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)

Cellulosic Biofuel Tax Exemption

Fuel consisting of cellulosic biofuel or a blend of gasoline and cellulosic biofuel is eligible for a fuel tax exemption in proportion to the percentage of the fuel content consisting of cellulosic biofuel. For these purposes, eligible cellulosic biofuel includes fuel derived from cellulose, hemicellulose, or lignin derived from renewable biomass that yields at least a 60% reduction in life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to the average life cycle GHG emissions for petroleum-based fuel sold in 2005. This exemption is available through December 31, 2017. (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 64A, Section 1 and 1A and Massachusetts Department of Revenue TIR 09-4)

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 June 2010 Massachusetts Advanced Biofuels Mandate Program Announcement.

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, as well as idle reduction technology. Eligible vehicles include those fueled by natural gas, propane, and electricity, including hybrid electric and hydraulic hybrid vehicles. Eligible infrastructure includes natural gas and hydrogen fueling stations as well as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), including solar powered EVSE. 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. 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. For more information, including funding availability, application, and eligibility requirements, visit the 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 BEVs, 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 BEVs. Incentive amounts vary depending on the number of BEVs acquired. For more information, including funding availability, application, and eligibility requirements, visit the 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) Incentive

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. Participating MLPs include Groton, Ipswich, Marblehead, Sterling, Shrewsbury, South Hadley, Wakefield, and West Boylston. Incentives vary by MLP. For more information, 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 Public Utility file 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 Smart Charging Program. 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. For more information, see the BELD Charging Incentives 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, 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 Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including application guidelines, see the MassDEP VW Open Solicitation Grant website.

Public Access Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Grants

MassEVIP provides grants for 80% of the cost of Level 2 EVSE and installation, up to $50,000, for eligible non-residential entities. Qualified EVSE must be available to the public at least 12 hours per day. The program is funded by Massachusetts’ portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including funding availability, application, and eligibility requirements, visit the 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. 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. For more information, including funding availability, application, and eligibility requirements, visit the MassEVIP MUD Charging Incentives website.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Installation Incentive – Eversource

Eversource’s EV Make Ready program provides installation and funding support 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.