Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

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))

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) and 115C-249(a))

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)

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. 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)