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), compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, electric motorcycles, and propane vehicles. Eligible FCEVs must have a total purchase price not exceeding $75,000, and all other eligible AFVs must have a total purchase price not exceeding $50,000. Beginning March 1, 2020, rebates are available in the following amounts:

An additional rebate of $1,000 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. Applications much be received within six months of vehicle purchase. Rebates will be 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, or dedicated vehicle
• Incremental cost expenses to purchase bi-fuel, dual-fuel, or dedicated vehicles
• The cost to purchase and install the necessary fleet refueling or home-refueling equipment for bi-fuel, dual-fuel, 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)

Commercial Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Incentive Program – Duquesne Light Company (DLC)

DLC offers rebates to commercial customers for the installation of publicly available Level 2 EVSE. Rebates are available for up to 100% of make-ready installation costs, up to $5,000 per plug and up to $100,000 per site. Eligible projects must include a minimum of two Level 2 networked EVSE plugs. For more information, see the DLC Electric Vehicles website.

Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Credit – Duquesne Light Company (DLC)

DLC offers a one-time bill credit of $60 to residential customers who purchase or lease a PEV. For more information, including how to apply, see the DLC Electric Vehicles website.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Lease Pilot Program - FirstEnergy

FirstEnergy residential customers can lease a Level 2 EVSE for a monthly rate for three years. Included in the lease is the installation of the EVSE and a repair or replacement guarantee for the life of the agreement. For more information, including terms and conditions, see the FirstEnergy Electric Vehicle Charger Lease website.

Regional Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI)

Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia (D.C.), Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia signed a Declaration of Intent to create the TCI, a regional initiative to improve transportation, develop a clean energy economy, and reduce carbon emissions and air pollutants from the transportation sector. The signatory states and D.C. agree to explore and develop policies and programs that result in greater energy efficiency of regional transportation systems and reduce emissions. Additionally, states support the deployment of clean vehicles and fueling infrastructure, such as electric vehicle supply equipment, to maximize the economic opportunities and emissions reductions. For more information, see the TCI website.

Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Support

California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington (signatory states) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the deployment of medium- and heavy-duty ZEVs through involvement in a Multi-State ZEV Task Force (Task Force).

By January 2021, the Task Force will develop a multi-state action plan to support electrification of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. The Task Force will consider actions to accomplish the goals of the MOU, including limiting all new medium- and heavy-duty vehicles sales in the signatory states to ZEVs by 2050. The signatory states will also seek to accelerate the deployment of medium-duty and heavy-duty ZEVs to benefit disadvantaged communities and explore opportunities to coordinate and partner with key stakeholders.

For more information, see the Multi-State Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle MOU.