Commercial EV Charger Rebate

Get up to 50% back when you install an EV charger at your workplace.

Electric vehicle (EV) use is growing in Newfoundland and Labrador. Since 2019, the number of EVs on our roads has increased more than 50%. With an expanding EV fast-charging network in the province, more and more vehicles on the market, and significant savings for owners, we’re charged up about the future of electric vehicles.

There’s never been a better time to drive electric in Newfoundland and Labrador. And now there’s never been a better time for businesses, not-for profit organizations and municipalities to get your workplace ready for our province’s EV future. With our new Commercial EV Charger Rebate, you can get up to 50% of costs back when you install an EV charger at your workplace – that means savings for your bottom line and added value for your employees, your customers, and the environment.

Why install an EV charger at your business?

Attract customers and visitors by providing a convenient location for drivers to charge their vehicles while they shop, eat or stay at your establishment.
Put yourself on the map when you list your charger(s) on a public EV charger locator platform such as PlugShare.
Be seen as a leader as EV use and adoption increases in the province and across the country.
Added benefits for current and potential employees who drive – or may soon drive – electric.
Earn revenue on charging service fees, if desired.
Enjoy the convenience of on-site charging as you add electric vehicles to your fleet.

Program Details

With the Commercial EV Charger Rebate Program, qualified applicants can receive a rebate toward the cost to purchase and install qualifying Level 2 and Level 3 electric vehicle (EV) chargers at workplaces, for light-duty electric fleet vehicles, in public places or on-street. Chargers must be made available for use by the public or employees of the applicant. Chargers at a private residence, even if a business is registered at the same address, are not eligible.

Rebate Amounts

Qualified applicants can receive a rebate for up to 50% of the costs to purchase and install eligible chargers, for a maximum of up to $5,000 per Level 2 charger, and up to $50,000 per Level 3 Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC). Applicants can apply for up to 19 level 2 chargers, or six 20kW-49kW Direct Current Fast Chargers, or one 50kW or greater Direct Current Fast Charger per entity, with a maximum of 10 distinct sites.

Pre-Approval Required

All applicants must apply for pre-approval from Hydro before purchasing or installing chargers. Rebates will not be issued to applicants who start their project before pre-approval.

Rebates will be issued to qualified participants for eligible EV charging infrastructure projects on a first-come, first-serve basis or until program funding is depleted. Projects must be completed no later than 12 months following pre-approval or February 15, 2024, whichever is sooner.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the rebate, applicants:

Must be legal entities incorporated or registered in Canada or abroad, including not-for-profit and for-profit organizations, such as companies, industry associations, research associations, indigenous and community groups, academic institutions, provincial, territorial, regional or municipal governments or their departments or agencies;
Are required to complete and submit a Proof of Approval to Install form; this attests to the fact that the applicant has authority over the property or they are a representative of the group with such authority;
Must be an organization and not an individual;
Federal Government entities, such as federal departments, federal crown corporations or federal agencies, are ineligible;
Rebates are limited to 19 level 2 chargers, or six 20kW-49kW Direct Current Fast Chargers, or one 50kW or greater Direct Current Fast Charger per entity, with a maximum of 10 distinct sites.

To be eligible for the rebate, chargers must:

Be installed in Newfoundland and Labrador;
Be available for use by the public or employees of the applicant;
Not be at a private residence, even if a business is registered at the same address;
Chargers targeted at general public use must have a dedicated parking space for each Level 2 charging connector or each Direct Current Fast Charger unit, and clearly identify the space for the purpose of charging electric vehicles;
Chargers must remain connected to a network for minimum of three years. Upon request by the program administrator, program participants must have the ability to provide charger usage data for a period not less than three months via the web/cloud portal used by the charger;
Be installed by a certified electrician;
Be installed and completed no later than 12 months following pre-approval or February 15, 2024, whichever is sooner;
Be a new installation, or expansion of an existing installation (not for the replacement of an existing installation).

Level 2 chargers, 208 Volt or 240 Volt, must have a SAE J1771 standard plug;
Level 3 Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC) must be rated for either 20-49 kW of power output or a minimum of 50 kW of power output, with at least one (1) charge connector that is CHAdeMO compliant or one (1) charge connector that is SAECombo (CCS) compliant;
Must be approved for sale and use in Canada and have cUL, ULC, cETL, CSA, or cQPS certification;
For Level 2 chargers, the rebate and maximum number of chargers/connectors per organization are based on the number of charge connectors (i.e. the connector that plugs into an EV) that can charge an EV simultaneously; each connector must also have a dedicated parking space. For example, a dual head charger would be equipped with two connectors and be considered two chargers under the program; it would also require two dedicated parking spaces.
Must have the ability to communicate to other charging stations and/or to a server or the cloud through cellular/wireless signal or connected vehicle communications using software to report on usage and/or other capabilities such as providing real-time status of charging stations;
Chargers must remain connected to a network for minimum of three years. Upon request by the program administrator, program participants must have the ability to provide charger usage data for a period not less than three months via the web/cloud portal used by the charger.

See a complete list of eligible chargers

The following pre-tax costs are eligible toward this rebate:

Cost of purchasing the charger, equipment, informatics and related infrastructure;
Professional services (e.g. scientific, technical, management; contracting; engineering; construction; installation, testing and commissioning of equipment; training; marketing; data collection; logistics; maintenance; printing; distribution; audit and evaluation);
Rental fees or leasing costs;
License fees and permits;
Costs associated with environmental assessments.

Step by Step: Installing a Charger with the Commercial EV Charger Rebate Program

There are many things to consider when planning to install a commercial EV charging station. Gather all the information and follow the steps below to learn what to expect when installing a charger through the program.

Review all eligibility requirements.
Confirm permission: Applicants will need to attest that they have authority over the property.
Download the Proof of Approval to Install Form.
Hire an electrician: A list of certified electrical contractors can be found at Service NL.
They can help determine the best location for the charger(s) and if the current electrical infrastructure at your site can accommodate the EV charger(s) and make upgrades if needed.
Site Selection: Determine where the charger(s) will be installed.
Charger Selection: Choose an eligible EV charger.

Submit the application and all required documents.
Once approved you will be required to sign a contribution agreement prior to the installation of your charger(s).

Once you have received pre-approval from Hydro and signed the contribution agreement, purchase and install the EV charger(s). Your electrician will ensure that the necessary permits are obtained and that the work is inspected upon completion.

Gather all required final documentation and submit for final rebate processing. Don’t forget, for public chargers, add your charger to an online EV charger locator platform such as PlugShare.

How to Apply for Pre-Approval

Before purchasing or installing your charger(s), complete the Rebate Application form and submit with the following supporting documents:

A written quote or spec sheet identifying final pricing, including taxes and shipping.
- Level 2 charger: The document must list the safety standard label for the unit, if it is a 208 Volt or 240 Volt, that it features a SAE J1772 standard plug head, and that it is an internet connected, hardwired or plug-in charger model.
- Level 3 charger, 20 kW to 49 kW: The document must list the safety standard label for the unit, and specify if it is a direct current fast charger (DCFC) rated for 20 kW to 49 kW of power output, with at least one (1) charge connector that is CHAdeMO compliant and one (1) charge connector that is SAECombo (CCS) compliant.
- Level 3 charger: The document must list the safety standard label for the unit, if it is a direct current fast charger (DCFC) rated for a minimum of 50 kW of power output with at least one (1) charge connector that is CHAdeMO compliant or one (1) charge connector that is SAECombo (CCS) compliant.
A quote from a qualified electrical contractor for the charger installation. This quote must identify costs broken down by the listed eligible costs for the installation of the charger as well as any electrical service upgrades, if applicable.
Proof of Approval to Install Form: download, print and complete this Proof of Approval form, confirming the applicant has authority over the property to install a charger at the chosen location.
A picture and a brief description clearly outlining the proposed location and parking space(s).

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro will contact you via email regarding your application status and next steps.

Please Note: When pre-approval has been granted by Hydro, applicants will be required to sign a contribution agreement prior to installing the charger(s). Once the contribution agreement is signed, the charger can be installed as per the provided quotes. If any changes are made to what is listed on the approved quote, please contact us prior to install to ensure you still qualify for the rebate.

How to submit your application for pre-approval

Complete and sign the rebate application form and submit with all required supporting documentation. The application can be completed online or downloaded and submitted by email or mail.

Apply Online!Download Application

Email completed applications to: EVChargerRebate@nlh.nl.ca

or mail to:
EV Commercial Charger Rebate
Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro
P.O. Box 12400
St. John’s, NL A1B 4K7

Submit final supporting documents

Once installation is complete, upload the following required documents online (or submit them by email or mail at the address noted above). Hydro will provide additional instructions about submitting final documents for processing once you have been pre-approved.

A copy of the final invoice broken down by the list of eligible costs that you are claiming, and clearly showing proof of payment.
A copy of all other final invoices for eligible costs incurred.
A copy of the Electrical Certificate of Inspection from Service NL, for the completed electrical projects done during the installation of your approved charger.
Proof of an internet connection. This can be a screen shot of the backend system clearly showing the chargers are connected to internet.
A photo and description of the location of the installed charger(s) showing they are installed and operational.
A photo of the dedicated parking space and signage for each charger connector.

Ready to submit final documents for processing? Upload now.

How Will Rebates be Issued?

Rebates cheques will be mailed 8-12 weeks from the final approval date. Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro will issue a cheque to the name and address listed on the application. Applications that do not include all required information will result in a processing delay and possible denial of your application.

Questions?

Email us at EVChargerRebate@nlh.nl.ca.

Privacy Notice: Personal information submitted to Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro regarding the EV Commercial Charger Rebate Program will only be used for the administration of the Program. Precautions will be taken by Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro to safeguard against the disclosure of your personal information.

Terms and Conditions: Applicant must meet eligibility requirements and all application information must be completed and supporting documents provided. Projects must be completed no later than 12 months following pre-approval or February 15, 2024, whichever is sooner. Offer subject to change or cancellation without notice. Please allow 8-12 weeks from receipt of final approval of the application for rebate cheque. Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro or the Government of Canada make no representations or warranties regarding any electric vehicle chargers and are in no way responsible for loss, injury or damage which may result from goods or services furnished or rendered in connection with this Program. Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro may visit your location to confirm charger install at any time within 15 months from when the rebate was processed. Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro may ask that the incentive be repaid in the event of a false declaration. Applicant agrees to participate in follow up interviews and/or surveys for auditing purposes conducted by or on behalf of Hydro if selected to do so.

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