Something to consider:

Everyone knows about the US tax incentives for buying an EV, but less considered is the incentives for buying an EV charger.

The incentives come in the form of a tax credit, up to the maximum of $7,500/$4,000 or how much you owe in taxes (pre withholdings and the like) whichever is lower. The charger credit is up to $1,000.

So, if your taxes are, say, $3,000, then it doesn’t matter if you bought a new or used EV, you’re only getting $3,000 off your taxes, and your charger credit is effectively worthless.

Consider, if practical, buying your EV towards the end of the tax year, and your charger at the beginning of the next one. You’ll minimize the inconvenience of being locked to level 1 charging speeds, while maximizing your tax credits.

Obviously, if you need a level 2 charger you shouldn’t self sabotage and should just buy one. But if you’re counting your pennies, and think you can get by with level 1 for that window, then it’s something to keep in mind.

  • @[email protected]
    1•1 year ago

    6 amps? Would that even be worth it?

    When my bolt trickle charger drops to 8 amps I get quite annoyed!

    • @[email protected]OPEnglish
      3•1 year ago

      I just plugged some numbers into this website. Assuming a Bolt at 20% to 80%, it would take 3 days to charge. As opposed to about 2 with 8 amps.

      But if you’re charging exclusively with solar, and assuming 12 hours of sunlight, it would take 6 days.

      • @NotMyOldRedditName
        1•1 year ago

        I think having a way to charge the car off solar panels is going go become part of everyone’s normal emergency kit in the future.

        They keep getting cheaper, portable battery generators are getting cheaper and people are buying them to take camping or keep a fridge going for a short period. It’s like the step between now, and everyone having a grid connected solar/home battery.

        But with a couple portable solar panels and a portable battery, you’ll be able to slowly power your car in an emergency. Might be slow, but it’s better than no gas at all.

    • @superweeniehutjrs
      2•1 year ago

      I didn’t want to go into too much detail since it’s tangential to EVs, but I have an off-the-grid solar system and have found in the spring and fall, with no A/C on, it would be nice to dump some excess into the car, but at 240V.

      This was all before I signed up for a “free weekend” plan, so the EV charges for <5¢/kWh. I’m still learning how to balance all the variables.