Burlington, Vermont, Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak and Burlington Electric Department on Sept. 22 announced a temporary increase to BED’s electric vehicle incentives to help offset the September 30, 2025 expiration of the federal tax credit for EV purchases, as set forth in President Trump's recently-signed reconciliation bill.
Despite the federal change, the Mayor and BED are continuing their commitment to the City’s Net Zero Energy goal and electrification strategy by sharing that BED will be boosting EV rebates on the purchase or lease of new EVs to $5,000, and $5,700 for income-qualified customers.
These are increases from the current levels of $2,300 and $3,000, respectively. BED plans to make these boosted incentives available through the end of 2026 or as long as incentive funds remain, whichever comes first.
The funds to be used for the boosted rebates are available through Act 44 of 2023 and Act 142 of 2024 -- State of Vermont legislation that enables BED to utilize a portion of its efficiency funds and Thermal Energy Process Fuel funds to bolster electrification programs.
As part of its 2025 planning, BED had reserved funds to increase EV incentives in the event the federal government ended its support for EVs.
BED also has worked collaboratively with the Vermont Department of Public Service to include support for rental weatherization policy implementation in its updated plan for use of the TEPF funds, which was submitted via letters and updates to the Vermont Public Utility Commission on June 18, 2025, August 14, 2025, and most recently August 29, 2025.
The mayor and BED were joined at the announcement by representatives from the offices of Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Peter Welch, and Rep. Becca Balint, the Sierra Club Vermont, and fifth-graders from Champlain Elementary School.
Since launching BED’s EV and PHEV incentives in 2017, 22.6 percent of BED’s EV rebates have been issued to income-qualified customers as enhanced rebates to make driving electric more affordable for all.
Beyond EV rebates, drivers who charge their EVs while enrolled in BED’s off-peak charging rates are able to fuel up for as little as 75 cents per gallon equivalent, the Vermont public power utility noted.
BED also has invested in Burlington’s public charging network, including a partnership with the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development to fund a pilot program allowing us to install five on-street, utility pole-mounted, drop-down Level 2 chargers with the goal of supporting renters and drivers who may not have off-street parking.
The drop-down charges also provide an off-peak rate to make driving electric more affordable. Further, BED has partnered with EVmatch to support EV charging for its customers who live in multi-family rental properties.
Incentives are available to property owners who install EV charging stations at multi-family properties. Lastly, BED has invested in public level 3 fast chargers and level 2 chargers that are available in locations around the community.
