Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

Alternative Fuels Tax

Alternative fuels used to propel vehicles of any kind on public highways are taxed at a rate determined on a gasoline gallon equivalent basis. For more information, including applicable tax rates, see the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Motor and Alternative Fuel Taxes website. Certain exemptions apply. (Reference Title 75 Pennsylvania Statutes, Part VI, Chapter 90, Section 9004)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate

The AFV Program offers rebates to assist eligible residents with the incremental cost of the purchase or lease of new AFVs, including all-electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), natural gas vehicles (NGVs), and propane vehicles. Eligible vehicles must have a total purchase price not exceeding $60,000. Rebates are available in the following amounts:

An additional rebate of $500 is available for all vehicles if an applicant meets the low-income requirement, as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including forms and detailed requirements and restrictions, see the AFV Rebates website.

(Reference Title 73 Pennsylvania Statutes, Chapter 18E, Section 1647.3)

Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Rebate - PECO

PECO provides rebates of $50 to residential customers who purchase a new, qualified PEV. For more information, see the PECO Driver Rebate website.

Low-Speed Vehicle Definition

A low-speed vehicle is defined as a four-wheeled electric vehicle that has a maximum speed greater than 20 miles per hour (mph) but not more than 25 mph. All vehicles must comply with the safety standards established in Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500. Drivers must maintain a defined level of insurance coverage for all registered vehicles. (Reference Title 75 Pennsylvania Statutes Part I, Chapter 1, Section 102 and Part II, Chapter 17, Subchapter H, Section 1788)

Alternative Fuel Corridor Infrastructure Funding

The Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) Program provides reimbursement grants for the installation of alternative fuel infrastructure along Pennsylvania interstate highway corridors. Grants are available for reimbursement of 50% of the cost, up to $500,000, to install public electric, hydrogen, propane, and compressed natural gas fueling infrastructure along "Signage Ready" or "Signage Pending" highway corridors in Pennsylvania, as defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Eligible applicants include Pennsylvania municipal authorities, political subdivisions, non-profit entities, corporations, and limited liability companies or partnerships incorporated or registered in the Commonwealth. Applicants may submit more than one application if they are seeking funding to install fueling installations on separate highway segments. For more information, including grant guidelines and current application periods, see the AFIG Program website.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Infrastructure Grants

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection offers competitive grants for the acquisition, installation, operation, and maintenance of publicly available direct current (DC) fast charging equipment and hydrogen fueling infrastructure. Grant reimbursements are awarded after project completion in the following amounts:

Eligible project locations are transportation corridors, destination locations, and locations that serve as community charging or fueling hubs. This program is funded by Pennsylvania's portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including program guidelines, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and instructions, see the Driving Pennsylvania Forward website.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Rebate

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) offers rebates for the acquisition, installation, operation, and maintenance of Level 2 EVSE. Rebates are available for Level 2 EVSE on publicly accessible government-owned or non-government-owned property, at workplaces, or at multi-unit dwellings that are not publicly accessible. Rebates are awarded in the following amounts:

DEP must approve all project applications and processes rebates on a first-come, first-served basis, until funds are exhausted. DEP will award a rebate voucher to successful applicants once project work is complete. Applicants will have 180 days to complete projects. This program is funded by Pennsylvania's portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and instructions, see the Driving Pennsylvania Forward website.

Public Utility Definition

A person, corporation, or entity that owns or operates electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) that is open to the public is not defined as a public utility. Each electric distribution company must address third-party owned and operated EVSE in its tariff. (Reference Title 52 Pennsylvania Code 69.101)

Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) Program

The AFIG Program provides financial assistance for innovative, advanced fuel and vehicle technology projects. Projects that result in product commercialization and the expansion of Pennsylvania companies are favored in the selection process. Eligible applicants include school districts, municipal authorities, political subdivisions, non-profits, corporations, limited liability companies or partnerships incorporated or registered in the Commonwealth to support:

• Incremental cost expenses relative to retrofitting vehicles to operate on alternative fuels as a bi-fuel, dual-fuel, hybrid or dedicated vehicle
• Incremental cost expenses to purchase bi-fuel, dual-fuel, hybrid or dedicated vehicles
• The cost to purchase and install the necessary fleet refueling or home-refueling equipment for bi-fuel, dual-fuel, hybrid or dedicated vehicles
• The cost to perform research, training, development and demonstration of new applications or next-phase technology related to alternative fuel vehicles.

(Reference Title 73 Pennsylvania Statutes, Chapter 18E, Section 1647.3)

State Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Acquisition Requirements

Pennsylvania state agencies must replace 25% of their passenger car fleets with PEVs by 2025 and evaluate fleet utilization for vehicle miles traveled reductions. Agencies must collectively reduce all energy consumption by 3% annually, with a 21% reduction from a 2017 baseline by 2025. To meet these goals, the Governor's Green Government (GreenGov) Council was reestablished to work with state agencies to oversee the development and implementation of procedures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy usage. (Reference Executive Order 2019-01, 2019)