Duke Energy Rolls Out New Incentives for Florida EV Owners
C. A. Bridges USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida
Duke Energy is stepping up to support electric vehicle adoption in Florida with a suite of new incentives, according to a release issued Tuesday. This move arrives at a pivotal moment, with EV sales experiencing significant growth and as the future of federal tax credits for EVs remains unclear.
C. A. Bridges
According to market intelligence firm Rho Motion, EV sales surged by 28% in the first two months of 2025. Duke Energy’s incentives aim to capitalize on this momentum.
“Not only do EVs help save on fuel and maintenance costs for drivers, but they have significant economic and environmental benefits as well,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “Our goal with these programs and the various incentives they offer is to make EVs more accessible for all of our customers, helping meet their individual needs, while contributing to the ongoing energy transition.”
The programs available are:
Charger Prep Credit Program (Residential and Business Customers)
Customers who install EV charging infrastructure, such as new electric plug-in outlets and wiring upgrades required to support Level 2 or higher EV chargers, can receive a one-time credit to offset costs. This credit does not apply to the charging station hardware, software, or permit fees. You can find more information for residential customers [here](link to residential information), and for business customers [here](link to business information).
Off-Peak Charging Credit Program (Residential Customers Only)
Residential customers can receive a $7.50 credit on their monthly electric bills by charging their EVs during off-peak hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Friday, and anytime on weekends and holidays. More information is available [here](link to more infor).
Fleet Advisory Program (Business Customers Only)
Businesses can get up to $12,000 to help cover the cost of a fleet electrification study. This study assesses the advantages of transitioning to EVs. To qualify, a business’s fleet must have 20 or more light-duty vehicles, five or more medium/heavy-duty vehicles, or a combination of at least 10 of both. Information can be found [here](link to more info).
Florida Tax Credits for EVs
Currently, Florida does not offer a statewide tax credit for EV purchases. However, it’s crucial to check with local governments and power utilities, as they may offer incentives for installing charging infrastructure or buying EVs. Here are some examples:
- Jacksonville Electric Authority: Offers rebates of up to $7 a month for residential customers with a Level 2 charging station who charge during off-peak hours, plus a rebate of up to $300 for necessary wiring upgrades.
- Orlando Utilities Commission: Provides rebates of $200 to residents who purchase or lease a new or used plug-in electric vehicle. Moreover, customers can receive a $50 Visa gift card for test-driving an EV at an OUC Electrified Dealership.
- Kissimmee Utility Authority: Residential customers can get rebates of $100 for a home EV charging station. Note that some restrictions apply.
Federal Tax Credits for EVs
Currently, the federal government offers three different incentives for going electric:
- New EV Purchase Tax Credit: A federal tax credit of up to $7,500 is available if you buy or lease a qualifying EV, subject to income and other requirements.
- Used EV Purchase Tax Credit: A federal tax credit of up to $4,000 is available for purchasing a used EV, with certain conditions.
- EVSE Installation Tax Credit: A federal tax credit of up to $1,000 is available for installing an EV charger (EVSE) at your home or business. More details can be found at irs.gov. However, it’s important to know that these tax credits might be in jeopardy.
President Donald Trump has expressed an interest in stopping these credits. Elaine Buckberg, a senior fellow at Harvard University’s Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability, indicated that dealers are moving away from offering the tax credit up front due to the risks associated with it.
These recent events have added further complexity to the market, but the demand for EVs continues to rise, even as the political climate shifts. American drivers bought 30% more electric vehicles by the end of February than in the first two months of 2024.
