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) will launch a 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)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle and Infrastructure Grants

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources' Clean Vehicle Project offers grants for public and private fleets to purchase alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure. Eligible vehicles include those fueled by natural gas, propane, and electricity, including hybrid electric and hydraulic hybrid vehicles. Eligible infrastructure includes natural gas fueling stations and electric vehicle supply equipment . For information about how to apply for funding, visit the State and Federal Electric Vehicle Funding Programs website.

Workplace 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 workplace EVSE, up to $50,000 per street address. Eligible entities include private, public, or non-profit workplaces 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 Charging Incentives website.

Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Grants for Public Fleets

The Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MassEVIP) provides grants for the purchase or lease of qualified PEVs, zero emission motorcycles, and Level 2 EVSE. 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.

Funding of up to $7,500 per address is also available for Level 2 EVSE associated with the purchase or lease of at least two PEVs. 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 between 9pm and 12pm the next day on weekdays or at any time during the weekend. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, see the BELD Rebates and Incentives (Charging) website.

Vehicle Emissions Reduction Grants

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s (MassDEP) Volkswagen Open Solicitation Grant Program (Program) provides up to 80% of the cost of new diesel or alternative fuel replacements and repowers for eligible government entities. For eligible non-government entities, the Program provides up to 40% of the cost of a new diesel or alternative fuel repower, up to 25% of the cost of a new diesel or alternative fuel vehicle, and up to 75% of the cost of an all-electric repower or replacement, with associated charging infrastructure. Qualifying alternative fuels include, but are not limited to, natural gas, propane, hydrogen, electricity, and diesel electric hybrid. Vehicles that qualify for replacement or repower include:

Eligible government and non-government entities may also receive funding for up to 80% and 75%, respectively, of the cost for the all-electric repower or replacement of airport ground support equipment, forklifts, and port cargo handling equipment.

The program is funded by Massachusetts’ portion of the Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including future opportunities and application guidelines, see the MassDEP Apply for a VW Open Solicitation Grant 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, up to $6,250 per port, and a maximum of $50,000 per street address for hardware and installation costs. 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) 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, up to $50,000 per street address. Eligible entities include private, public, or non-profit MUDs with ten or more residential units. 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 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 (DC) fast 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 application guidelines, 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, including application guidelines, 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 incentive 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 Charger Demand Response website.