Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Support

Vermont joined California, Connecticut, Maine, 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.

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.

Fuel-Efficient Vehicle and Emission Reduction Incentives

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) administers the High Fuel Efficiency Used-Vehicle Program, MileageSmart, which provides incentives of up to $5,000 to replace eligible vehicles with a used vehicle that has a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) combined city/highway fuel economy of at least 40 miles per gallon (mpg).

VTrans also offers vouchers of up to $2,500 for the repair of vehicles that failed the on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems inspection. Eligible vehicles for replacement include those that have failed the OBD systems inspection or those that are more than 15 years old and have an EPA combined city/highway fuel economy of less than 25 mpg. Eligible vehicles for a repair voucher are those that have failed the OBD systems inspection, require repairs that are not under warranty, and will be able to pass the inspection once the repairs are made. The emissions repair program must be operational by July 1, 2021.

(Reference House Bill 529, 2019 and House Bill 529, 2020)

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- and heavy-duty ZEVs to benefit disadvantaged communities and explore opportunities to coordinate and partner with key stakeholders.

For more information, see the Medium- and Heavy-Duty ZEVs: Action Plan Development Process website.