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 information specific to common interest communities, like multi-family apartment or condo buildings, or townhome communities with shared parking, please click here.
EVs 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 Fairfax County, helping us achieve 19 percent of the 2050 carbon neutrality goal.
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.*
*Note: Virgina Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced plans to withdrawal from this electric vehicle mandate in Virginia, effective at the end of 2024 when California’s current regulations expire.
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.
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.
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 1 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.
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.
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:
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, 2024, a taxpayer may elect to transfer their allowable Clean Vehicle Tax Credit to a registered dealer at point of sale. The amount of the credit would be provided to the taxpayer in cash or applied to the purchase of the vehicle, thus reducing the upfront cost of the vehicle. For more information, visit the IRS webpage on guidance for the transfer of clean vehicle credits.
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.
Beginning January 1, 2024, a taxpayer may elect to transfer their allowable Clean Vehicle Tax Credit to a registered dealer at point of sale. The amount of the credit would be provided to the taxpayer in cash or applied to the purchase of the vehicle, thus reducing the upfront cost of the vehicle. For more information, visit the IRS webpage on guidance for the transfer of clean vehicle credits.
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.
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit: As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, if you’re installing or have installed qualified vehicle refueling and recharging property in your home or business that is located in an eligible census tract (low-income community or non-urban), you could be eligible for a tax credit equal to 6% to 30% of the cost. Eligibility requires that refueling property must be used to store or dispense clean-burning fuel or to recharge electric motor vehicles. A locator tool from Argonne National Laboratory can help you determine if you’re in an eligible census tract, and the Internal Revenue Service’s webpage outlines other qualification requirements and how to claim the credit. The credit is available through December 31, 2032.
Dominion Energy EV Charger Rewards: Through this program, Dominion offers single-family residential customers incentives, including $125 toward a qualifying EV charger and an annual enrollment rebate of $40, when residents allow Dominion to pause charging of their vehicle during periods of high electric demand.
Dominion Energy Level 2 Charging Program: Through this program, Dominion will install and maintain Level 2 charging stations for your business, parking area, or multi-family community. Customers participating in the Level 2 Charging Program receive a 50% upfront incentive on EV charging construction and installation, commonly referred to as “make-ready.” Customers pay the remaining costs on their monthly bill over 10 years.
Fairfax County Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Permit Fee Exemption: All electrical, building and sign permit fees for EV charging stations are exempt through October 31, 2025.
Mid-Atlantic Electrification Program: Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Mid-Atlantic Electrification Partnership (M.A.E.P) is a program of the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC) to support installing charging stations along inter- and intra-city routes for commercial and government fleets, consumers, and ride shares in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Eligibility requires that EVCS be available to the public 75% of the time. Depending on the EV-readiness of the site, the cost to install the EVCS may be free or subsidized. Use the online forms to see if your location qualifies for a new Level 2 Charging station or a Level 3 station for Taxi/Rideshare through M.A.E.P.
Charge Up Fairfax is a program to help residents of homeowners associations (HOAs) and condominium owners associations (COAs) access charging for electric vehicles (EVs). Charge Up Fairfax supports HOAs in identifying and overcoming challenges, both technical and financial, to on-site EV charging for residents and their guests.
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.