Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

Alternative Fuel Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Use Policy

The Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) encourages state employees operating state-owned or leased motor vehicles to use hybrid electric vehicles or vehicles that operate on gasohol (a motor fuel containing at least 10% alcohol) or alternative fuels whenever feasible and cost effective. DOA must place a list of gasohol and alternative fueling station locations in each state-owned or state-leased motor vehicle for driver reference. DOA also encourages Wisconsin residents and state employees who use personal motor vehicles on state business to use gasohol and alternative fuels. (Reference Wisconsin Statutes 16.045)

Alternative Fuel Tax Exemption

A county, city, village, town, or other political subdivision may not levy or collect any excise, license, privilege, or occupational tax on motor vehicle fuel, alternative fuels, or the purchase, sale, handling, or consumption of motor vehicle fuel or alternative fuels. (Reference Wisconsin Statutes 78.82)

Alternative Fuel Tax Refund for Taxis

A person using alternative fuel to operate a taxi used to transport passengers may be reimbursed for the paid amount of the Wisconsin state fuel tax. Refund claims must be filed within one year of the fuel purchase date and must be for a minimum of 100 gallons of alternative fuel. (Reference Wisconsin Statutes 78.75(1m)(a)(1) and 78.75(1m)(b))

Low-Speed Vehicle Access to Roadways

A low-speed vehicle is defined as a self-propelled motor vehicle that conforms to the definition and requirements in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500. A golf cart is not considered a low-speed vehicle. The governing body of any municipality may, by ordinance, allow a low-speed vehicle to operate on any roadway within the municipality that has a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less, regardless of whether the municipality has jurisdiction over the roadway. (Reference Wisconsin Statutes 349.26 and 340.01(27h))

Idle Reduction and Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Weight Exemption

Any vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with fully functional idle reduction technology may exceed the state's gross and axle weight limits by up to 550 pounds (lbs.) to compensate for the additional weight of the idle reduction technology. To qualify, the vehicle operator must be able to prove the weight of the idle reduction technology with written certification and demonstrate that the idle reduction technology is fully functional at all times.

NGVs may exceed the weight limits by an amount equal to the difference of the weight of the natural gas tank and fueling system and the weight of a comparable diesel tank and fueling system or by up to 2,000 lbs., whichever is less.

(Reference Wisconsin Statutes 348.15(3)(f) and 348.15(3)(h))

Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Fees

In addition to standard registration fees, all-electric vehicle owners must pay an annual fee of $100. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle owners must pay an annual fee of $75. (Reference Wisconsin Statutes 341.25(1)(L))

Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Charging Rate Incentive - Madison Gas and Electric (MGE)

MGE offers a time-of-use (TOU) electricity rate for customers with a PEV. For more information, see the MGE Shift & Save website.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Leasing Program – Madison Gas and Electric (MGE)

MGE residential customers can pay $20 per month for the installation and maintenance of a Level 2 EVSE. Participants must sign a five-year service agreement. For more information, see MGE’s Charge@Home website.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Rebate – Barron Electric Cooperative (BEC)

BEC offers residential customers rebates for the full cost of a Level 2 EVSE. For more information, see the BEC Residential Programs website.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Rebate – Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative (CVEC)

CVEC offers customers a $200 rebate to purchase and install a new EVSE. All rebate documentation must be submitted within three months of the EVSE purchase. The rebate is available until December 31, 2019 and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, see the CVEC Rebates website.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Rebate – Clark Electric Cooperative (CEC)

CEC offers customers a $400 rebate to purchase and install a new EVSE. Required documentation must be submitted to CEC within three months of the EVSE purchase date. The EVSE rebate is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, see the CEC Rebates and Incentives website.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Rebate – East Central Energy (ECE)

ECE offers residential customers a $1,000 rebate to install a Level 2 EVSE on a time-of-use or off-peak storage electricity rate. For more information, see the ECE Residential Rebates website.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Rebate – Price Electric Cooperative

Price Electric Cooperative offers residential customers a $500 rebate to customers who purchase and install an EVSE. The EVSE rebate is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including application details, see the Price Electric Cooperative Rebates website.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Rebate – Riverland Energy Cooperative (REC)

REC offers residential customers a $400 rebate to purchase and install an EVSE. The EVSE rebate is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including application details, see the REC Rebates website.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Rebate – Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS)

PPCS offers residential customers a $400 rebate to purchase and install an EVSE. The EVSE rebate is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, see the PPCS Programs & Rebates website.