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))

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))

Residential Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Rebate - Alliant Energy

Alliant Energy offers a $250 rebate to residential customers who purchase and install Level 2 EVSE. The EVSE must be purchased and installed between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2018. For more information, including how to apply, see the Alliant Energy Electric Vehicle Chargers website.

Plug-In Electric Vehicle and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Fees

In addition to standard registration fees, all-electric vehicle owners must pay an annual fee of $100. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and HEV owners must pay an annual fee of $75. Vehicles with a battery capacity of less than four kilowatt-hours are exempt from the fee. (Reference Wisconsin Statutes 341.25(1)(L))