A practical guide for landlords in NC and SC — with real numbers from Duke Energy and the IRS.
$1,133
Max Duke Energy rebate in NC (Duke Energy Carolinas)
$1,000
Max federal tax credit per charger (IRS Form 8911)
34%
Of renters now want EV charging at their building (NMHC 2022)
1. The Basic Idea — and What Is Actually True
A short video has been going around that says spending $2,000 on an EV charging station at your rental property can generate hundreds or thousands of dollars over the years — and that you can get help from Duke Energy and tax credits to lower that cost.
The good news: the core idea is real. There are verified rebates from Duke Energy and a federal tax credit that can cut your upfront cost by a lot. And there is strong evidence that EV chargers help attract and keep good tenants.
One thing to note: the video also suggests that EV owners are always "better tenants." That is a generalization that landlords should not use as a screening rule. Under the Fair Housing Act, you must screen all applicants using the same written standards. An EV charger attracts a broader group of qualified renters — that is the real benefit.
Let's look at the real numbers.
2. What an EV Charger Costs in NC and SC
A Level 2 home charger — the most common type for rental properties — works on a 240-volt outlet (like what your dryer uses). It charges much faster than a regular wall plug.
Here is what you might pay:
- Charger hardware
- $300–$800
- Basic to mid-range Level 2 units
- Installation (electrician)
- $500–$1,500
- Depends on panel distance and upgrades needed
- Panel upgrade (if needed)
- $350+
- Only if your electrical panel needs updating
- Typical total cost
- $1,500–$3,000
- Single-family or small rental property
Cost estimates from BiggerPockets and Qmerit installer data. Actual costs vary by property. Get quotes from licensed electricians in your area.
3. Duke Energy Rebates for NC and SC Landlords
If your rental property is served by Duke Energy — which covers most of Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Columbia, Greenville, and surrounding areas — you may be able to get money back for installing a charger.
Duke Energy Carolinas (NC) offers up to $1,133 for residential customers who install a Level 2 EV charger. Duke Energy Progress (NC) offers a similar rebate of up to $1,117. Duke Energy also serves parts of South Carolina and offers rebates and rate programs there as well. Check your electric bill to see which Duke program you are on.
What the rebate covers:
- Wiring and conduit from your electrical panel to the charger
- Panel upgrades or new breakers for the EV circuit
- Installing a 240-volt outlet or hardwired circuit
- Some related work to run power to a garage or parking area
Two ways to get the rebate: You can hire your own licensed electrician and submit the invoice for reimbursement, or Duke Energy can connect you with an approved contractor who applies the discount directly to your bill.
Renters in Durham, NC can also benefit if their landlord is willing to install a charger and apply for the credit, according to Recharged.com's 2026 incentive guide. This makes Duke's program a real opportunity for investment property owners — not just homeowners.
Duke Energy also offers a lease program for North Carolina customers. Instead of buying the charger, you pay a flat monthly fee starting around $13–$17/month for 36 months with no big upfront cost.
4. Federal Tax Credits — and the Deadline You Need to Know
The federal government offers a tax credit for installing an EV charger. ( Deadline: June 30, 2026)
Here is how it works for a rental property owner:
- Individual / home use
- 30% / up to $1,000
- Per charging port, installed at primary residence. IRS Form 8911.
- Business / investment property
- 6%–30% / up to $100,000
- Per charger for qualifying commercial/rental use. Location rules apply.
Important location rule: To qualify, your property must be in a "low-income community" or a "non-urban census tract" as defined by the IRS. Many properties in NC and SC rural areas and some urban zones qualify — but not all. Use the IRS census tract lookup tool before assuming your property qualifies. Always consult a tax professional.
The federal charger tax credit was extended through 2032 under the Inflation Reduction Act, but Congress moved the deadline up to June 30, 2026 under legislation signed in July 2025. If you want this credit, the charger must be installed and working by that date.
Use IRS Form 8911 to claim the credit when you file your tax return for the year the charger was installed.
5. How an EV Charger Can Make You More Money Over Time
Here is where things get interesting for landlords in the Carolinas. An EV charger is not just about saving money on installation — it can also help you earn more.
✅ Properties offering EV charging are seeing rent premiums of $50–$150 per month per EV space, depending on location and demand, according to National Car Charging industry data
✅ The National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) found that 34% of renters now want EV chargers in their building — up from 27% just two years earlier
✅ 58% of renters who plan to buy an EV say they would pay more for on-site charging, per Multifamily Executive survey data cited by National Car Charging
✅ EV chargers help reduce tenant turnover — when renters have a convenient perk they use every day, they are more likely to renew their lease
✅ Fewer than 5% of rental properties currently offer EV charging, which means being an early mover in markets like Charlotte, Raleigh, or Greenville is a real competitive edge
For single-family and small rental properties in NC and SC, even a modest $50/month premium on one unit adds up to $600 per year. Over 5 years, that is $3,000 in added rental income — on top of the incentives that reduced your upfront cost.
You can also charge tenants a monthly flat fee or a per-kilowatt-hour rate for using the charger. This creates an additional income stream directly from the amenity itself.
6. Important Fair Housing and Landlord Rules
This is a must-read section. Marketing your rental as "EV-friendly" is smart. But you must be careful about how you describe your ideal tenant.
Under the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3604) and NC and SC state fair housing laws, you cannot screen or market to tenants based on protected characteristics like race, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or familial status. You should never suggest in a listing or conversation that you prefer tenants who drive certain vehicles as a proxy for income or lifestyle. Apply the same written income and credit standards to every applicant.
What you can do legally:
- Advertise "EV charging available" as an amenity in your listing
- Charge all tenants a fair, consistent monthly fee for using the charger
- Set a written income requirement (for example, income equal to 3x the monthly rent) and apply it equally to everyone
- Work with a licensed NC or SC property manager or REALTOR® to set up a compliant lease addendum for EV charger use
The NC REALTORS® and SC REALTORS® associations both have resources and member attorneys who can help you set up fair, compliant rental policies.
7. Step-by-Step: How to Get Started
1️⃣ Check your Duke Energy account
Log in at duke-energy.com and confirm which rebate program your property qualifies for — Duke Energy Carolinas or Duke Energy Progress. Rebate amounts differ between the two.
2️⃣ Check the IRS census tract eligibility
Use the IRS census tract tool to see if your property is in a qualifying location for the federal tax credit. The credit only applies in certain areas.
3️⃣ Get quotes from licensed electricians
Ask for quotes from at least two or three licensed electricians in your city. Duke Energy can also connect you with a vetted contractor. Ask specifically about what "prep work" costs to maximize your rebate.
4️⃣ Submit your Duke rebate application
After installation, submit your paid invoice at chargerprep.duke-energy.com. Keep all receipts. You can receive a check or a discount on your contractor invoice.
5️⃣ Claim the federal tax credit
File IRS Form 8911 with your tax return for the year you installed the charger. Work with a tax professional to make sure you meet all eligibility requirements. The deadline to place the charger in service is June 30, 2026.
6️⃣ Add a charger-use policy to your lease
Work with a local real estate attorney or your NC/SC REALTORS® association to add a clear, fair lease addendum covering how the charger is used, who pays for electricity, and the monthly fee structure.
The Bottom Line
Adding an EV charger to your rental property in North Carolina or South Carolina is a real investment strategy backed by verifiable incentives. Duke Energy rebates of over $1,000, a federal tax credit of up to $1,000 (before June 30, 2026), growing renter demand, and potential rent premiums all make the math work — especially in fast-growing markets like Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Columbia, and Greenville.
Like any property upgrade, results depend on your specific property, your tenants, and how you manage the amenity. But the building blocks are real — and the window to capture the best incentives is closing.
Act by June 30, 2026 if you want the federal tax credit. Talk to a licensed electrician, a tax professional, and your local REALTORS® association to build a plan that works for your property.
