Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

SmartWay Transport Partnership

The SmartWay Transport Partnership is a market-based public-private collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the domestic freight industry. This partnership is designed to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution by accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies and operational practices which increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions from goods movement. EPA provides partners with performance benchmarking tools, fleet management best practices, technology verification, public recognition and awards, and use of the SmartWay Transport Partner logo to demonstrate their leadership to customers, shareholders and other stakeholders. The SmartWay Transport Partnership is working with partners to test and verify advanced technologies and operational practices that save fuel and reduce emissions. Grants are available to states, non-profits, and academic institutions to demonstrate innovative idle reduction technologies for the trucking industry. For more information, see the SmartWay Transport Partnership website.

Improved Energy Technology Loans

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides loan guarantees through the Loan Guarantee Program to eligible projects that reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases and support early commercial use of advanced technologies, including biofuels and alternative fuel vehicles. The program is not intended for research and development projects. DOE may issue loan guarantees for up to 100% of the amount of the loan for an eligible project. Eligible projects may include the deployment of fueling infrastructure, including associated hardware and software, for alternative fuels. For loan guarantees of over 80%, the loan must be issued and funded by the Treasury Department's Federal Financing Bank. For more information, see the Loan Guarantee Program website and the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure fact sheet. (Reference 42 U.S. Code 16513)

Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV) and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Manufacturing Incentives

Through the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program, manufacturers may be eligible for direct loans for up to 30% of the cost of re-equipping, expanding, or establishing manufacturing facilities in the United States used to produce qualified ATVs, ATV components, or alternative fuel infrastructure, including associated hardware and software. Qualified ATVs are light-duty or ultra-efficient vehicles that meet specified federal emission standards and fuel economy requirements. Ultra-efficient vehicles are fully closed compartment vehicles, designed to carry at least two adult passengers, which achieve at least 75 miles per gallon while operating on gasoline or diesel fuel, as hybrid electric vehicles operating on gasoline or diesel fuel, or as fully electric vehicles. Qualified components must be designed for ATVs and installed for the purpose of meeting ATV performance requirements, as determined by the U.S. Department of Energy.

For more information, see the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program website and the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure fact sheet. (Reference 42 U.S. Code 17013)

Alternative Fuel Loans

The Oregon Department of Energy administers the State Energy Loan Program (SELP) which offers low-interest loans for qualified projects. Eligible alternative fuel projects include fuel production facilities, dedicated feedstock production, fueling infrastructure, and fleet vehicles. Loan recipients must complete a loan application and pay a loan application fee. SELP is not currently accepting new loan applications (confirmed April 2018). For more information, including application forms and interest rate and fee information, see the SELP website. (Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 470)

Alternative Fuel School Bus and Fueling Infrastructure Loans

The Virginia Board of Education may use funding from the Literary Fund to provide loans to school boards that convert school buses to operate on alternative fuels or construct alternative fueling stations. (Reference Virginia Code 22.1-146)

Biofuel Loan Program

The Biofuels Partnership in Assisting Community Expansion (PACE) Loan Program provides an interest buy down of up to 5% below the note rate to biodiesel, ethanol, or renewable diesel production facilities; livestock operations feeding by-products produced at a biodiesel, ethanol, or renewable diesel facility; and grain handling facilities which provide storage of grain used in biofuels production. Qualified biodiesel, ethanol, and renewable diesel production facilities located in North Dakota may receive up to $500,000 of interest buy down for the purchase, construction, or expansion of a production facility, or the purchase or installation of equipment at the facility.

Idle Reduction Technology Loans

The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) provides small business loans at 80% of the current prime interest rate to institute pollution control and prevention measures. Idle reduction technologies for heavy-duty trucking applications are eligible. The maximum loan amount is $45,000, with a $65,000 lifetime maximum for one business, with loan terms up to 10 years. An eligible business must employ 100 individuals or less and demonstrate proof of profitability and the ability to repay the loan. For more information, including a loan application, see the ADEQ Environmental Assistance Low-Interest Loans for Small Businesses website.

Idle Reduction Technology Loan Program

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Small Business Environmental Assistance Program provides low-interest loans up to $75,000 to qualified small businesses to finance environmental projects such as capital equipment upgrades that meet or exceed environmental regulations, including idle reduction technologies. For more information, see the Low-Interest Environmental Loans website.

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Fueling Infrastructure Loans

The Nebraska Energy Office administers the Dollar and Energy Saving Loan Program, which makes low-cost loans available for a variety of alternative fuel projects, including the replacement of conventional vehicles with AFVs; the purchase of new AFVs; the conversion of conventional vehicles to operate on alternative fuels; and the construction or purchase of fueling stations or equipment. The maximum loan amount is $500,000 per borrower, and the interest rate is 5% or less. For more information, see the Dollar and Energy Saving Loans website.

Alternative Fuel and Vehicle Incentives

The California Energy Commission (CEC) administers the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (ARFVTP) to provide financial incentives for businesses, vehicle and technology manufacturers, workforce training partners, fleet owners, consumers, and academic institutions with the goal of developing and deploying alternative and renewable fuels and advanced transportation technologies. The CEC must prepare and adopt an annual Investment Plan for the ARFVTP to establish funding priorities and opportunities that reflect program goals and to describe how program funding will complement other public and private investments. Funded projects include:

• Commercial alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) demonstrations and deployment;
• Alternative and renewable fuel production;
• Research and development of alternative and renewable fuels and innovative technologies;
• AFV manufacturing;
• Workforce training; and
• Public education, outreach, and promotion.

Cellulosic Ethanol Production Financing

The Kansas Development Finance Authority may issue revenue bonds to cover the costs of construction or expansion of a biomass-to-energy facility. A qualifying biomass-to-energy facility includes any industrial process plant that uses biomass to produce at least 500,000 gallons of cellulosic alcohol fuel, liquid or gaseous fuel, or other source of energy in a quantity with energy content at least equal to that of 500,000 gallons of cellulosic alcohol fuel. Expansion of an existing biomass-to-energy facility means expansion of the facility's production capacity by a minimum of 10%. (Reference Kansas Statutes 74-8949b and 79-32,233)

Advanced Biofuel Incentives

The North Dakota Industrial Commission's Renewable Energy Program provides matching grants and other forms of assistance to support research and development projects involving advanced and sugar-based biofuel. Advanced biofuel is defined as fuel derived from renewable biomass and includes biofuel derived from cellulose, hemicellulose, or lignin; biofuel derived from sugar and starch other than ethanol derived from corn kernel starch; biofuel derived from waste material, including crop residue, other vegetative waste material, animal waste, food waste, and yard waste; diesel-equivalent fuel derived from renewable biomass, including vegetable oil and animal fat; biogas, including landfill gas and sewage waste treatment gas, produced through the conversion of organic matter from renewable biomass; butanol or other alcohols produced through the conversion of organic matter from renewable biomass; and other fuel derived from cellulosic biomass. For more information, see the Renewable Energy Program website. (Reference North Dakota Century Code 54-63-03)

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Financing

Local governments may offer funding to property owners within their jurisdiction to help finance EVSE installations on their property or enter into a financing agreement for the same purpose. For additional information, property owners should contact their local government. (Reference Florida Statutes 163.08)

Advanced Biofuel Production Grants and Loan Guarantees

The Biorefinery Assistance Program (Section 9003) provides loan guarantees for the development, construction, and retrofitting of commercial-scale biorefineries that produce advanced biofuels. Grants for demonstration scale biorefineries are also available. Advanced biofuel is defined as fuel derived from renewable biomass other than corn kernel starch. Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to, individuals, state or local governments, farm cooperatives, national laboratories, institutions of higher education, and rural electric cooperatives. The maximum loan guarantee is $250 million and the maximum grant funding is 50% of project costs. For more information, including current funding application deadlines, see the Biorefinery Assistance Program website. (Reference Public Law 112-240 and 7 U.S. Code 8103)

Ethanol Infrastructure Grants and Loan Guarantees

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides loan guarantees and grants to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. Eligible renewable energy systems include flexible fuel pumps, or blender pumps, that dispense intermediate ethanol blends. The maximum loan guarantee is $25 million and the maximum grant funding is 25% of project costs. At least 20% of the grant funds awarded must be for grants of $20,000 or less. This program's funding is subject to congressional appropriations. For more information, see the REAP website. (Reference Public Laws 113-79 and 112-240, and 7 U.S. Code 8107)

Agriculturally-Derived Fuel Production Facility Loan Guarantees

The Bank of North Dakota offers loan guarantees for eligible entities constructing facilities using biomass for agriculturally-derived fuel production. The total value of loan guarantees under this program may not exceed $8 million at any one time. Additional restrictions apply. (Reference North Dakota Century Code 6-09.7-01 and 6-09.7-09)

Smart Grid Infrastructure Development and Support

The Illinois Science and Energy Innovation Trust (Trust) will provide financial and technical support to public and private entities within the state for programs and projects that support, encourage, or utilize innovative technologies and methods to modernize the state's electric grid. Technologies may include advanced electricity storage and peak-shaving technologies, such as plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) or devices that allow PEVs to engage in smart grid functions. The Trust also offers assistance for standards development for communication and interoperability of appliances and equipment connected to the electric grid. Electric utilities may voluntarily commit to investments in smart grid advanced metering infrastructure deployment. Participating utilities must consult with the Smart Grid Advisory Council and file a Smart Grid Advanced Metering Infrastructure Deployment Plan with the Illinois Commerce Commission. (Reference 220 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/16-108.5 through 108.7)

Natural Gas Vehicle Loans - Communication Federal Credit Union (CFCU)

CFCU offers loans to individuals and businesses that purchase new or converted compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. Conversion systems must be certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and installed by an insured and state-licensed facility. New vehicle loans are available at amounts up to the manufacturer's suggested retail price plus the cost of the conversion. Pre-owned or CFCU member-owned vehicles with a CNG fuel system or conversion installation are eligible for loans at up to 115% of the National Automobile Dealers Association suggested retail value. All financing is at CFCU standard auto loan rates. CFCU also offers loans for the cost of home fueling appliances. For more information, see the CFCU CNG Loans website.

Natural Gas Vehicle Loans - Communication Federal Credit Union (CFCU)

CFCU offers loans to individuals and businesses that purchase new or converted compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. Conversion systems must be U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certified and installed by an insured and state licensed facility. New vehicle loans are available at amounts up to the manufacturer's suggested retail price plus the cost of the conversion. Pre-owned or CFCU member owned vehicles with a CNG fuel system or conversion installation are eligible for loans at up to 115% of the National Automobile Dealers Association suggested retail value. All financing is at CFCU standard auto loan rates. CFCU also offers loans for the cost of home fueling equipment. For more information, see the CFCU CNG Loans website.

Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Technology Research and Demonstration Bonds

Qualified state, tribal, and local governments may issue Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds subsidized by the U.S. Department of Treasury at competitive rates to fund capital expenditures on qualified energy conservation projects. Eligible activities include research and demonstration projects related to cellulosic ethanol and other non-fossil fuels, as well as advanced battery manufacturing technologies. Government entities may choose to issue tax credit bonds or direct payment bonds to subsidize the borrowing costs. For information on eligibility, processes, and limitations, see IRS Notices 2009-29, 2010-35, and 2012-44 or contact local issuing agencies. (Reference 26 U.S. Code 54D)

Natural Gas Infrastructure Loans

The Wyoming Business Council (Council) can issue loans to businesses for the cost of the engineering, design, real property, equipment, and labor necessary to install a natural gas fueling station. The loan may cover 75% of the total project cost, up to $1 million. Businesses receiving a loan do not have to pay interest or principal payments for the first two years of the loan term. When considering loan applications, the Council will consider existing fueling infrastructure and the volume of private and government fleet vehicles in the geographic area. For more information on loan requirements and applications, see the Council's Loan Programs website. (Reference Wyoming Statutes 9-12-301 through 9-12-304)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Revolving Loan Program

The Mississippi Alternative Fuel School Bus and Municipal Motor Vehicle Revolving Loan Program provides zero-interest loans for public school districts and municipalities to cover the incremental cost to purchase alternative fuel school buses and other motor vehicles, convert school buses and other motor vehicles to use U.S. Environmental Protection Agency compliant alternative fuel systems, purchase alternative fuel equipment, and install fueling stations. Loans are available for up to $300,000 for the purchase and retrofit of AFVs, and up to $500,000 for the purchase and installation of fueling station equipment and infrastructure. Eligible alternative fuels include propane and natural gas. For more information, refer to the Alternative Fuel School Bus and Municipal Motor Vehicle Revolving Loan Program website. (Reference Mississippi Code 57-1-421)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Revolving Loan Program for Public Entities

The South Carolina Energy Office (SCEO) provides low interest loans for a variety of energy efficiency improvements, including AFV conversions and incremental costs, with qualified project payback periods. Eligible recipients include state agencies, local governments, public colleges and universities, school districts, and private non-profit organizations. Private non-profit organizations and local government entities may be eligible for loans of up to 100% of eligible project costs ranging from $25,000 to $500,000 per state fiscal year. For state agencies and public educational institutions, SCEO will provide 70% of each project's funding as a loan and entities may also be eligible for ConserFund Plus grant of up to 30% project cost. For more information, see the ConserFund website. (Reference South Carolina Code of Laws 48-52-650)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Revolving Loan Program for Private Entities

The South Carolina Business Development Corporation provides low interest loans for a variety of energy efficiency improvements, including AFV conversions and incremental costs, with qualified project payback periods. Eligible recipients include businesses and industries; utilities, and non-profit organizations. Government entities may be eligible under special conditions. The loan may cover up to 100% of the project costs ranging from $50,000 to $1 million and must be repaid after one and one half times the projected payback period of the loan. For more information, including application deadlines, see the Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan website. (Reference South Carolina Code of Laws 48-52-650)

Alternative Fuel and Idle Reduction Revolving Loan Program for Public Entities

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs provides low-interest energy efficiency loans through its Local Government Energy Loan program to local governments and educational institutions. Eligible energy efficiency improvement projects include those involving idle reduction equipment and natural gas and propane vehicle conversions or purchases. Dedicated and bi-fuel vehicles are eligible, and the loan may cover incremental and conversion costs. Local governments and public colleges and universities can borrow up to $350,000; K-12 public schools may borrow up to $350,000 per campus or $500,000 per school system. The minimum loan amount is $50,000 and the maximum loan term is five years. The program is not currently accepting applications (verified June 2018).

Residential Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Financing Program

Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing allows property owners to borrow funds to pay for energy improvements, including purchasing and installing EVSE. The borrower repays the financing over a defined period of time through a special assessment on the property. Local governments in California are authorized to establish PACE programs. Property owners must agree to a contractual assessment on the property tax bill, have a clean property title, and be current on property taxes and mortgages. Financing limits are 15% of the first $700,000 of the property value and 10% of the remaining property value. For more information, see the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority PACE website. (Reference California Public Resources Code 26004-26082)

Clean Truck Replacement Program

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey’s Regional Truck Replacement Program (Program) provides funding for up to 50% of the cost to replace a heavily emitting truck, up to $25,000. Eligible recipients include independent owner operators and licensed motor carriers servicing the port with drayage trucks equipped with Model Year 1994 to 2006 engines. Funding is limited to two replacement trucks per eligible applicant. Additional rules and conditions apply. For more information, see the Program website.

Clean Truck Replacement Program

The Regional Truck Replacement Program (Program) through the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey provides funding for up to 50% of the cost to replace a port drayage truck, up to $25,000. Eligible recipients include independent owner operators and licensed motor carriers servicing the port with drayage trucks equipped with Model Year 1996 to 2006 engines. Funding is limited to two replacement trucks per eligible applicant. Additional rules and conditions apply. For more information, see the Program website.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Loan and Rebate Program

The Electric Vehicle Charging Station Financing Program (Program), part of the California Capital Access Program (CalCAP), provides loans for the design, development, purchase, and installation of EVSE at small business locations in California. The Program may provide up to 100% coverage to lenders on certain loan defaults. Lenders must apply to the California Pollution Control Financing Authority (CPCFA) to participate and enroll each qualified EVSE loan through CalCAP. Upon approval, CPCFA will pay a premium into the lender's loan loss reserve account for up to 20% of the loan amount and contribute an additional 10% for installations in multi-unit dwellings and disadvantaged communities.

Small businesses are eligible for a rebate of 50% of the loan loss reserve amount after the small business repays the loan in full or meets monthly payment deadlines over a 48-month period. Eligible borrowers must be small businesses with 1,000 or fewer employees and must maintain legal control of the EVSE for the entire loan period. The maximum loan amount is $500,000 per qualified small business and can be insured for up to four years.

The California Energy Commission funds the Program. For more information, including EVSE technical requirements and eligibility requirements for both borrowers and lenders, see the Program website.

Alternative Fuel and Idle Reduction Revolving Loan Program for Private Entities

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs provides an energy efficiency and renewable energy loan through its AlabamaSAVES program to commercial, industrial, and non-profit entities. Eligible energy efficiency improvements include those involving idle reduction equipment, natural gas and propane vehicle conversions or purchases, and alternative fueling infrastructure installation at existing facilities in Alabama. Dedicated and bi-fuel vehicles are eligible, and the loan may cover incremental and conversion costs. For additional information, see the AlabamaSAVES website.

Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Financing and Charging - Illinois Electric Cooperative

Illinois Electric Cooperative (Co-op) members are eligible for loan financing at 0.5% for 60 months for the purchase of new PEVs. Members must apply and be approved for financing before purchase. The Co-op also offers a PEV time-of-use electricity rate for residential customers who own a PEV. The PEV rate is optional and requires installation of a separate meter. For more information, see the Illinois Electric Cooperative website.

Hydrogen Fuel Production Incentives

Businesses that convert natural gas to hydrogen fuel, or produce natural gas solely for use in the production of hydrogen fuel for zero emission vehicles (ZEVs), may be eligible for an oil and gas severance tax credit. Each eligible applicant may receive a tax credit equal to the amount of the severance tax owed, up to $5 million per year. Entities that produce hydrogen fuel for use in ZEVs or hydrogen fueled trucks may also qualify for grant funding or loans from the Community Impact Fund. (Reference Utah Code 35A-8-302 and 59-5-102)

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Incentives - Brickell Energy

Brickell Energy's aFLoat Program offers two different incentives to facilitate the installation of EVSE in Florida. Through the aFLoat Host Agreement, Brickell Energy will cover the cost of hardware, network service plans, management service, and warranties. Eligible hosts include commercial real estate property owners and managers. Hosts must cover the cost of installation. The aFLoat Rental Plan offers public and commercial locations the EVSE hardware, network service plan, management service, and warranties at a reduced fee. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, see Brickell Energy's aFLoat Program website.

Loans for Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs) and Residential Charging Infrastructure

The Connecticut Green Bank offers Smart-E low-interest loans of up to $30,000 for Connecticut residents to purchase a new or used PEV. The vehicle must be registered with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. Loans are also available for Connecticut PEV drivers to purchase Level 2 and DC fast electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). To qualify, applicants must own or lease a model year 2012 or later PEV and occupy the residence at which the EVSE will be installed. For more information, see the Connecticut Green Bank Smart-E Loan website.

Alternative Fueling Infrastructure Incentive

The Vermont State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) offers loan assistance to municipalities, regional development corporations, political subdivisions of the state, and private companies working for the state to finance public electric vehicle charging and natural gas fueling stations. 1% fixed loans are available to municipalities and 3% fixed loans are available to private sector borrowers. Other terms and conditions may apply. See the Vermont Economic Development Authority's SIB page for more information, including how to apply.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Lease Pilot Program - FirstEnergy

FirstEnergy residential customers can lease a Level 2 EVSE for a monthly rate for three years. Included in the lease is the installation of the EVSE and a repair or replacement guarantee for the life of the agreement. For more information, including terms and conditions, see the FirstEnergy Electric Vehicle Charger Lease website.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Lease Pilot Program - FirstEnergy

FirstEnergy residential customers can lease a Level 2 EVSE for a monthly rate for three years. Included in the lease is the installation of the EVSE and a repair or replacement guarantee for the life of the agreement. For more information, including terms and conditions, see the FirstEnergy Electric Vehicle Charger Lease website.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Lease Pilot Program - FirstEnergy

FirstEnergy residential customers can lease a Level 2 EVSE for a monthly rate for three years. Included in the lease is the installation of the EVSE and a repair or replacement guarantee for the life of the agreement. For more information, including terms and conditions, see the FirstEnergy Electric Vehicle Charger Lease website.

Natural Gas Vehicle Loan - SoCalGas

Southern California Gas Company’s (SoCalGas) Truck Loan Program provides short-term loans of up to two weeks for medium- and heavy-duty compressed natural gas vehicles at no cost to qualifying customers. For more information, see the Truck Loan Program announcement.

Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Loan - Burlington Electric Department (BED)

BED provides low- or no-interest loans for the purchase of a new PEV. Eligible customers can also apply a BED PEV incentive of up to $1,800 toward the purchase of the PEV. For more information, see the BED Electric Vehicles website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Loan Program – Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA)

GCEA members have the opportunity to borrow an EV for one week without any cost or mileage restrictions. For more information, including how to apply, see the GCEA Electric Vehicle Program website.

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Loans

The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department’s Alternative Fuel Acquisition Revolving Loan Program provides loans to state agencies, political subdivisions, and educational institutions for AFV acquisitions. Funds must be used for the purchase of vehicles that operate on natural gas, propane, electricity, or hydrogen. The maximum amount of a loan per vehicle must not exceed the incremental cost of acquiring the vehicle or the following amounts:

Projected fuel cost savings from using the AFV is considered when the loan repayment schedule is developed. For more information, see the New Mexico Energy Roadmap Project Goal & Strategy Documentation website.

(Reference New Mexico Statutes 13-1B-1 through 13-1B-7)

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Lease Pilot Program - FirstEnergy

FirstEnergy residential customers can lease a Level 2 EVSE for a monthly rate for three years. Included in the lease is the installation of the EVSE and a repair or replacement guarantee for the life of the agreement. For more information, including terms and conditions, see the FirstEnergy Electric Vehicle Charger Lease website.