Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

Deregulation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a Motor Fuel

The sale of CNG by a fueling station for use as fuel to operate a motor vehicle is deregulated; however, separate records, books, and accounts of such sales must be maintained. Investments in related infrastructure must not reduce the availability or increase the cost of natural gas to customers who purchase natural gas for use other than as fuel to operate a motor vehicle. (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 164, Section 941/2)

Voluntary Biofuels Program

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) manages voluntary biofuels program through which DOER will work with biodiesel suppliers to certify biofuels. Lessons learned from this voluntary program will provide the basis for future expansion and full implementation of a state biofuels mandate. For more information, refer to the DOER Advanced Biofuels website.

Alternative Fuel Offering Requirement

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation may not enter into, renew, or renegotiate a contract with a fuel provider for services on the Massachusetts Turnpike without requiring the provider to offer alternative fuel. Alternative fuel is defined as an energy source that is used to power a vehicle and is not gasoline or diesel. (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6C, Section 75 and Chapter 90, Section 1)

Workplace and Fleet Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Grants

The Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MassEVIP) provides grants for 60% of the cost of Level 1 or Level 2 EVSE, up to $50,000 per street address. Eligible entities include private, public, or non-profit workplaces and fleets with 15 or more employees on site. The program is funded by Massachusetts’ portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. For more information, including funding availability, application, and eligibility requirements, visit the Apply for MassEVIP Workplace and Fleet Charging Incentives website.

Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Grants for Public Fleets

The Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MassEVIP) provides grants for the purchase or lease of qualified PEVs and zero emission motorcycles. Eligible applicants include local governments, public universities and colleges, and state agencies. Vehicle incentives are available in the following amounts:

Applicants may receive funding for a maximum of 25 vehicles, including EVs, PHEVs, and zero emission motorcycles.

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. For more information, including funding availability, application, and eligibility requirements, visit the Apply for MassEVIP Fleet Incentives website.

Public Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Requirements

Owners and operators of public EVSE that require payment must provide payment options that allow access by the public. In addition, payment should not require users to pay a subscription fee or obtain a membership of any kind; however, required fees may be conditional on such memberships. Owners and operators can impose reasonable restrictions on EVSE use, such as limiting access to visitors of the business. In addition, owners and operators of public EVSE must provide the location, hours of operation, payment, and characteristics of each EVSE to the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center. (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 25A, Section 16B-16E)

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Rebate

Residential customers of participating Massachusetts municipal light plants (MLPs) may be eligible for a free or discounted Level 2 EVSE through the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company's Home Energy Loss Prevention Services (HELPS) program. Incentives vary by MLP. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including participating MLPs, see the HELPS EV Charger Incentive website.

Public Utility Definition

An entity that owns, operates, leases, or controls electric vehicle supply equipment is not defined as a public utility. (Reference Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities 13-182)

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Discount - Braintree Electric Light Department (BELD)

BELD offers customers a discount of $250 for the purchase of a qualified Level 2 EVSE. To qualify, customers must enroll in the Bring Your Own Charger Program. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including eligible EVSE criteria, see the BELD Charging Incentives website.

Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Charging Incentive - Braintree Electric Light Department (BELD)

BELD’s Smart Charging Program offers a bill credit of $8 per month to customers that charge their PEVs during off-peak hours.. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, see the BELD Rebates and Incentives (Charging) website.

Public Access Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Grants

The Public Access Charging Program provides grants to non-residential entities for 80% of the cost of Level 2 EVSE and installation, and a maximum of $50,000 per street address for hardware and installation costs. Installations at government property qualify for 100% of the cost, up to $50,000. Qualified EVSE must be available to the public at least 12 hours per day. This program is part of Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MassEVIP) and is funded by Massachusetts’ portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including future funding availability, application, and eligibility requirements, visit the Apply for MassEVIP Public Access Charging Incentives website.

Multi-Unit Dwelling (MUD) and Educational Campus Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Grants

The Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MassEVIP) provides grants for 60% of the cost of Level 1 or Level 2 EVSE installed at MUDs and educational campuses, up to $50,000 per street address. Eligible entities include private, public, or non-profit MUDs with five or more residential units, and educational campuses with at least 15 students on campus. The program is funded by Massachusetts’ portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. For more information, including funding availability, application, and eligibility requirements, visit the Apply for MassEVIP MUD Charging and Educational Campus Incentives website.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Installation Incentive - Eversource

Eversource’s Electric Vehicle Charging Station program provides make-ready installation costs for non-residential customers to install approved Level 2 or direct current fast (DC) EVSE at businesses, multi-unit dwellings, workplaces, and fleet facilities. To qualify, customers must own, lease, or operate a site where vehicles are typically parked for at least two hours. Eligible installation expenses include trenching, dedicated service meter, conduit, and wiring costs. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including funding and waitlist availability, see the Eversource Charging Stations website.

Non-Residential Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Program - National Grid

National Grid’s Electric Vehicle Charging Station Program provides non-residential customers with installation and funding support to install approved Level 2 or direct current (DC) fast EVSE at businesses, multi-unit dwellings, and workplaces. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, see the EV Charging Station program website.

Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Charging Incentive - Eversource

Eversource Electric Vehicle (EV) Home Charger Demand Response program offers an rebate of up $300 to residential customers that charge their PEV during off-peak periods. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, see the Eversource EV Home Charger Demand Response website.

Direct Current (DC) Fast Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Grants

The DC Fast Charging Program provides grants to non-residential entities of up to 80% of the cost of DC fast EVSE and installation and a maximum of $50,000 per street address for hardware and installation costs. Installations at government property qualify for 100% of the cost, up to $50,000. Qualified EVSE at public locations must be available to the public 24 hours per day. EVSE at educational campuses must be available to all students and staff with plug-in electric vehicles. This program is part of the Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MassEVIP) and is funded by Massachusetts’ portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including future funding availability, application, and eligibility requirements, visit the Apply for MassEVIP DC Fast Charging Incentives website.

Biodiesel Use Requirement

All agencies that purchase and store diesel fuel at their own facilities as of July 1, 2021, must purchase and use a biodiesel blend that contains at least 5% biodiesel (B5) in any diesel-powered vehicle owned or operated by the state. To the highest level practical, agencies must identify opportunities to increase the biodiesel portion of vehicle fuel consumed. Agencies may be exempt from this requirement if biodiesel is not readily available, cost-prohibitive, or if a specific performance constraint is identified. (Reference Executive Order 594, 2021)

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Efficiency Requirements

EVSE sold in Massachusetts must meet energy efficiency standards established by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER). For more information, see the DOER Appliance Energy Efficiency Standards website. (Reference Session Law Chapter 8, Section 49, 2021, and Massachusetts DOER 225 CMR 9).