Electric Vehicles

Thinking about buying or leasing an electric vehicle (EV) for your home or business? Already own an EV and want to learn more about charging options in Fairfax County? Wherever you are in your EV journey, you’ll find information and resources below to help you on your way.

For answers to frequently asked questions about EV ownership, please click here.

For information specific to common interest communities, like multi-family apartment or condo buildings, or townhome communities with shared parking, please click here.

WHY CHOOSE AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE?

An image of an electric vehicle charging in a parking spotEVs come in all shapes and sizes and are evolving at a fast pace. Although EVs can have higher sticker prices than their gas- or diesel-powered counterparts, they can actually save drivers money over the long-haul. Studies show that, due to reduced fuel and maintenance needs, EV drivers can expect to save $6,000-10,000 over the lifetime of the car, with certain models offering even higher savings.

EVs are a great option for those who want to reduce their environmental impact. Walking, biking and using public transportation are the most environmentally friendly ways to travel, but aren’t always feasible. If you rely on cars or light-duty trucks to get around, buying or leasing an electric alternative is one way you can reduce your carbon footprint.

Fully electric and plug-in hybrid EVs are more fuel efficient and produce no tailpipe emissions when operating in electric-only mode. As part of the Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan, the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC)estimates that switching from gas-powered to electric vehicles could lead to reductions of 2.04 million metric tons of greenhouse emissions across the Fairfax County, helping us achieve 19 percent of the 2050 carbon neutrality goal.

DECISION-MAKING TOOLS

Whether you're just starting to explore the idea of purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle, or you've been saving and preparing to make the move for years, we have resources for you.

Press play to hear from real Fairfax County residents and their experience with switching to electric vehicles, or watch the whole playlist on YouTube.

Use our Road to EV Ownership infographic for general information and guidance on initial steps toward EV ownership.

Learn about common myths and facts about EVs to help you decide if an EV is right for you.

Watch our “Myths vs. Facts: Electric Vehicles” YouTube playlist to learn about common myths and facts about electric vehicles and how EVs can help you be carbon free.

Access our EV checklist for a more detailed rundown of questions to consider before making the leap. This document includes a list of questions to take with you to the dealer.

View our side-by-side comparisons of various vehicle types to see how EVs stack up against their gas-powered counterparts across six key indicators.

Take a look at our fact sheet and resource guide for more information on EVs and for links to online resources to support you on your EV journey.

Visit our Selecting & Purchasing an EV User's Guide and watch a webinar with two EV experts from Plug In America and Virginia Clean Cities.

TYPES OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES

When considering EVs, there are two types to choose from. Within these two categories, there are number of vehicle makes and models. The number of models available nationwide continues to grow as manufacturers commit to EVs. Types of EVs available for sale in Virginia are also expected to grow now that the state has adopted California’s Advanced Clean Cars Program, with new regulations affecting vehicle model year 2025 and later.

Sites like www.fueleconomy.gov can help you find and compare existing models that meet your needs and budget.

A battery electric vehicle is driven entirely by a battery-powered electric motor. As technology improves, ranges continue to increase, although they can vary widely across models and are impacted by factors such as weather and driver behavior. Fully electric vehicles currently range 100-400 miles.

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle has both a battery-powered electric motor and an internal combustion engine. When the electric range is exhausted, the vehicle is powered by gasoline. A typical plug-in hybrid has an electric range of 20-40 miles, although ranges vary by make and model.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS

Image of the interior of an electric vehicle which is charging

Access to electric vehicle charging stations is essential to current and would-be owners of plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles. Residents and commercial property owners may opt to install charging stations to ensure reliable charging access for personal and fleet vehicles. Installation of EV charging infrastructure may require permitting and fees through Fairfax County. For questions related to permitting, please see Fairfax County’s Land Development Services

Installing a charging station at home or at a business may not be feasible for all community members. For those who own or operate electric vehicles for personal or commercial use, there are a number of publicly available charging stations located in and around Fairfax County. Users may search for charging stations by using station locator maps, such as the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fueling Station Locator.

TYPES OF CHARGING STATIONS
 

Charging needs will vary across users depending on the battery capacity of their electric vehicle, daily use, accessory use and other factors, such as weather. More information about each of the three types of EVCS is available below to help residents and businesses determine what they may need.

A Level 1 charging system can be plugged into most grounded electrical outlets and is usually rated for 15 amperes at 120 volts common. Level 1 EVCS charge at the slowest rate, at about two to five miles per one hour of charge. Owners of vehicles with small batteries, lower mileage needs, or those who can wait several hours while their vehicle recharges may find Level I chargers sufficient for their needs. Level I chargers are a viable charging option for all electric vehicles.

A Level 2 charging system requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit and charges at a rate of 10-20 miles per one hour of charging. Level 2 EVCS are appropriate for most home and commercial applications. Charging at a much faster rate than Level I chargers, Level 2 chargers are the most commonly available type of EVCS. As with Level I chargers, they are a viable charging option for all electric vehicles.

A Level 3 charging system or DC fast charger, is used in commercial applications, is hardwired per the manufacturer and charges at a rate of 60-80 miles per 20 minutes of charging. Though the fastest type of EVCS, not all electric vehicles are compatible with DC fast charging or may only be compatible with certain fast charging systems. There are three types of DC fast charging connector systems, the CCS connector, the CHAdeMO connector and the Tesla Supercharger connector. Before using DC fast chargers, electric vehicle operators should first determine whether their vehicle is compatible with the charging system or whether they will need any adapters to connect to the system.

PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS AND ZONING PROVISIONS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
Image of parking spaces reserved for electric vehicles.Installation of EV charging stations may require the submission of permit applications and fees to Fairfax County. Permitting and fees vary across the different kinds of charging stations as well as customer type. Please consult Fairfax County’s Land Development Services for your residential or community EV charging station permitting needs.

In addition to permitting requirements, EV charging station installations must meet Fairfax County’s zoning regulations. Please review the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance or contact the Department of Planning and Development for more information.

INCENTIVES

EVs often have higher sticker prices than their gas- or diesel-powered counterparts. However, there are incentives in place that can ease the burden of these higher upfront costs, including federal tax credits of up to $7,500 for new EVs and up to $4,000 for used.

New EVs may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500. This is a nonrefundable credit; you can’t get back more on the credit than you owe in taxes and cannot apply any excess credit to future tax years. Individuals and businesses claiming the credit must meet certain adjusted gross income caps including $300,000 for married couples filing jointly, $225,000 for heads of households, and $150,000 for all other filers. 

Qualifying vehicles cannot exceed an MSRP of $80,000 for vans, SUVs, and pickup trucks or $55,000 for other vehicles. In addition, vehicles must undergo final assembly in North America, be made by a qualified manufacturer, have a battery capacity of at least 7 kWh, and have a gross vehicle weight of 14,000 pounds. Other qualifications may apply depending on when the vehicle is placed in service:

  • New EVs placed in service on or after April 18, 2023 must meet certain critical mineral and battery component requirements. A vehicle may receive partial credit ($3,750) if meets only one of these requirements, full credit ($7,500) if it meets both, and no credit if it meets neither. Eligible vehicles will be listed at FuelEconomy.gov. 
  • New EVs placed in service between January 1 – April 17, 2023, may receive a base credit of $2,500 and additional credit up to $5,000 depending on the vehicle’s battery capacity. See IRS website for more information.

The qualifications above apply to vehicles placed in service starting in 2023 and running through 2032. For vehicles placed in service in 2022 or earlier, you may find information about tax credit eligibility requirements on the IRS website.

Beginning January 1, 2023, used EVs may be eligible for a federal tax credit of 30 percent of the sale price for a maximum of $4,000. The credit is nonrefundable; you can’t get back more on the credit than you owe in taxes and cannot apply any excess credit to future tax years. Individuals claiming the credit must meet certain adjusted gross income caps, including $150,000 for married couples filing jointly, $112,500 for heads of households, and $75,000 for all other filers. 


Qualifying vehicles must be purchased from a licensed dealer for $25,000 or less, have a model year at least two years earlier than the year in which the vehicle is purchased, have a gross vehicle weight of 14,000 pounds, and have a battery capacity of at least 7 kWh. More information on vehicle qualifications and a list of qualified vehicles may be found on the IRS website.
 

While a rebate program for EVs has been established in Virginia, it remains unfunded. The program would provide a rebate of $2,500 to those who purchase a new EV (with a base price of $55,000 or less) or a used EV (with a sale price of $25,000 or less). Residents who meet certain income qualifications would be eligible to receive an additional $2,000 in rebates for eligible new or used EVs. Updates on the program will be provided here as they become available.

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