keeping cash in your pocket!
Why Colorado Loves EVs
Colorado is all-in on electric vehicles (EVs). Back in 2018, the state set a big goal: switch nearly all light-duty vehicles to electric by 2050. That’s a bold move, and they’re backing it up with serious cash incentives and a growing charging network. By late 2024, EVs made up over 25% of new car registrations here. If you’re one of the many Coloradans considering a Tesla, you’ll find rebates and tax credits that make the switch—and the charger installs—way more achievable.
Tesla Charger Installs: What’s the Deal?
Installing a Tesla charger (like a Level 2 Wall Connector) at home is a game-changer. It’s faster than a regular outlet and lets you charge overnight. But the cost—usually $500 to $1,500 for equipment and installation—can add up. That’s where Colorado’s rebates come in. The state offers discounts to help you cover the bill. Let’s look at what’s available, especially if you’re hunting for a Denver EV charger rebate or something statewide.
Colorado EV Charger Rebates
Colorado’s utilities are stepping up with rebates for Level 2 chargers, including Tesla’s. These can range from $250 to over $1,000, depending on where you live and your utility provider. Here’s a rundown of some options:
Xcel Energy: Covers a big chunk of Colorado, including Denver. Sign up for their charger installation program and get a $500 rebate. If you qualify as low-income, that jumps to $1,300. Perfect for a Denver EV charger rebate if you’re in the metro area.
Holy Cross Energy: Offers a $549 discount on compatible chargers (like Tesla’s) if you join their charging program.
Black Hills Energy: Up to $500 for installation costs—or $1,300 if you’re income-eligible and enrolled in their time-of-use (TOU) rates.
United Power: Get up to $500 for wiring upgrades, or $1,000 if you join their EV program.
San Isabel Electric Association: A sweet $1,000 or 50% off for Energy Star Level 2 chargers, which includes Tesla models.
Smaller providers like Gunnison County Electric Association, Mountain Parks Electric, and Yampa Valley Electric also offer rebates—anywhere from $250 to $1,250. Most ask you to sign up for TOU rates (more on that later) to qualify. Check with your utility to see what’s up in your area!
For businesses or apartment complexes, there are even bigger rebates—like Xcel Energy’s case-by-case funding or Charge Ahead Colorado’s 80-90% cost coverage (up to $6,250 per Level 2 port). So, if you’re a landlord or business owner installing Tesla chargers, you’ve got options too.
How to Get These Rebates
Claiming a rebate is usually simple. Most utilities let you apply online after you buy and install your Tesla charger. You might need to submit a receipt, proof of purchase, and sometimes enroll in a TOU plan. For example, with Xcel Energy’s Denver EV charger rebate, you’d sign up for their program, install the charger, and submit your docs. It’s a small hassle for a big discount!
Pairing Charger Rebates with EV Tax Credits
Why stop at charger rebates? Colorado and the federal government also throw in tax credits and rebates when you buy your Tesla. These can stack with your charger savings to make the whole EV experience cheaper.
How to Claim Colorado EV Tax Credit
The Colorado EV tax credit is a big one—up to $7,500 for a new EV like a Tesla. Here’s the breakdown:
- You get $5,000 if the Tesla’s MSRP is $80,000 or less (most models qualify, like the Model 3 or Model Y).
- Add $2,500 more if it’s under $35,000 (tough for a Tesla, but possible with a base Model 3).
How to claim Colorado EV tax credit: You can take it as a discount right at the dealership when you buy, or file it on your Colorado income tax return later.
Colorado EV Rebate
The Colorado EV rebate comes via the Vehicle Exchange Colorado Program. Trade in an old clunker (12+ years old or failing emissions) and snag up to $6,000 for a new Tesla. If your family income is 80% or less of your area’s median, you qualify. Check your county’s income limits online to see if you’re in.
Save More with Time-of-Use Rates
Here’s a bonus: many charger rebates tie into time-of-use (TOU) rates. With TOU, you pay less for electricity during off-peak hours—like overnight when you’re charging your Tesla. Utilities like Xcel Energy ($0.12/kWh off-peak), United Power ($0.05/kWh), and Empire Electric ($0.04/kWh) make it cheap to juice up. Sign up for TOU, and you’ll save on both your charger install and your monthly bill.
Real-World Example
Let’s say you’re in Denver with Xcel Energy. You buy a Tesla Model Y (around $45,000) and install a Level 2 charger ($1,000 total cost). Here’s how it could shake out:
Colorado EV tax credit: $5,000 off at the dealership.
Federal $7,500 EV tax credit: Claimed on your taxes (if eligible).
Denver EV charger rebate: $500 from Xcel Energy.
TOU savings: Charging at $0.12/kWh overnight instead of peak rates.
Total savings? Up to $13,000+ upfront, plus lower charging costs. That’s a win!
Getting Started
Ready to install your Tesla charger? Here’s your game plan:
- Check your utility for rebates (Xcel for Denver folks, and others elsewhere).
- Buy a Tesla Wall Connector or another Level 2 charger.
- Hire an electrician—or hire our electric vehicle charger installers for a smooth setup.
- Apply for your rebate online with proof of installation.
- Stack it with EV tax credits at purchase or tax time.
Final Thoughts
Colorado makes it easy—and affordable—to go electric with a Tesla. From the Denver EV charger rebate to the Colorado EV tax credit, you’ve got tons of ways to save. Whether you’re claiming the $7,500 EV tax credit from the feds or grabbing a Colorado EV rebate for trading in your gas guzzler, the incentives add up. Add a home Tesla charger with utility rebates, and you’re set for a wallet-friendly, eco-friendly ride. So, what are you waiting for? Plug into Colorado’s EV revolution today!