Hydrogen Laws and Incentives in Wisconsin

The list below contains summaries of all Wisconsin laws and incentives related to hydrogen.

Laws and Regulations

Alternative Fuel License

Any person acting as an alternative fuels dealer must hold a valid alternative fuel license and certificate from the Wisconsin Department of Administration. No person may use alternative fuels in the state unless the person holds a valid alternative fuel license or an authorized supplier has delivered the alternative fuel. For more information, see the Wisconsin Department of Revenue License, Permit and Registration Services website.

(Reference Wisconsin Statutes 78.47)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Use Policy

The Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) encourages state employees operating state-owned or leased motor vehicles to use hybrid electric vehicles or vehicles that operate on gasohol (a motor fuel containing at least 10% alcohol) or alternative fuels whenever feasible and cost effective. DOA must place a list of gasohol and alternative fueling station locations in each state-owned or state-leased motor vehicle for driver reference. DOA also encourages Wisconsin residents and state employees who use personal motor vehicles on state business to use gasohol and alternative fuels.

(Reference Wisconsin Statutes 16.045)

State Incentives

Alternative Fuel Tax Exemption

A county, city, village, town, or other political subdivision may not levy or collect any excise, license, privilege, or occupational tax on motor vehicle fuel, alternative fuels, or the purchase, sale, handling, or consumption of motor vehicle fuel or alternative fuels.

(Reference Wisconsin Statutes 78.82)

Alternative Fuel Tax Refund for Taxis

A person using alternative fuel to operate a taxi used to transport passengers may be reimbursed for the cost of the Wisconsin state fuel tax. Refund claims must be filed within one year of the fuel purchase date and must be for a minimum of 100 gallons of alternative fuel.

(Reference Wisconsin Statutes 78.75(1m)(a)(1) and 78.75(1m)(b))

Heavy-Duty Transit Bus Grants

The Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) offers grants for the replacement of eligible public transit buses. Funding is available for the replacement and scrapping of model year 1992-2009 heavy-duty public transit buses with new replacement diesel or alternative fueled buses. The program is funded by Wisconsin’s portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including how to apply, see the DOA VW Mitigation Program website.

Vehicle Battery and Engine Research Tax Credits

A corporation involved in qualified research is eligible for a tax credit equal to 11.5% of the qualified research expenses that the corporation incurs in Wisconsin during the taxable year. Qualified research includes, but is not limited to, automotive batteries for use in hybrid electric vehicles that improve the efficiency of electricity use, and research related to designing internal combustion engines for vehicles, including expenses related to designing vehicles that are powered by such engines and improving production processes for such engines and vehicles. For the purpose of the tax credit, internal combustion engines include fuel cell, electric, and hybrid electric vehicles. Corporations may claim an additional tax credit equal to 5% of the amount paid or incurred during the taxable year to construct and equip new facilities or expand existing facilities used in Wisconsin for qualified research. For more information see the Wisconsin Department of Revenue Research Credits website.

(Reference 71.28(4)(ab)(2), 71.28(4)(ad), and 71.28(5)(ad))

More Laws and Incentives

To find laws and incentives for other alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, search all laws and incentives.