Electricity Laws and Incentives in New Mexico
The list below contains summaries of all New Mexico laws and incentives related to electricity.
Laws and Regulations
Alternative Fuel Definition
Alternative fuels are defined as natural gas, propane, electricity, hydrogen, fuel mixtures containing not less than 85% ethanol or methanol, and fuel mixtures containing not less than 20% vegetable oil, or a water-phased hydrocarbon fuel emulsion in an amount not less than 20% by volume. Biodiesel is defined as a renewable, biodegradable, mono alkyl ester combustible liquid fuel that is derived from agricultural plant oils or animal fats and meets current ASTM pure biodiesel (B100) standards.
(Reference New Mexico Statutes 13-1B-2 and 57-19-27)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Acquisition Requirements
A minimum of 75% of state government and educational institution fleet light-duty vehicles purchased must be HEVs or bi-fuel or dedicated AFVs. Vehicles must meet or exceed the federal corporate average fuel economy standards. Certified law enforcement pursuit vehicles and emergency vehicles are exempt from this requirement. The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department may grant additional exemptions based on the availability and suitability of vehicles, as well as fuel availability and cost.
(Reference New Mexico Statutes 13-1B-1 through 13-1B-7)
Energy and Fuel Cost Savings Contracts
Government fleets may finance alternative fuel vehicles or related infrastructure through guaranteed utility savings contracts where vehicle operational and fuel cost savings pay for the capital investment. Guaranteed utility savings contracts must show that the cost savings resulting from the alternative fuel and infrastructure projects are equal to or higher than the annual contract payments.
(Reference New Mexico Statutes 6-23-2 and 6-23-3)
Low Carbon Fuel Standard
The New Mexico Environment Improvement Board must implement rules to establish a Clean Transportation Fuel Standard Program (Program) that reduces the overall carbon intensity of transportation fuels used in the state by at least 20% below 2018 carbon intensity levels by 2030 and at 30% below 2018 carbon intensity levels by 2040. The Program must go into effect no later than July 1, 2026. For more information, see the New Mexico Environment Department Clean Fuel Standard website.
(Reference House Bill 41, 2024)
Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Requirement
New Mexico has adopted the California Advanced Clean Trucks requirements specified in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations requiring manufacturers to meet California’s ZEV production and sales requirements. Beginning with model year 2027, manufacturers will be required to sell zero-emission trucks as an increasing percentage of their annual sales for Class 2b through Class 8 vehicles in New Mexico. ZEVs include all-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles. For more information, see the New Mexico Environment Department Transportation website.
(Reference New Mexico Environment Department Docketed Matters, EIB 23-56 (R) and New Mexico Administrative Code 20.2.91)
Public Utility Definition
An entity that is not a regulated utility that resells natural gas or electricity as motor fuel is not defined as a public utility.
(Reference New Mexico Statutes 62-3-4)
Regional Electric Vehicle (REV) West Plan
New Mexico joined Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming (Signatory States) in signing the REV West memorandum of understanding (MOU) to create an Intermountain West Electric Vehicle (EV) Corridor that will make it possible to seamlessly drive an EV across the Signatory States’ major transportation corridors.
In 2019, the Signatory States signed a revised REV West MOU to update their EV corridor goals based on progress to date. Signatory States are committed to:
- Educate consumers and fleet owners to raise EV awareness, reduce range anxiety, and increase EV adoption;
- Coordinate on EV charging station locations to achieve a consistent user experience across Signatory States;
- Use and promote the REV West Voluntary Minimum Standards for EV charging stations and explore opportunities for implementing the standards in Signatory States;
- Identify and develop opportunities to incorporate EV charging stations into planning and development processes such as building codes, metering policies, and renewable energy generation projects;
- Encourage EV manufacturers to stock and market a wide variety of EVs within the Signatory States;
- Identify, respond to, and collaborate on funding opportunities to support the development of the plan; and
- Support the build-out of direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations along EV corridors through investments, partnerships, and other mechanisms.
The Signatory States maintain a Coordination Group composed of senior leadership from each state which meet on a quarterly basis and report on the above actions. For more information, see the REV West website.
State Agency Low- and Zero-Emission Vehicle Acquisition Requirements
When acquiring new vehicles, all state agencies must purchase all-electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), or fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) when one or more models are available for purchase. By 2035, 100% of vehicles in the state fleet must be EVs, PHEVs, or FCEVs. The New Mexico General Services Department and New Mexico Department of Transportation must create fleet purchasing requirements that support these acquisition requirements. State agencies must propose annual vehicle and charging station acquisition and deployment targets to meet the 2035 fleet transition goal.
(Reference Executive Order 2023-138, 2023)
State Emissions Reduction Strategy
The governor established the Climate Change Task Force (Task Force) to evaluate strategies to reduce GHG and criteria pollutant emissions in New Mexico, including potential low emission vehicle and ZEV standards. New Mexico will pursue GHG emissions reduction of at least 45% below 2005 levels by 2030. The Task Force developed a climate strategy with initial recommendations in 2019 and published a progress report in 2021. For more information, see the Task Force website.
(Reference Executive Order 2019-003, 2019)
Utility Electric Vehicle (EV) Support
By January 1, 2021, and upon request by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (Commission) thereafter, public utilities must file an application to the Commission to expand transportation electrification. Applications may include, but are not limited to, incentives to facilitate the installation of EV charging infrastructure, electrification of public fleet vehicles, EV charging rates, and customer outreach and education programs. The Commission may approve applications based on whether the proposed projects can be reasonably expected to improve the electrical system efficiency of the public utility, to increase access to electricity as a transportation fuel, including in low income and underserved communities, to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and to encourage consumer adoption of EVs.
(Reference New Mexico Statutes 62-8-12)
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Sales Requirements and Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) Standards
New Mexico has adopted the California motor vehicles emissions standards and compliance requirements in the Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations. Manufacturers must meet the greenhouse gas emissions standard and the ZEV production and sales requirements, beginning with model year (MY) 2026. These regulations apply to new passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and sport utility vehicles.
In November 2023, New Mexico adopted the California vehicle emissions standards and compliance requirements set forth in the California Air Resources Board Advanced Clean Cars II regulation. These new emissions standards and requirements will begin with MY 2027 and require that 82% of new passenger vehicles sold in New Mexico must be ZEVs by 2032.
For more information, see the New Mexico Environment Department Transportation website.
(Reference New Mexico Environment Department Docketed Matters, EIB 21-66 (R) and New Mexico Administrative Code 20.2.91)
State Incentives
Alternative Fuel Tax Exemption
Alternative fuel distributed by or used for federal government, state government, or Indian nation, tribe, or pueblo purposes is exempt from the state excise tax.
(Reference New Mexico Statutes 7-16B-5)
Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle System Manufacturing Incentive
The Alternative Energy Product Manufacturers Tax Credit provides credit against combined reporting taxes (gross receipts, compensating, and withholding) for qualified manufacturers of alternative energy products, including hydrogen and fuel cell vehicle systems, and electric and hybrid electric vehicles. The credit is limited to 5% of qualifying expenditures, and manufacturers must fulfill job creation requirements to be eligible. Qualified manufacturers must apply for and receive approval from the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department before they may claim the credit. For more information, including eligibility and application details, refer to the New Mexico’s Industry-Specific Tax Incentives website.
(Reference New Mexico Statutes 7-9J-1 through 7-9J-8)
Diesel Emission Reduction Funding
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) provides U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) funding for heavy-duty on-road new diesel or alternative fuel repowers and replacements, as well as off-road all-electric repowers and replacements, with priority to hydrogen fuel cell projects. Vehicles that qualify for replacement or repower include:
- School buses;
- Class 5 transit buses;
- Class 5-8 heavy-duty vehicles; and,
- Non-road engines, equipment, or vehicles used in construction, cargo handling, agriculture, mining, or energy production.
For more information, see the NMED DERA website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Make-Ready Building Renovation Tax Credit
The Sustainable Building Tax Credit (SBTC) provides a renovation tax credit for the purchase and installation of EV make-ready infrastructure at existing buildings. Residential properties are eligible for a $500 tax credit, increasing to $1,000 if the infrastructure is for an income-eligible resident. Commercial properties are eligible for a tax credit of 50% of the cost, up to $1,500, increasing to 100% of the cost, up to $3,000, if the infrastructure is for affordable housing. To be eligible, commercial buildings may not be larger than 20,000 square feet and must install wiring capable of supporting Level 2 EV charging stations at 10% of parking spaces. This tax credit is available for renovations completed between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2027. Annual funding limits apply, and funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information and additional eligibility requirements, see the SBTC website.
(Reference New Mexico Statutes 7-2-18.32)
New Mexico's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Planning
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) NEVI Formula Program requires the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) to submit an annual EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan (Plan) to the DOT and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office), describing how the state intends to distribute NEVI funds. The submitted plans must be established according to NEVI guidance.
For more information about New Mexico’s NEVI planning process, see the NMDOT NEVI website. To review New Mexico’s NEVI plan, see the Joint Office State Plans for EV Charging website.
Utility / Private Incentives
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Rebate and Time-Of-Use (TOU) Credit – Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy offers residential customers enrolled in a time-of-use rate a rebate of up to $500 for the installation of a dedicated electrical circuit to support a Level 2 EV charging station. Income-eligible applicants may receive a rebate of up to $2,500. Customers who charge EVs during off-peak periods are eligible for an annual credit of $50. For more information see the Xcel Energy Driving Toward an Electric Future website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Rebate – El Paso Electric (EPE)
EPE offers commercial customers rebates for the installation of qualified Level 2 and direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations. Rebates are available in the following amounts:
| Applicant Type | Technology | Incentive Amounts |
|---|---|---|
| Workplace and Business | Networked Level 2 EV Charging Stations | 50% of eligible costs, up to $3,500 |
| Multi-Unit Dwelling (MUD) | Networked Level 2 EV Charging Stations | 75% of eligible costs, up to $5,250 |
| Commercial | Networked DCFC Stations | 50% of eligible costs, up to $104,000 |
| Public Transit and Fleet | Networked DCFC Stations | Up to $26,000 per DCFC Station; up to $37,000 for service upgrades |
| Public Transit and Fleet | Networked Level 2 EV Charging Station | Up to $3,500 per EV Charging Station; up to $13,000 for service upgrades |
Eligible EV Charging Stations must be UL2594 listed, ENERGY STAR certified, and have Wi-Fi or cellular capabilities. Additional eligibility requirements may apply. For more information, see the EPE Commercial Rebate Program
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Rebate – Powering New Mexico (PNM)
PNM offers a $500 rebate to residential customers for the purchase of a networked Level 2 EV charging station. Low-income customers may receive a rebate of up to $2,300. For more information, including eligibility requirements, see the PNM EV Discounts and Rebates website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Support
New Mexico utilities joined the National Electric Highway Coalition (NEHC), committing to create a network of direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations connecting major highway systems from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific of the United States. NEHC utility members agree to ensure efficient and effective fast charging deployment plans that enable long distance EV travel, avoiding duplication among coalition utilities, and complement existing corridor DCFC sites. For more information, including a list of participating utilities and states, see the NEHC website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Time-Of-Use (TOU) Rates – El Paso Electric (EPE)
EPE offers a TOU rate to commercial and residential customers that own or lease EVs. Eligible customers must be able to separately meter electricity used for EV charging. For more information, see the EPE EV Rates website.
Residential Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Program – Xcel Energy
The Xcel Energy EV Accelerate at Home program provides residential customers with a Level 2 EV charging station for a flat monthly fee. The fee covers EV charging station installation and maintenance by an Xcel Energy approved electrician. For more information, see the Xcel Energy EV Accelerate at Home website.
Residential Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Rebates – El Paso Electric (EPE)
EPE offers residential customers a $500 rebate to purchase a qualified Level 2 EV charging stations and a $2,300 rebate for low-income customers to purchase and install a qualified Level 2 EV charging station. Low-income customers are households with income equal to or less than 200% of the federal poverty level. Eligible Level 2 EV charging stations must be ENERGY STAR certified, networked, and have Wi-Fi or cellular capabilities. For more information, see the EPE Residential Programs website.
More Laws and Incentives
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