Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Acquisition Requirements

Fleets that operate at least 10 vehicles in the District of Columbia must ensure that 70% of newly purchased vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,500 pounds (lbs.) or less and 50% of vehicles with a GVWR between 8,500 lbs. and 26,000 lbs. are clean fuel vehicles. For this requirement, a clean fuel is any fuel, including diesel, ethanol (including E85), hydrogen, propane, natural gas, reformulated gasoline, or other power source (including electricity) used in a clean fuel vehicle that complies with standards and requirements applicable to such vehicles. Certain exemptions apply. (Reference District of Columbia Code 50-702 and 50-703)

Passenger Vehicle Procurement Requirements

All passenger vehicles the District of Columbia government purchases or leases must have a minimum U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated average fuel economy of 22 miles per gallon and may not be a sport utility vehicle. Exemptions apply to security, emergency rescue, snow removal, and armored vehicles. (Reference District of Columbia Code 50-203)

Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Acquisition Requirement

Beginning January 1, 2026, the District of Columbia government may only purchase or lease ZEVs. Vehicles that do not have readily available ZEV equivalents are exempt from this requirement.

(Reference Council Bill 240267, 2022)