Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Inspection and Permit

The Utah State Tax Commission (Commission) may require vehicles operating on clean fuels to be inspected for safe operation. In addition, clean fuel vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds or have more than three axels are required to obtain a special fuel user permit from the Commission. Clean fuels are defined as propane, natural gas, electricity, and hydrogen. (Reference Utah Code 59-13-102, 59-13-303, and 59-13-304)

Alternative Fuel Use and Vehicle Acquisition Requirement

At least 50% of new or replacement light-duty state agency vehicles must meet Bin 2 emissions standards established in Title 40 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, or be propelled to a significant extent by electricity, natural gas, propane, hydrogen, or biodiesel. (Reference Utah Code 63A-9-401 and 63A-9-403)

Natural Gas and Hydrogen Tax

Compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen are taxed at a rate of $0.171 per gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE). Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is taxed at a rate of $0.171 per diesel gallon equivalent (DGE). One GGE is equal to 5.660 pounds (lbs.) of CNG or 2.198 lbs. of hydrogen. One DGE is equal to 6.06 lbs. of LNG. The tax rate for natural gas and hydrogen will be annually adjusted by the State Tax Commission (Commission) not to exceed $0.225 per GGE or DGE. The Commission will publish the adjusted fuel tax no later than 60 days prior to the effective date. For more information, see the Utah State Tax Commission Fuel Taxes website. (Reference Utah Code 59-13-102 and 59-13-301)

Qualified Heavy-Duty Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Tax Credit

Taxpayers may be eligible for a tax credit for the purchase of a qualified heavy-duty AFV. Qualifying fuels include natural gas, electricity, and hydrogen. Each qualified heavy-duty AFV is eligible for the following tax credit amounts:

At least 50% of the qualified vehicle's miles must be driven in the state. A single taxpayer may claim credits for up to 10 AFVs or $500,000 annually. If more than 30% of the total available tax credits in a single year have not been claimed by May 1, a taxpayer may apply for credits for an additional eight AFVs. Up to 25% of the tax credits are reserved for taxpayers with small fleets of less than 40 vehicles. Additional conditions and restrictions may apply. For more information, see the Alternative Fuel Heavy Duty Vehicle Tax Credit Program website.

(Reference Utah House Bill 91, 2021 and Utah Code 59-7-618, 59-10-1033, and 59-13-201)

Hydrogen Fuel Production Incentives

Businesses that convert natural gas to hydrogen fuel, or produce natural gas solely for use in the production of hydrogen fuel for zero emission vehicles (ZEVs), may be eligible for an oil and gas severance tax credit. Each eligible applicant may receive a tax credit equal to the amount of the severance tax owed, up to $5 million per year. Entities that produce hydrogen fuel for use in ZEVs or hydrogen fueled trucks may also qualify for grant funding or loans from the Community Impact Fund. (Reference Utah Code 35A-8-302 and 59-5-102)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Registration Fees

Beginning in 2021, all-electric vehicle (EV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) owners are required to pay an additional registration fee as follows:

Owners of a vehicles powered by a fuel other than motor fuel, diesel fuel, electricity, natural gas, or propane are required to pay an additional $120 registration fee. A six-month registration option with fees at prorated amounts is also available.

(Reference Utah Code 41-1a-1206)