Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Acquisition Requirements

A minimum of 75% of state government and educational institution fleet light-duty vehicles purchased must be HEVs or bi-fuel or dedicated AFVs. Vehicles must meet or exceed the federal corporate average fuel economy standards. Certified law enforcement pursuit vehicles and emergency vehicles are exempt from this requirement. The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department may grant additional exemptions based on the availability and suitability of vehicles, as well as fuel availability and cost.

(Reference House Bill 165, 2018 and New Mexico Statutes 13-1B-1 through 13-1B-7)

Regional Electric Vehicle (REV) West Plan

New Mexico joined Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming (Signatory States) in signing the REV West memorandum of understanding (MOU) to create an Intermountain West Electric Vehicle (EV) Corridor that will make it possible to seamlessly drive an EV across the Signatory States' major transportation corridors. Signatory States are committed to:

• Create best practices and procedures that will enhance EV adoption by: promoting EV consumer acceptance and awareness by addressing range anxiety, coordinating on EV charging station locations, and leveraging economies of scale;
• Create minimum standards for EV charging stations, including standards for administration, interoperability, operations, and management;
• Identify and develop opportunities to incorporate EV charging stations into planning and development processes such as building codes, metering policies, and renewable energy generation projects;
• Encourage EV manufacturers to stock and market a wide variety of EVs within the Signatory States; and
• Identify, respond to, and collaborate on funding opportunities to support the development of the Plan.

Energy and Fuel Cost Savings Contracts

Government fleets may finance alternative fuel vehicles or related infrastructure through guaranteed utility savings contracts where vehicle operational and fuel cost savings pay for the capital investment. Guaranteed utility savings contracts must show that the cost savings resulting from the alternative fuel and infrastructure projects are equal to or higher than the annual contract payments. (Reference New Mexico Statutes 6-23-2 and 6-23-3)