North Carolina Laws and Incentives
Listed below are the summaries of all current North Carolina laws, incentives, regulations, funding opportunities, and other initiatives related to alternative fuels and vehicles, advanced technologies, or air quality. You can go directly to summaries of:
State Incentives
North Carolina's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Planning
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) NEVI Formula Program requires the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) 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 North Carolina’s NEVI planning process, see the NCDOT NEVI website. To review North Carolina’s NEVI plan, see the Joint Office State Plans for EV Charging website.
Heavy-Duty Vehicle Emissions Reduction Funding
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Diesel Bus and Vehicle Programs provide funding for heavy-duty on-road new diesel or alternative fuel vehicles or engine repowers and replacements, as well as off-road repowers and replacements. Both government and non-government entities that own and operate diesel fleets and equipment are eligible for funding. Vehicles and equipment that qualify for replacement or repower include:
- Class 4-8 school buses, shuttle buses, and transit buses;
- Class 4-8 local freight trucks, ferries, forklifts, and freight switchers; and
- Class 8 local freight trucks and port drayage trucks.
This program is funded by North Carolina’s portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including funding availability, see the DEQ Diesel Bus and Vehicle Programs website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Grant Program
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Level 2 Infrastructure Grant Program and Zero Emission Vehicle Direct Current Fast Charge (DCFC) Infrastructure Program and Level 2 Infrastructure Program provides funding for the purchase and installation of public and private Level 2 EV charging stations and public DCFC stations. This program is funded by North Carolina’s portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including funding amounts and availability, see the DEQ Volkswagen Settlement website.
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV), Idle Reduction Technologies, and Diesel Retrofits Funding
The Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) project provides grant funding to reduce transportation-related emissions for areas in nonattainment with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. A project that is adjacent to these areas may also be eligible for funding if the project will reduce emissions in eligible counties. For more information, including current requests for proposals, see the CFAT website.
Point of Contact
Rick Sapienza
Clean Transportation Program Manager
North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center, North Carolina State University
Phone: (919) 515-2788
resapien@ncsu.edu
High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Exemption
Qualified electric vehicles, dedicated natural gas vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles may use North Carolina HOV lanes, regardless of the number of occupants. This exemption expires September 30, 2025. (Reference North Carolina General Statutes 20-4.01 and 20-146.2)
Electric Vehicle (EV) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Emissions Inspection Exemption
Qualified light-duty EVs and FCEVs are exempt from state emissions inspection requirements. Other restrictions may apply.
(Reference North Carolina General Statutes 20-4.01 and 20-183.2)
Alternative Fuel Tax Exemption
The retail sale, use, storage, and consumption of alternative fuels is exempt from the state retail sales and use tax.
(Reference North Carolina General Statutes 105-164.13 and 105-449.130)
Biodiesel Tax Exemption
An individual who produces biodiesel for use in that individual’s private passenger vehicle is exempt from the state motor fuel excise tax. Additionally, biodiesel transferred between fuel processing facilities is exempt from state motor fuel excise tax, if the fuel is owned by the same licensed supplier.
(Reference North Carolina General Statutes 20-4.01 and 105-449.88(9) and Senate Bill 147, 2023)
Ethanol Tax Exemption
Ethanol transferred between fuel processing facilities is exempt from state motor fuel excise tax if the fuel is owned by the same licensed supplier.
(Reference Senate Bill 174, 2023 and North Carolina General Statute 105-449.88)
Alternative Fuel and Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Fund
The North Carolina State Energy Office administers the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) Credit Banking and Selling Program, which enables the state to generate funds from the sale of EPAct 1992 credits. The funds that EPAct credit sales generate are deposited into the Alternative Fuel Revolving Fund (Fund) for state agencies to offset the incremental costs of purchasing biodiesel blends of at least 20% (B20) or ethanol blends of at least 85% (E85), developing alternative fueling infrastructure, and purchasing AFVs and hybrid electric vehicles. Funds are distributed to state departments, institutions, and agencies in proportion to the number of EPAct credits generated by each. For the purposes of this program, alternative fuels include 100% biodiesel (B100), biodiesel blends of at least B20, ethanol blends of at least E85, compressed natural gas, propane, and electricity. The Fund also covers additional projects approved by the Energy Policy Council.
Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Weight Exemption
A vehicle primarily powered by natural gas may exceed the state’s gross vehicle weight limits by a weight equal to the difference between the average weight of the vehicle with the natural gas tank and fueling system and the average weight of a comparable vehicle with a diesel tank and fueling system. The NGV maximum gross weight may not exceed 82,000 pounds.
(Reference North Carolina General Statutes 20-118)
Bond Exemption for Small Biofuels Suppliers
Fuel blenders or suppliers of ethanol or biodiesel are not required to file a bond with the North Carolina Department of Revenue when the expected motor fuel tax liability is less than $2,000.
(Reference North Carolina General Statutes 105-449.60 and 105-449.72)
Utility / Private Incentives
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Rebate – Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
TVA will establish and fund a network of direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations every 50 miles along interstates and major highways through the Fast Charge Network Program (Program). The Program offers funding for public DCFC stations along EV corridor gaps, up to $150,000 per DCFC station. Eligible applicants include TVA Local Power Companies, and eligible projects must include a minimum of two DCFC ports per location. Program participants must identify suitable host sites and agree to own, operate, and maintain Program-funded DCFC stations for a minimum of five years. For more information, including guidelines and additional eligibility requirements, see the TVA Fast Charge Network website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Incentives - Touchstone Energy Network
Touchstone Energy member cooperatives may offer EV incentives to residential customers. Local cooperatives that may currently offer incentives include:
- Edgecombe-Martin County Electric Membership Corporation
- Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation
- Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative
- Randolph Electric Membership Corporation
- Roanoke Electric Cooperative
- Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation
For more information, including a full list of member cooperatives and available incentives, see the Touchstone Energy Cooperative Network website.
Electric School Bus and Infrastructure Rebate - Duke Energy
Duke Energy offers public and charter schools a rebate of up to $215,000 for the purchase of electric school buses and associated charging infrastructure. Rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including eligibility requirements, see the Duke Energy Park and Plug website
Multifamily Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Pilot Program - Duke Energy
Duke Energy offers free EV charging station equipment, installation, maintenance, warranty, and network connection services to residents of multifamily dwellings through the Park & Plug Program. Participation is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, see the Duke Energy Multifamily Location EV Charging website.
Residential Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Make-Ready Rebate - Duke Energy
Duke Energy offers residential customers a $1,133 rebate for electrical upgrades to support a Level 2 or direct current fast charging (DCFC) station. For more information, including eligible upgrade costs, see the Duke Energy EV Charger Prep Credit website.
Commercial Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Make-Ready Rebate - Duke Energy
Duke Energy offers business and commercial home building customers a rebate for electrical upgrades to support EV charging stations. Rebate amounts vary by project and EV charging station type. Eligible projects include workplaces, businesses, transit agencies, schools, multifamily dwellings, fleets, new construction homes, and publicly available EV charging stations. For more information, including eligibility requirements and rebate amounts, see the Duke Energy Commercial Charger Prep Credit and Homebuilder Charger Prep Credit websites.
Commercial Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Pilot Program - Duke Energy
Duke Energy offers free EV charging station equipment, installation, maintenance, warranty, and network connection services to businesses through the Park & Plug Program. Participation is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, see the Duke Energy Park & Plug website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Support
North Carolina 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.
Laws and Regulations
Public Utility Definition
A person who uses electric vehicle supply equipment to resell electricity to the public for the purposes of fueling an electric vehicle is not considered a public utility.
(Reference North Carolina General Statutes 62-3(23))
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Requirements
State-owned vehicle fleets must prioritize ZEVs in the purchase or lease of new vehicles and use ZEVs for agency travel when feasible. Cabinet agencies must prioritize ZEVs in the purchase or lease of new medium- and heavy-duty (MHD) vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 8,500 pounds. The Department of Administration (Department) developed the North Carolina Motor Fleet ZEV Plan (Plan). The Plan identifies the types of trips for which ZEV-use is feasible, recommends infrastructure necessary to support ZEV use, and develops ZEV procurement options and strategies. The Department provides information about each agency’s ZEV acquisitions and miles driven by vehicle type annually. For more information, see the Department’s Climate Change & Clean Energy: Plans & Progress website.
(Reference Executive Order 80, 2018 and Executive Order 271, 2022)
Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Support
California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington (signatory states) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the deployment of medium- and heavy-duty (MHD) ZEVs through involvement in a Multi-State ZEV Task Force (Task Force).
In July 2022, the Task Force published a multi-state action plan to support electrification of MHD vehicles. The action plan includes strategies and recommendations to accomplish the goals of the MOU, including limiting all new MHD vehicle sales in the signatory states to ZEVs by 2050, accelerating the deployment of MHD ZEVs, and ensuring MHD ZEV deployment also benefits disadvantaged communities.
For more information, see the Medium- and Heavy-Duty ZEVs: Action Plan Development Process website.
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Support
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), in coordination with the Department of Environmental Quality, developed a ZEV Plan to guide ZEV adoption in North Carolina and increase the number of ZEVs in the state to at least 80,000 by 2025. The ZEV Plan provides guidelines for establishing state-wide vehicle corridors, installing charging stations and other infrastructure, and incorporating best practices for increasing ZEV adoption. For more information, including the current number of ZEV registrations, see the NCDOT Climate Change & Clean Energy: Plans & Progress website.
(Reference Executive Order 80, 2018)
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment and Emissions Reductions Goals
North Carolina established the following goals to reduce statewide greenhouse (GHG) emissions:
- GHG emissions must be at least 50% below 2005 levels by 2030;
- Achieve net-zero emissions by 2050;
- Register at least 1,250,000 ZEVs by 2030; and,
- Increase the share of new passenger vehicle sales to 50% ZEVs by 2030.
(Reference Executive Order 246, 2022)
Clean Transportation Plan
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) must develop and submit a state-wide Clean Transportation Plan (Plan) by April 7, 2023, to meet North Carolina’s emission reduction and zero emission vehicle (ZEV) goals. The Plan must recommend actionable strategies for decarbonizing the transportation sector by:
- Increasing ZEV availability, sales, and usage to levels beyond current market projections;
- Reducing statewide vehicle miles traveled;
- Investing in clean transportation infrastructure;
- Increasing equitable access to clean mobility options;
- Increasing availability of non-vehicle transportation modes; and,
- Transitioning registered vehicles to zero- and low-emission fuels.
The Plan must also include considerations for transitioning medium- and heavy-duty (MHD) vehicles to ZEVs, as directed by the state’s participation in the Multi-State MHD ZEV Memorandum of Understanding.
(Reference Executive Order 80, 2018, and Executive Order 246, 2022)
Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Requirement
By May 15, 2023, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) must propose a rule to adopt the California Advanced Clean Trucks requirements specified in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations, requiring manufacturers to meet California ZEV production and sales requirements. The NCDEQ may collaborate with local governments, electric utilities, and other stakeholders to develop this proposed rule and analyze potential impacts.
(Reference Executive Order 271, 2022)
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Infrastructure Study
The North Carolina Department of Transportation must establish a North Carolina ZEV Infrastructure Needs Assessment in partnership with other agencies. The assessment must evaluate charging and fueling needs to support the adoption and implementation of the California Advanced Clean Trucks program and the achievement of state ZEV adoption and greenhouse gas emissions goals.
(Reference Executive Order 271, 2022)
Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Committee and Regulations
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) established the Fully AV Committee to consider matters relevant to AV technology, review state motor vehicle laws, and make recommendations concerning vehicle testing, traffic rules and ordinances, and modifications of state laws. For more information, see the AVs Roadmap for NC website.
Fully AV is defined as a vehicle equipped with an automated driving system that will not require an occupant to operate the real-time and tactical control functions of the vehicle at any time.
The operator of a fully AV is not required to be licensed to operate a motor vehicle. A person may operate a fully autonomous vehicle if the vehicle:- Is capable of being operated in compliance with Articles 3, 3A, 7, 11 and 13 of North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 20;
- Complies with applicable federal laws and regulations; and
- Is certified in accordance with Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Section 567.
(Reference North Carolina General Statutes 20-400 through 20-403)
Alternative Fuels Tax
The state motor fuel tax on liquefied natural gas (LNG) is imposed based on the diesel gallon equivalent (DGE) and the tax on propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) is based on the gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE). For taxation purposes, one GGE of propane and CNG is equal to 5.75 pounds (lbs.) and 5.66 lbs., respectively, and one DGE of LNG is equal to 6.06 lbs. The North Carolina Department of Revenue will determine the equivalent rate for all other non-liquid alternative fuels. Certain exclusions apply. For more information, including current tax rates, see the Motor Fuels Tax Information website.
(Reference North Carolina General Statutes 105-449.130 and 105-449.136)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Annual Fee
The owner of an EV that is exclusively powered by electricity must pay a fee of $180 and the owner of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle must pay a fee of $90 in addition to any other required registration fees at the time of initial registration and annual registration renewal.
(Reference House Bill 259, 2023 and North Carolina General Statutes 20-87)
State Highway Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Regulations
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) may install and operate public EV charging stations at state-owned highway rest stops so long as NCDOT has developed a mechanism to charge EV charging station users a fee to recover the costs related to electricity consumed, processing fees, and operation and maintenance. NCDOT may consult with other state agencies and industry representatives to develop a cost recovery mechanism.
(Reference North Carolina General Statutes 136-18.02)
Ethanol Blend Requirement
Suppliers that import gasoline for sale in North Carolina must offer fuel that is not pre-blended with fuel alcohol but that is suitable for future blending. Future contract provisions that restrict distributors or retailers from blending gasoline with fuel alcohol are void.
(Reference North Carolina General Statutes 75-90, 105-449.60)
Ethanol Blend Labeling Requirements
Pumps that dispense ethanol-blended gasoline available for purchase must be labeled with the registered brand name and the volume percentage, or blend level, of the ethanol. The labels must be affixed to the front panel of the pump in a position that is clearly visible to the vehicle driver. Graphics requirements apply.
(Reference North Carolina Administrative Code Title 2, Chapter 42, Subchapter .0401; and North Carolina General Statutes 119-27.2)
Propane Dealer License
A propane dealer is defined as any person, firm, or corporation that sells or otherwise deals in propane. Every dealer must be registered with the North Carolina Board of Agriculture (Board). A dealer must obtain and maintain a general liability insurance, a bond, or equivalent protection for the public. The dealer must be able to provide verification of insurance within 10 days of the Board’s request. Additional requirements apply. For more information, see the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Standards Division website.
(Reference North Carolina General Statutes 119-54 and 119-56)
Biodiesel Warranty Requirement
All new state government diesel vehicles must have a manufacturer’s warranty that allows the use of biodiesel blends of 20% (B20) in the vehicle. This requirement does not apply if the North Carolina Department of Administration determines that there is no vehicle available that is suited for the intended use and that has a manufacturer’s warranty allowing the use of B20.
(Reference North Carolina General Statutes 20-351.11, 136-28.15, 143-58.4 and 143-341)
Biodiesel Requirement for School Buses
Every school bus capable of operating on diesel fuel must be capable of operating using blends of at least 20% biodiesel (B20). At least 2% of the total volume of fuel purchased annually by local school districts statewide for use in diesel school buses must be a minimum of B20, to the extent that biodiesel blends are available and compatible with the technology of the vehicles and the equipment used.
(Reference North Carolina General Statutes 115C-240(c),115C-249(a) and 143-58.4)
Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Acquisition Requirements
When purchasing new state vehicles, the North Carolina Department of Administration must give purchase preference to vehicles with fuel economy ratings that rank among the top 15% of comparable vehicles in their class.
(Reference North Carolina General Statutes 143-341)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Acquisition Goal
North Carolina established a goal that at least 75% of new or replacement state government light-duty cars and trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less must be AFVs or low emission vehicles.
(Reference North Carolina General Statutes 143-215.107C)
Alternative Fuel Use and Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Requirements
State-owned vehicle fleets must implement petroleum displacement plans to increase the use of alternative fuels and fuel-efficient vehicles. Reductions may be met by petroleum displaced through the use of biodiesel, ethanol, other alternative fuels, the use of hybrid electric vehicles, other fuel-efficient or low emission vehicles, or additional methods the North Carolina Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources approves.
(Reference Session Law 2013-265, Section 19.5(a)))
School Bus Idle Reduction Requirement
All local boards of education in North Carolina have adopted idle reduction policies prohibiting school buses from idling unnecessarily on school grounds or warming up for longer than five minutes. For more information, including a sample policy and administrative procedure, see the North Carolina School Boards Association Reduced Idling Materials website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Definition
An EV is defined as a vehicle that:
- Does not have the ability to be propelled by gasoline
- Draws electricity from a battery with a capacity of at least four kilowatt-hours and is capable of being charged from an external source
- Has not been modified from the original equipment manufacturer power train specifications
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less
- Has a maximum speed of at least 65 miles per hour, and
- Meets applicable requirements in Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Section 571.
(Reference North Carolina General Statutes 20-4.01)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Registration Tracking Requirement
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will report EV, hybrid electric vehicle, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle registrations on its performance dashboard. Data must include the number of monthly new registrations, monthly registration renewals, and the cumulative number of new registrations. For more information, see the NCDOT REPORT Program and the Zero Emission Vehicle Registration Data websites.
(Reference Session Law 2019-231, Section 4.14(a) and North Carolina General Statues 136-18.05)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Purchase Policy for Dealerships
Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) may not require or coerce dealerships to purchase or lease EV charging stations unless the dealership is selling that OEM’s EVs. Dealerships are not required to offer public charging or purchase more EV charging stations than reasonably necessary.
(Reference North Carolina General Statues 20-305)
Advanced Technology Vehicle Purchase Policy for Dealerships
Vehicle manufacturers may not prevent rural and other franchised dealers from obtaining, selling, or leasing electric, hydrogen, or automated vehicles.
(Reference North Carolina General Statues 20-305 and Senate Bill 356, 2023)