Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

Alternative Fuel Production Subsidy Prohibition

Incentives or subsidies from political subdivisions for the production of alternative fuels are prohibited by law, with exceptions for certain coal-based liquid fuels.

(Reference West Virginia Code 8-27A-3 and 11-13D-3D)

Alternative Fuel Use Requirement

West Virginia higher education governing boards must use alternative fuels to the maximum extent feasible.

(Reference West Virginia Code 18B-5-9)

Alternative Fuels Tax

Alternative fuels are subject to an excise tax at a rate of $0.205 per gasoline gallon equivalent, with a variable component equal to at least 5% of the average wholesale price of the fuel.

(Reference West Virginia Code 11-14C-2, 11-14C-5, 11-14C-6a, 11-15A-13a, and 11-15-18b)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fee

In addition to standard registration fees, owners of vehicles fueled with natural gas, hydrogen, or electricity must pay an annual fee of $200. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle owners must pay an annual fee of $100. (Reference West Virginia Code 17A-10-3C)

(Reference West Virginia Code 17A-10-3c)

Public Utility Definition

The West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) does not have jurisdiction over the sale of alternative fuels by non-utilities. The PSC authorizes ratemaking allowances for public utilities to encourage the use of alternative fuels in new demonstration technologies, including alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). AFVs included those using natural gas, methanol, or electricity as the primary fuel.

(Reference West Virginia Code 24-2D-1 through 24-2D-3)

Residential Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Rebate - Appalachian Power

Appalachian Power offers residential customers a rebate of up to $500 for the purchase and installation of an ENERGY STAR certified Level 2 EV charging station. For more information, see the Appalachian Power Charge Forward website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Support

West Virginia utilities joined the National Electric Highway Coalition (NEHC), committing to create a network of direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations connecting major highway systems from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific of the United States. NEHC utility members agree to ensure efficient and effective fast charging deployment plans that enable long distance EV travel, avoiding duplication among coalition utilities, and complement existing corridor DCFC sites. For more information, including a list of participating utilities and states, see the NEHC website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Deployment Plan

The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) must create an EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan (Plan) that describes how the state intends to use U.S. Department of Energy’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program funds. The plan must consider future charging infrastructure needs of school systems, public transportation, local government entities, and other public and private users. The WVDOT must publish the Plan by July 1, 2022.

(Reference West Virginia Code 17-30-1)

West Virginia's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Planning

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) NEVI Formula Program requires the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) to submit an annual EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan (Plan) to the DOT and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) beginning August 1, 2022, describing how the state intends to distribute NEVI funds. The submitted plan must be established according to NEVI guidance.

For more information about West Virginia’s NEVI planning process, see the WVDOT NEVI website. To review West Virginia’s NEVI plan, see the Joint Office State Plans for EV Charging website.

Mid-Atlantic Region Electric Vehicle (EV) Support

West Virginia joined Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia (Participating States) in creating the Mid-Atlantic Electrification Partnership (MAEP) to support the deployment of EVs and EV charging stations throughout the region. Participating States commit to creating a regional network of EV charging stations that will make it possible to seamlessly operate light-, medium-, and heavy-duty EVs across transportation corridors and in low-income communities. For more information, see the MAEP website.