Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Acquisition Requirements

The Vermont Department of Buildings and General Services must consider AFVs when purchasing vehicles for state use, provided that the alternative fuel is suitable for the vehicle's operation, is available in the region where the vehicle will be used, and is competitively priced with conventional fuels. (Reference Vermont Statutes Title 29, Chapter 49, Section 903)

State Agency Energy Plan Transportation Requirements

The Vermont Agency of Administration developed and oversees the implementation of the State Agency Energy Plan (Plan). The Agency of Administration must modify the Plan as necessary and re-adopt it on or before January 15 of each fifth year. As specified in the 2016 Plan, the Vermont Agency of Transportation must continue to use 5% biodiesel (B5) in its fleet of heavy-duty vehicles. The Vermont Department of Buildings and General Services will increase its deployment of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) to comprise at least 25% of its light-duty fleet by 2025 and install electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), as necessary. All state agencies must install EVSE and increase their use of PEVs to a level that will displace 10% of their gasoline use by 2020.

(Reference Vermont Statutes Title 3, Chapter 45, Section 2291, and Executive Order 15-12, 2012)

Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Support

Vermont joined California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Rhode Island in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the deployment of ZEVs through involvement in a ZEV Program Implementation Task Force (Task Force). In May 2014, the Task Force published a ZEV Action Plan (Plan) identifying 11 priority actions to accomplish the goals of the MOU, including deploying at least 3.3 million ZEVs and adequate fueling infrastructure within the signatory states by 2025. The Plan also includes a research agenda to inform future actions. On an annual basis, each state must report on the number of registered ZEVs, the number of public electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and hydrogen fueling stations, and available information regarding workplace fueling for ZEVs.

In June 2018, the Task Force published a new ZEV Action Plan for 2018-2021. Building on the 2014 Action Plan, the 2018 Action Plan makes recommendations for states and other key partners in five priority areas:

• Raising consumer awareness and interest in electric vehicle technology;
• Building out a reliable and convenient residential, workplace and public charging/fueling infrastructure network;
• Continuing and improving access to consumer purchase and non-financial incentives;
• Expanding public and private sector fleet adoption; and
• Supporting dealership efforts to increase ZEV sales.

For more information, see the Multi-State ZEV Task Force website.

Carbon Reduction Procurement Policies

The Vermont Agency of Administration and the Climate Cabinet must revise state acquisition policies to ensure consideration of vendor business practices that promote clean energy and address climate change. Policies should consider, for example, the use of and support of plug-in electric and zero emission vehicles, including providing workplace charging stations. (Reference Executive Order 05-16, 2016)

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Incentives - Green Mountain Power (GMP)

GMP residential customers are eligible for a free Level 2 EVSE when they purchase a new all-electric vehicle (EV). Residential customers that already own an EV may rent a Level 2 EVSE station at a low monthly fee. In addition, customers may enroll in GMP's EV Unlimited Plan for unlimited EV charging during off-peak hours at a flat monthly fee. For more information about these incentives, see GMP's In-Home Level 2 EV Charger website.

Heavy-Duty Vehicle Emissions Reduction Grants

Through the Vermont Diesel Emissions Reduction Grants Program, the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) provides funding to local, state and regional agencies or departments, businesses, institutions, and nonprofit organizations for projects focused on reducing emissions from diesel engines and vehicles. Qualifying heavy-duty vehicles include buses and Class 5-8 trucks. Projects eligible for funding are as follows:

• Verified emission control technologies;
• Verified idle reduction technologies;
• Verified aerodynamic technologies and low rolling resistance tires;
• Certified engine replacements;
• Alternative fuel conversions; and
• Certified vehicle or equipment replacements.

Volkswagen Settlement Allocation

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources must select projects and distribute funding to leverage 15% of Vermont's portion of the Volkswagen Clean Air Act Civil Settlement for the purchase of light-duty vehicle electric vehicle supply equipment. The remaining funding must be allocated towards projects that replace eligible vehicles and equipment with all-electric technologies or convert them to all-electric. (Reference House Bill 16, 2018)

Alternative Fueling Infrastructure Incentive

The Vermont State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) offers loan assistance to municipalities, regional development corporations, political subdivisions of the state, and private companies working for the state to finance public electric vehicle charging and natural gas fueling stations. 1% fixed loans are available to municipalities and 3% fixed loans are available to private sector borrowers. Other terms and conditions may apply. See the Vermont Economic Development Authority's SIB page for more information, including how to apply.

Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Analysis

The Vermont Public Utility Commission (Commission) must evaluate PEVs and PEV charging in the state. The Commission must provide public notice, opportunity for submission of written comments, and one or more workshops on PEVs before the evaluation is conducted. In its report, the Commission must include analysis and recommendations on the following topics regarding electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) owned by electric utilities:

• Removal of barriers to EVSE installation, including strategies to reduce operating costs for EVSE users;
• Strategies to manage the impact of PEV charging on the electric transmission and distribution system;
• Strategies to facilitate the services provided by PEVs to the electric transmission and distribution system;
• Benefits and costs to the electric system of PEV charging, electric utility planning for PEV charging, and rate design for PEV charging; and
• The role of electric utilities with respect to the deployment and operation of EVSE.

• How and when these EVSE stations will obtain electricity;
• Safety standards for EVSE;
• The role of the Commission and other relevant state agencies in managing these EVSE;
• Regulations, if any, on pricing structures for EVSE, including transparency to the consumer of any rates or prices; and
• Billing and complaint procedures for EVSE.

• Options for PEV drivers to contribute toward the cost of maintaining the State's transportation infrastructure;
• The accuracy of electric metering and submetering technology for PEV charging;
• Strategies to encourage PEV adoption and achieve the State's Comprehensive Energy Plan and greenhouse gas reduction goals; and
• Any other topics that the Commission believes are relevant to fair, cost-effective, and accessible PEV charging.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Grants

The Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) provides funding to governments, businesses, non-profit organizations, homeowner associations, electric utilities, and EVSE providers for the cost and installation of eligible EVSE. Funding is available for up to 60% of project costs, with a maximum of $150,000 per project site. This grant program is funded by Vermont's portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including application requirements, see the DHCD EVSE Grant Program website.