How to Claim the KUB EV Charger Rebate (Up to $400)

KUB (Knoxville Utilities Board) offers one of the most accessible EV charger rebates in Tennessee. Residential KUB customers who purchase a new Level 2 EV charger and own or lease an EV or plug-in hybrid can receive up to $400 back. The rebate form is submitted after installation — you have 60 days from your installation date to mail it in.

What KUB Offers — The Full Picture

KUB's EV program has three components that work together to make home charging affordable in Knoxville:

• Up to $400 rebate on a new Level 2 charger purchase and installation — submitted after installation, within 60 days
• Time of Use (TOU) rate — lower electricity rates during off-peak hours (typically overnight), specifically designed for EV owners who charge at home
• EV Charging rate — a separate rate structure for dedicated EV charging circuits; ask KUB about current options when you enroll

Knoxville already has some of the lowest electricity rates in the country — about 38% below the national average. The TOU rate makes overnight charging even cheaper. Combined with the $400 rebate, the economics of home EV charging in Knoxville are genuinely compelling.

Do You Qualify?

You qualify if all three of these apply:

• You are a KUB residential electric customer — check your electricity bill
• You own or lease a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
• You purchase and install a new Level 2 (240-volt) EV charger — used or refurbished chargers do not qualify

Are you a KUB customer?

KUB serves Knoxville and parts of seven surrounding counties. Check your electricity bill — it will say "Knoxville Utilities Board" or "KUB" if you're in their territory. If your bill says "Lenoir City Utilities Board (LCUB)," you're served by a different utility — LCUB may have its own programs, contact them directly. Farragut residents in Knox County are generally served by KUB.

What Charger Do You Need?

The charger must be:

• New (not used or refurbished)
• Level 2 (240-volt) — not a Level 1 (standard 120V outlet)
• One rebate per charger

Critically: KUB does not require ENERGY STAR certification. This is a significant difference from programs like PSO in Tulsa, which restrict rebates to ENERGY STAR smart chargers. KUB's flexibility means you can choose from a wider range of chargers — including simpler, less expensive models.

Always confirm current eligibility at kub.org/ev before purchasing. Program terms can change.

Step-by-Step: How to Claim the KUB Rebate

• 1

  Confirm you are a KUB residential electric customer

  Check your electricity bill or log into your KUB account at kub.org. The rebate is for residential accounts — not commercial or business accounts. Have your KUB account number ready; you'll need it on the rebate form.

• 2

  Purchase a new Level 2 EV charger

  Buy from any retailer — Amazon, Home Depot, the manufacturer directly, or through your electrician. Keep the purchase receipt. The charger must be new. Only one rebate per charger.

• 3

  Have the charger professionally installed

  A licensed Tennessee electrician installs the charger and pulls the required City of Knoxville permit. Get an itemized receipt showing charger cost and labor separately — you need both for the rebate documentation. Permit details →

• 4

  Note the exact installation date

  The 60-day clock starts from the installation date — not the purchase date. Confirm the exact date the charger was installed and fully operational. Write it down immediately.

• 5

  Download and complete the KUB EV Charger Rebate Form

  The form is at kub.org/ev. You'll need to provide: your KUB account number, charger purchase receipt, proof of installation, charger make and model, and documentation showing you own or lease an EV or PHEV (registration or lease agreement).

• 6

  Mail the form to KUB within 60 days of installation

  Mail to: Knoxville Utilities Board, Attn: EV Charger Rebate Program, PO Box 59017, Knoxville, TN 37950. KUB requires physical mail — this is not an online submission. Use certified mail if you want delivery confirmation.

• 7

  Keep copies of everything before mailing

  Photocopy or photograph your completed rebate form and all supporting documents before you mail anything. If KUB requests follow-up documentation, you'll want those copies.

The KUB Rebate vs. Similar Programs

KUB's rebate is the most generous of the major Tennessee utility EV programs — $400 with no ENERGY STAR requirement and a 60-day window from installation (rather than purchase) is a notably homeowner-friendly structure.

Stacking the KUB Rebate with Other Savings

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30C) — expired June 30, 2026

The federal EV charger tax credit expired for installs placed in service after June 30, 2026. If your installation occurred before that date and your address was in a qualifying census tract, you may still be able to claim it on your 2026 federal return using IRS Form 8911. The KUB rebate and the federal credit are separate — one does not affect the other.

KUB Time of Use Rate

Sign up for KUB's TOU rate when you submit your rebate. With Knoxville's already low electricity rates (roughly 12 cents per kWh vs the national average of 16+ cents), the TOU overnight rate makes home charging exceptionally cheap — typically equivalent to paying under $1 per gallon of gas in fuel cost terms.

Common Mistakes

• ❌ Waiting too long to submit. The 60-day window from installation is firm. Set a reminder the day your charger is installed.
• ❌ Buying a used charger. Only new chargers qualify — no exceptions.
• ❌ Not having proof of EV ownership. You need to show you own or lease an EV or PHEV. Have your vehicle registration or lease agreement ready.
• ❌ Missing the itemized receipt from your electrician. You need separate line items for charger cost and labor. Ask for this specifically.
• ❌ Not keeping copies before mailing. Mail can be lost. Photograph everything before it goes in the envelope.