Incentives

CALeVIP Rebate Guide: Up to $3,500 Per Level 2 Charger for California Businesses

The California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP) offers rebates of up to $3,500 per Level 2 charger and up to $100,000 for DC fast charging installations. Funding is first-come, first-served — and stacks with SCE Charge Ready and the federal 30C credit.

6 min read
PROGRAM OVERVIEW

What Is CALeVIP?

The California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP) is a statewide rebate program funded by the California Energy Commission and administered by CALSTART. It provides direct rebates to California businesses and property owners who install Level 2 or DC fast charging equipment at commercial, multifamily, or publicly accessible locations.

Unlike a tax credit (which reduces your tax liability), CALeVIP is a direct rebate — a cash payment back to the property owner after installation. This makes it valuable even for organizations that may not have significant federal tax liability.

Critically: CALeVIP is first-come, first-served. Regional project funding can be exhausted quickly during high-demand periods. Properties that complete the application process early capture the rebate; those that delay may find funding closed.

CURRENT REBATE AMOUNTS

Level 2 — Single Port
Up to $3,500
Per charger unit installed
Level 2 — Dual Port
Up to $3,500
Per charger unit (not per port)
DC Fast Charging (DCFC)
Up to $100,000
Per project, not per port
Make-ready (if not SCE territory)
Varies
Infrastructure support available in some regions

* Rebate amounts and program availability are subject to change as funding levels fluctuate. Verify current amounts at calevip.org or ask us during your site assessment.

APPLICATION PROCESS

How to Apply for CALeVIP

01

Confirm eligibility

Your property must be in California. CALeVIP is administered by CALSTART on behalf of the California Energy Commission. Check current program availability and funding at calevip.org — funding is first-come, first-served and some regional projects close when funds are exhausted.

02

Register and submit application

Create an account at calevip.org and submit a project application before beginning installation. You must apply before you receive a reservation — applications submitted after installation may not qualify.

03

Receive project reservation

CALeVIP issues a project reservation confirming your rebate amount. At this point, you have a reserved funding commitment. Reservations have expiration windows — projects must be completed within the reservation period.

04

Complete installation

Install the equipment per CALeVIP requirements. Chargers must be networked and meet program technical specifications. Gorgen installs CALeVIP-eligible equipment and ensures all documentation requirements are met.

05

Submit completion documentation

Submit final documentation: permit records, photos, equipment invoices, utility interconnection confirmation. CALeVIP processes the rebate payment after documentation review — typically within 60–90 days.

Apply Before You Install

CALeVIP requires a project reservation before equipment purchase and installation. This is a firm requirement, not a technicality. We include CALeVIP application management in our project planning process so you never miss the window.

STACKING WITH OTHER PROGRAMS

CALeVIP + SCE Charge Ready + 30C: The Full Stack

California commercial property owners in SCE territory have access to three complementary incentive programs that cover different portions of the project cost. Used together, they can eliminate most or all net cost:

SCE Charge Ready
Make-ready infrastructure
CALeVIP
Charger equipment cost
Federal 30C Tax Credit
30% of remaining cost

Each program covers a different cost category with minimal overlap. That's by design — California and the federal government structured these incentives to be complementary. A contractor who knows how to navigate all three programs simultaneously saves you significantly more than one who only handles installation.

We manage the CALeVIP application, SCE Charge Ready enrollment, and provide documentation for the 30C credit as part of our standard project service — no additional fee for incentive management. Learn more about our EV charging consulting service for property managers.

FAQ

CALeVIP — Common Questions

Yes. CALeVIP is a statewide program available across California, including all Inland Empire cities in both Riverside County and San Bernardino County. However, CALeVIP is administered through regional projects, and funding availability varies by region and timeframe. We verify current CALeVIP availability for your region as part of your free site assessment.

Yes, and this is the most powerful combination available to Inland Empire property owners. SCE Charge Ready covers make-ready infrastructure (trenching, conduit, panel upgrades). CALeVIP covers charger equipment (up to $3,500 per Level 2 unit). The federal 30C tax credit then applies to any remaining costs at 30%. Together, these three programs can eliminate net out-of-pocket cost for qualifying multifamily and commercial properties.

No. CALeVIP requires a project reservation before installation begins. You must apply and receive a reservation before purchasing or installing equipment. Applications submitted for already-installed chargers do not qualify. This is the most common mistake we see — property owners install first and then learn they missed the rebate window. We manage the CALeVIP application as part of our project planning to ensure you capture the rebate.

CALeVIP requires chargers to meet specific technical standards and be network-enabled. Most major commercial-grade brands qualify — ChargePoint, Enel X (JuiceBox Commercial), Autel, EVBox, and others. We only install CALeVIP-eligible equipment on projects where CALeVIP rebates are part of the incentive plan.

After submitting complete post-installation documentation, most CALeVIP rebates process within 60–90 days. The full timeline from application to payment — including the reservation period and installation — typically runs 3–8 months depending on project complexity and current program processing volumes.

FREE SITE ASSESSMENT

Ready to Add EV Charging to Your Property?

Gorgen handles everything from site assessment to installation. Get a free quote for your commercial property.

Get a Free Site Assessment
GET A FREE QUOTE

Ready to Bring EV Charging to Your Property?

Gorgen handles everything from site assessment to installation. Get a free quote for your commercial property.

  • Commercial-grade Level 2 and DC fast charger installation
  • SCE Charge Ready eligible — $0 make-ready cost for qualifying properties
  • Federal 30C tax credit covers 30% of installation costs
  • Licensed C-10 Electrical Partners, EVITP certified, fully insured
  • Serving all of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties