Private Capital Powers U.S. EV Charging Boom Through Tax Credit Partnerships

How transferable clean energy incentives are accelerating infrastructure deployment via companies like WattUp USA

The push for widespread electric vehicle adoption in the United States is getting a significant boost from private capital mobilized through federal clean energy tax credits. Innovative structuring by firms like Founders First Advisory are channeling funds directly into projects such as WattUp USA’s nationwide rollout of ultra-fast EV charging stations.

As an example, WattUp USA is in the process of securing $130 million in funding, arranged through Founders First Advisory, to deploy 200 cutting-edge charging stations focused on retail and high-traffic locations. This expansion is supported by the transferability provisions of clean energy tax credits established and enhanced under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

These credits—now covering solar, wind, nuclear, hydrogen, EVs, battery storage, domestic manufacturing, carbon capture, and energy efficiency—allow aligned companies to sell credits for cash, effectively turning them into a tradable asset. The IRA locks in 10-year certainty and broadens eligibility beyond traditional renewables to infrastructure and energy security.

Corbin Cowan, Chairman and CEO of Founders First Advisory, explains how this evolution is opening doors for accredited investors and new developers. Through the firm’s initiative, founders, business owners, and high-income earners can align their tax strategies with tangible investments in clean energy infrastructure.

“Participants may be able to offset or reduce current-year tax liabilities through qualifying clean energy infrastructure credits [and] convert passive tax exposure into equity participation in EV infrastructure growth,” the company notes.

WattUp USA’s project exemplifies how policy is translating into on-the-ground progress in retail-focused charging solutions that include battery storage for grid-constrained sites. Cowan emphasizes the performance-first approach of his firm, which connects clients with vetted opportunities in this rapidly evolving space. The opportunity remains time-sensitive for 2026 tax positioning, with increasing inbound demand following announcements of WattUp USA’s expansion.

Cowan notes that the Founders First model not only benefits investors seeking tax efficiency and returns but also supports broader goals of energy security, reduced emissions, and domestic infrastructure modernization.

While the current tax strategy with WattUp is time sensitive, Founders First is focused on many investment opportunities in addition to the current tax credits. In all, the advisory blends the best strategy for each client with available deal structure as well as a private lending network, which is highly unique. Cowan notes, “Our ability to make outcomes such as a $652K acquisition, for example, achievable for the vast majority of successful business owners with little or no long-term cash out of pocket is a huge advantage for the clients we serve.”