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Owning an EV in Delaware: Charging Cost, Incentives, and More

Updated: August 12, 2023 by Liam Frady

Delaware is one of the smaller states in the country, both in terms of size and population. Despite this, there is growing support for EVs. EVs themselves are only becoming more popular as the market grows to support the emerging technology, so it makes sense Delaware would begin to embrace them.

With that in mind, what is the actual cost of owning an EV in Delaware? Let’s take a look at the infrastructure, charging costs, and incentives associated with being a local EV owner in the state.

Charging Infrastructure for EVs in Delaware

Delaware doesn’t have as much widespread charging infrastructure as other states. Around 400 charging stations are available for users, with Dover and Wilmington having the most in a single municipality. Most of the charging stations available center around level 2 chargers, with some Tesla Superchargers present.

A Tesla Supercharger site — *Tesla’s Supercharger network offers Level 3 DC fast charging.*
©canadianPhotographer56/Shutterstock.com

There are a handful of DCFC stations as well, but they aren’t the overwhelming norm for charging stations. Delaware is placing some emphasis on building out more of the charging infrastructure present in the state. As seen with many states, it is trying to structure and incentivize both residents and businesses to help the EV market flourish within its borders. Currently, there is a true lack of support across the board in terms of EV charging infrastructure, but of course, that is all subject to change as time moves on.

The Cost of Charging an EV in Delaware

Delaware fares well when it comes to the actual cost of charging an EV. The price of electricity is very middle of the road, so users can expect to pay closer to the average cost across the nation rather than higher rates one might see in New York or California.

To fully charge a Tesla Model 3, residents will be looking at around $6. The Model 3 ends up being the cheapest to charge overall, at least when compared to some of its peers.

Ford’s F-150 Lightning is around $13 to fully charge, which given its larger battery capacity makes sense. This isn’t an eyewatering increase when considering the different utility between the Model 3 and the F-150 Lightning.

The Volvo XC40 is very middle of the road, with full charging coming in at around $8 or so. Most of the price discrepancies are less in the actual method of charging and more just the overall battery capacity of these vehicles.

2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge — *The Volvo XC40 will cost around $8 per full charge in Delaware.*
©North Monaco/Shutterstock.com

Overall, Delaware is one of the less expensive states to charge your EV. It comes out as a bargain when considering the average cost of a gallon of regular gas in Delaware retails for about $3.20. So, while the infrastructure may be lacking, it certainly is cost-effective to own and operate your own EV within the state.

Incentives for EV Owners in Delaware

There aren’t as many widespread initiatives or incentives for EV owners in Delaware, but there is one of note.

The state offers the Delaware Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, which is a scalable rebate program intended to incentivize those purchasing an EV. Purchasers getting a brand-new electric vehicle can apply and receive a $2,500 rebate. There are additional rebates for purchasing alternative fuel vehicles and plug-in hybrids, but nothing in the same amount as the EV purchase. There are some caveats as the price of purchase cannot exceed $60,000 in total, which includes additional trim levels, warranties, taxes, tags, and other associated costs.

Delmarva Power, a local power company in the state, also provides specialized plug-in vehicle rates. These have separate and lower rates for charging your EV on off-peak hours but do require some associated costs with the installation of a separate meter to your household to account for the power consumed by the EV.

Incentives aren’t quite as widespread across the entire state of Delaware, but there are some perks to deciding to purchase and operate your own EV within the state. Delaware is placing some emphasis on encouraging the growth of electric vehicles within the state, so hopefully further and broader incentives to encourage purchasing are to follow.

How is Delaware’s EV Support?

Delaware isn’t what one considers an absolute haven for EVs, but it shows promise. Recent legislature like the passing of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program is giving much-needed federal funding to support the building and maintenance of vital infrastructure.

Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has also approved the building and funding of additional fast charging stations. DNREC‘s current plan is erect fourteen additional fast charging stations around a handful of counties. This should hopefully provide some additional range for those looking to plan trips and the like while living in Delaware.

The future looks bright for the EV market in Delaware. While it may be at a slower pace than some of the other initiatives in other states, Delaware seems to be fully committed to fostering and accepting EVs on the roads.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©buffaloboy/Shutterstock.com.

Owning an EV in Delaware: Charging Cost, Incentives, and More FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Does Delaware have a lot of EV chargers?

A lot would be relative, but Delaware does have hundreds of chargers within the state. The vast majority of these are centered in Wilmington and Dover. Plans to develop additional fast chargers throughout the state are currently being pursued by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

There isn’t much in the way of infrastructure for EVs, but there is enough present to make it a worthwhile endeavor to own and operate one within the state. Delaware is very accepting of the technology and alternative fuel sources, so signs only point towards further development as time goes on.

Are there many incentives for purchasing an electric vehicle in Delaware?

Delaware isn’t home to as many widespread incentives for EV purchasers. Delaware residents can of course apply for federal tax credits which are dependent on availability through the manufacturer. There are reduced rates for off-peak hour charging through at least one power company within the state.

That said, there is one incentive that provides a rebate for those purchasing an EV. Potential customers can receive up to $2,500 as a rebate provided they qualify per the specified requirements. The vehicle purchase can not exceed $60,000 which includes all associated costs one might expect when purchasing a car.

Is it affordable to own an EV in Delaware?

Of course, the associated costs of charging and maintenance are still expected of any EV owner. With this in mind, you’ll likely be paying a lot less just to fuel the vehicle on a monthly basis than any comparable fossil fuel-powered vehicle. The overall cost of electricity within the state is middle of the road, and as such full charges to most vehicles are rather affordable. It isn’t as cheap as some states which have geared towards accommodating EVs and provide further reduced rates for charging, but still quite cost-effective.

Generally speaking, after the steeper initial investment of purchasing the vehicle itself, EVs come out cheaper than typical automobiles. There are numerous factors for this, but an EV isn’t subject to the same rigorous maintenance and repairs one might expect of a traditional combustion engine. Prices on vehicles are due to come down as time goes on, this is already seen in EV offerings from Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, and Kia.

Can you charge an EV at home?

EVs can be charged at home through the use of a level 1 charger. These are far slower and can take up to a full day plugged in to provide a full charge to the battery, however.

That said, there are installable level 2 chargers, which take the charging time down exponentially. They are on the pricier side of things, but being able to effectively and cheaply charge your EV at the home is crucial. While you can rely on public charging stations, there is a certain degree of flexibility in being able to power your vehicle without worrying about if a charger is occupied. If you are looking to purchase an EV, look into charging solutions for your home as well.

What's the cheapest EV you can purchase?

In its base trim level, the Chevrolet Bolt EUV is rather affordable. However, you’ll want to opt for some of the higher trim levels to get some of the extra features.