Planning a commercial EV charging project in Los Angeles? A new funding opportunity is on the horizon but businesses should expect changes to the program.
LADWP plans to reopen enrollment for its Commercial EV Charger Rebate Program in October 2026, with revisions to its funding amounts, terms and documentation requirements. Applications are currently closed, and the details of the upcoming enrollment have not yet been finalized.
What Is the LADWP Commercial EV Charger Rebate Program?
The LADWP Commercial EV Charger Rebate Program helps offset the cost of purchasing and installing electric vehicle supply equipment for businesses and commercial properties within LADWP’s service territory.
The program has previously supported Level 2 chargers, DC fast chargers and charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles.
The next enrollment opportunity is planned for October 2026. LADWP has cautioned that its previous rebate amounts, eligibility requirements and program terms are subject to change.
Previous LADWP EV Charger Rebate Amounts
The Commercial EV Charger Rebate Program helps offset the cost of purchasing and installing electric vehicle supply equipment for businesses and commercial properties in LADWP territory.
Previous program incentives included:
- Up to $5,000 per Level 2 charger
- Up to $125,000 per DC fast charger
- Up to $125,000 per medium- or heavy-duty charger
Final rebates were based on charger type, power output, eligible project costs and whether the project was located in a designated Disadvantaged Community. These amounts are useful for early planning, but they are not guaranteed for the October enrollment.
What Should Businesses Know Before Applying?
Under the program’s currently published requirements, eligible Level 2 charging projects must:
- Use chargers with an SAE J1772 or SAE J3400 connector
- Deliver at least 6.2 kW to a single vehicle
- Provide at least eight amps under the worst-case dynamic load-management scenario
- Use equipment certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory
- Be permanently installed by a licensed electrical contractor
- Be assigned to an eligible parking space available to employees, customers, visitors, tenants or the public, with one rebate available per parking space and a maximum of 80 rebates per property
- Remain in service for at least five years
Chargers installed on or after June 1, 2024, may qualify under the current program guidelines. However, eligibility dates and other requirements could change when enrollment reopens.
Equipment eligibility is only one part of the process. LADWP must also determine whether the utility infrastructure serving the property can support the added electrical demand. Businesses can submit plans to LADWP’s EV Service Design Group throughout the year, even while rebate applications are closed.
Starting early can help identify capacity limitations, required infrastructure upgrades and potential costs before the next enrollment opens.
Is There a Fee for LADWP’s Review?
For certain DC fast-charging and medium- or heavy-duty rebate reservation projects, customers may request a feasibility study when a complete Customer Submittal Package is not yet available.
The study requires a $1,500 nonrefundable engineering fee per site, paid before LADWP performs the review. If the project proceeds, the fee is applied toward the project’s final cost.
The feasibility study is not required for every commercial EV charging project, but businesses should account for it when determining their application pathway and project budget.
Prepare Before Enrollment Opens
EV charging projects require more than selecting chargers. Site capacity, utility coordination, equipment eligibility and supporting documentation can all affect whether a project qualifies for funding.
PEC can help businesses evaluate their sites, design the right charging solution and navigate LADWP’s technical and documentation requirements.
Planning an EV charging project in Los Angeles? Start preparing now with Pacific Energy Concepts®.
