Expired, Repealed, and Archived Maryland Incentives and Laws

The following is a list of expired, repealed, and archived incentives, laws, regulations, funding opportunities, or other initiatives related to alternative fuels and vehicles, advanced technologies, or air quality.

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Grants

Archived: 08/05/2024

The Clean Fuels Incentive Program (CFIP), administered by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), provides grants to fleets for the retrofit or purchase of new AFVs. Grant award amounts vary and may cover up to 100% of the incremental AFV cost. Grants are available in the following amounts:

Eligible applicants must be a fleet vehicle operator or purchaser and may include school districts, nonprofits, commercial entities, corporations, and local and municipal governments. AFVs purchased for individual or personal use are ineligible. Vehicles receiving funding from other state programs are ineligible. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, with equity and environmental justice considerations as part of the evaluation criteria. For more information, including additional eligibility criteria, see MEA’s CFIP Program website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Corridor Charging Grant

Archived: 05/08/2024

The Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) offers grants of up to 80% of the cost for the installation of direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations along Federal Highway Administration designated alternative fuel corridors through the Electric Corridors Grant Program (ECGP). ECPG funding is available for up to $150,000 per DCFC station and $600,000 per applicant. Eligible entities include non-profits and private businesses. Grant awards vary based on total kilowatts per charging port. The program is funded by Maryland’s portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including program guidance and application, see the MDE’s Volkswagen Settlement website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Workplace Charging Grant

Archived: 05/08/2024

The Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) offers grants of up to 60% of the cost for the installation of EV charging stations at workplaces through the Charge Ahead Grant Program (CAGP). Grants are available for up to $4,500 per Level 2 EV charger and $600,000 per applicant. CAGP funding is available for costs directly attributable to the design, installation, and operation of eligible workplace EV charging stations. Eligible entities include non-profits, private companies, and government agencies. The program is funded by Maryland’s portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including program guidance and application, see the MDE Volkswagen Settlement website.

Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Financial Impact Analysis

Archived: 05/08/2024

The Maryland Energy Administration and the Maryland Department of Transportation must submit a report to the legislature that examines the fiscal impact of ZEVs registered in Maryland and a survey of measures enacted by other states or jurisdictions to minimize the impacts of ZEVs on state transportation funds.

(Reference Maryland Statutes, State Government Code 9-2009)

Regional Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI)

Archived: 11/19/2021

Delaware, District of Columbia (D.C.), Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia signed a Declaration of Intent to create the TCI, a regional initiative to improve transportation, develop a clean energy economy, and reduce carbon emissions and air pollutants from the transportation sector. The signatory states and D.C. agree to explore and develop policies and programs that result in greater energy efficiency of regional transportation systems and reduce emissions. Additionally, states support the deployment of clean vehicles and fueling infrastructure, such as electric vehicle supply equipment, to maximize the economic opportunities and emissions reductions. For more information, see the TCI website.

Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Grants

Archived: 05/11/2021

The Clean Fuels Incentive Program (CFIP), administered by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), provides grants to construct publicly accessible alternative fueling infrastructure. Grant award amounts are based on alternative fuel type and may cover up to 50% of project costs. Grants are available in the following amounts:

Only businesses are eligible to apply. Eligible costs include site design, equipment installation, site preparation, utility connections, and station signage. Additional requirements apply. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis. For more information, see the MEA’s CFIP Program website.

Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Grants

Archived: 11/20/2020

The Maryland Energy Administration administers the Maryland Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Program (AFIP), which provides grants to plan, install, and operate public access alternative fueling and charging infrastructure. Private access natural gas and propane fueling stations are eligible for funding. Only Maryland-based private businesses are eligible, and projects must take place in the state. Grant award amounts are based on the alternative fuel technology and are capped at 50% of project costs. Applicant cost share must be at least 50%. Grants are available in the following amounts:

Station Type	Maximum Grant Award per Station
Direct Current (DC) Fast Charger	$55,000
Ethanol	$35,000
Hydrogen	$300,000
Natural Gas	$500,000
Propane	$100,000

Funding for the program is not currently available (verified April 2020). For more information, see the Maryland AFIP Program website.

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Voucher Program

Archived: 05/11/2020

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) administers the Maryland Freedom Fleet Voucher (FFV) Program, which provides vouchers for the purchase of new and converted AFVs registered in Maryland. Eligible vehicles include purchased or leased light-, medium-, and heavy-duty dedicated natural gas, propane, hybrid electric, plug-in electric, and hydraulic hybrid vehicles. Vehicles must be used by commercial, non-profit, or public entities. Voucher amounts are based on gross vehicle weight rating and are capped at 50% of the vehicle's incremental cost; the cap does not apply to plug-in electric vehicles. Funds are not guaranteed until voucher agreements are fully executed. Applications are currently not being accepted (verified April 2019). For more information, including application requirements, see the Maryland FFV Program website.

Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) State Fleet Goal

Archived: 05/11/2020

State agencies must increase the number of ZEV acquisitions in light-duty fleets to at least 25% of annual fleet purchases by 2025. To the extent feasible, ZEV acquisitions should increase by 3% each year from fiscal year (FY) 2016 through FY 2020, so that by FY 2020 at least 15% of annual light-duty fleet purchases are ZEVs. The state fleet must annually report ZEV purchases to the governor, the Maryland Energy Administration, and the Maryland Department of the Environment.

Innovative Transportation Project Competitive Grant Program

Archived: 04/01/2019

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) provides funds to deploy “game changing” or innovative transportation projects that increase the use of alternative fuel vehicles, such as workplace charging. Projects must be located in Maryland and have the potential to significantly advance the clean energy market through commercially available technologies. Projects can include clean energy conversion technologies, systems, or applications used in other states or regions of the world, but not commonly used in Maryland. Grant awards are available for up to 30% of the total project cost with individual awards ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. For more information, including program application and award requirements, see the MEA Game Changer Competitive Grant Program website.

Biofuels Production Incentive

Archived: 12/31/2017

Qualified ethanol and biodiesel producers are eligible for production incentives on a per gallon basis. To be eligible for the incentive, the producer must first apply for and receive certification from the Renewable Fuels Incentive Board (Board). Credits are offered to certified producers in Maryland for ethanol or biodiesel produced between December 31, 2007, and December 31, 2017.

Ethanol production credits are as follows: a) $0.20 per gallon of ethanol produced from small grains such as wheat, rye, triticale, oats, and hulled or hull-less barley; or b) $0.05 per gallon of ethanol produced from other agricultural products. The Board may not certify ethanol production credits for more than 15 million gallons per calendar year, of which at least 10 million gallons must be produced from small grains.

Biodiesel production credits are as follows: a) $0.20 per gallon of biodiesel produced from soybean oil (the soybean oil must be produced in a facility or through expanded capacity of a facility that began operating after December 31, 2004), or b) $0.05 per gallon for biodiesel produced from other feedstocks, including soybean oil produced in a facility that began operating on or before December 31, 2004. The Board may not certify biodiesel production credits for more than five million gallons per calendar year, of which at least two million gallons must be from soybean oil produced in a facility as described above.

(Reference Maryland Statutes, Agriculture Code 10-1501 through 10-1507)

Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Charging Incentive Development

Archived: 04/01/2017

The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) has established two pilot programs for electric customers to charge PEVs during off-peak hours. The pilot programs, offered by Pepco and Baltimore Gas and Electric, provide incentives for residential, customers to charge PEVs. The PSC submitted a report on the pilot programs to the governor and General Assembly in January 2015. (Reference Maryland Statutes, Public Utilities Code 7-211)

Cellulosic Ethanol Research and Development Tax Credit

Expired: 12/31/2016

An individual or corporation may claim a credit against the state income tax for 10% of qualified research and development expenses for cellulosic ethanol technology. The total credit may not exceed $250,000 per calendar year. If the credit allowed exceeds the tax liability of the individual or corporation for that taxable year, the credit may be applied for up to 15 future taxable years after the qualified expenses were incurred. This tax credit does not apply to qualified expenses incurred after December 31, 2016. (Reference Maryland Statutes Tax-General Code 10-205j, 10-306f, and 10-726)

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Tax Credit

Archived: 07/01/2016

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) offers an income tax credit equal to 20% of the cost of qualified EVSE that meets the definition of qualified alternative fuel vehicle fueling property as set forth in the Internal Revenue Code. The credit may not exceed $400 or the state income tax imposed for that tax year, whichever is less. The tax credit is limited to one EVSE system per individual and 30 EVSE systems per business entity. Unused credits may not be carried over. MEA may adopt regulations to limit the credit amounts. As of March 30, 2016, funds for Fiscal Year 2016 are depleted (verified April 2016). MEA still accepts applications and places applicants on a waiting list for rebates resuming in July 2016. For more information, see MEA’s EVSE Tax Credit Program page. (Reference Maryland Statutes, Tax-General Code 10-729)

Natural Gas Fueling Infrastructure Grant

Archived: 04/01/2015

The Maryland Energy Administration provides funding through the Natural Gas Refilling Station Grant Program to develop publicly accessible natural gas fueling infrastructure. Only businesses are eligible to apply; utilities, local governments, and state government agencies are not eligible. Stations must be located in Maryland and open to the public 24 hours daily. Projects must also use commercially available technologies and comply with requirements outlined in the program guidelines. Applications are due January 12, 2015 (confirmed September 2014). For more information, including application instructions, see the Natural Gas Refilling Station Grant Program page.

Idle Reduction Technology Grant Program

Expired: 09/02/2014

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) administers the Maryland Idle Reduction Technology Grant Program, which provides grants to motor carriers for the purchase and installation of qualified idle reduction technology on on-highway class 6 to class 8 trucks registered in Maryland. Leased vehicles are also eligible. Idle reduction technologies must be verified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or California Air Resources Board (CARB). Awards are limited to 50% of the installed cost, up to $3,500. A single motor carrier may receive up to 10 grants. MEA must receive grant applications by September 1, 2014. Funding is currently not available for this program (verified April 2015).

Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Purchase Vouchers

Expired: 11/20/2013

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) provides vouchers for the purchase of new and converted NGVs. The voucher amount is based on gross vehicle weight rating, up to $20,000. Commercial, non-profit agency, and public fleet vehicles registered in Maryland are eligible. Each motor carrier is limited to five vouchers and must operate the vehicle for three years. For additional eligibility requirements and application information, see the Maryland Natural Gas Vehicle Voucher Program website.

Truck Idle Reduction Technology Grants

Expired: 09/16/2013

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) offers grants to purchase and install idle reduction technology in on-highway Class 6 to Class 8 trucks registered in Maryland; buses are not eligible. Grants cover 50% of the installed cost, up to $3,000. Eligible idle reduction technologies must be verified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or California Air Resources Board. The grant program will end September 16, 2013. For eligibility requirements and application information, see the Maryland Idle Reduction Technology Grant Program website.

Electric Truck Purchase Vouchers

Expired: 05/01/2013

The Maryland Energy Administration provides vouchers for the purchase of new all-electric trucks. Eligible vehicles must have a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 pounds and be registered for on-road use in the state of Maryland. Vouchers of $20,000 are available for qualified vehicles purchased from a dealership in Maryland or directly from a manufacturer located outside of Maryland. Vouchers of $15,000 are available for qualified vehicles purchased through a dealership located outside of Maryland.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Exemption from Vehicle Testing Requirements

Expired: 09/30/2012

Qualified HEVs are exempt from certain mandatory motor vehicle emissions and inspection testing requirements until September 30, 2012, if the vehicle obtains a fuel economy rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of at least 50 miles per gallon during city driving. (Reference Maryland Statutes, Transportation Code 23-206.3 through 206.4)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Acquisition Requirements

Archived: 05/31/2010

Maryland established an AFV goal under the plan for 'Sustaining Maryland's Future with Clean Power, Green Buildings and Energy Efficiency.' The state will revise fleet policy and purchasing guidelines to offer more flexibility in purchasing, where practical, low emission vehicles and AFVs for its fleet. The state must ensure that an average of 50% of the fuel used to operate bi-fuel and flexible fuel vehicles are alternative fuel. The state must also help develop the refueling and maintenance infrastructure required to make using certain types of AFV use practical. The state may provide technical assistance and other incentives to use clean technology, where practical, in state transit fleets. (Reference Executive Order 01.01.2001.02)

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Electric Vehicle (EV) Tax Credit

Expired: 05/20/2010

A tax credit is allowed against the excise tax imposed for the purchase of qualified HEVs and EVs. For qualified EVs, the tax credit may not exceed $2,000. For qualified HEVs, the credit may not exceed: a) $250 if the vehicle battery provides at least 5% but less than 10% of maximum power available; b) $500 if the vehicle battery provides at least 10% but less than 20% of maximum power available; c) $750 if the vehicle battery provides at least 20% but less than 30% of maximum power available; d) $1,000 if the vehicle battery provides at least 30% of maximum power available. Additional tax credits of $125 to $500 are available for HEVs equipped with regenerative braking systems that meet certain requirements, depending on the amount of energy created from breaking. A qualified EV must meet the definition set forth in the Internal Revenue Code. A qualified HEV must meet the current vehicle exhaust standard set under the federal Tier 2 program for passenger vehicles. (Reference Maryland Statutes Transportation Code 13-815)

Biofuels Promotion

Archived: 10/01/2007

Among other duties, the Incentives for Agriculture Task Force is responsible for reviewing and evaluating the overall state tax structure as it impacts agriculture and the feasibility of modifications or alternatives to the current structure that would enhance the profitability of farming. This includes recommendations regarding the creation of tax credits or exemptions applicable to the production of ethanol, biodiesel, or other bio-energy alternatives. (Reference Maryland Statutes, State Finance and Procurement Code 5-408)

Biodiesel Rebate

Expired: 10/01/2006

The Maryland Soybean Board offers a rebate to consumers for half the cost of biodiesel purchased by the consumer. The rebate also applies to the incremental cost of biodiesel blends and is issued for a minimum of $100 per rebate request. Consumers may apply for rebates for one fiscal year only (October 1 through September 30), up to a maximum rebate per consumer of $500, and are required to complete the Maryland Soybean Biodiesel Rebate form.

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Incentives

Expired: 10/01/2005

The MWCOG administers the Advanced Technology Vehicle Program - The Clean Alternative, which is funded by the MDOT and offers flexible incentives to private companies and local governments to cover the incremental cost of dedicated CNG and other AFVs that reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). In order to qualify for these incentives, interested businesses/organizations must meet certain criteria: the business/organization must have been in operation at least five years and have more than 10 vehicles in their fleet (exceptions may be made); fuel use must be greater than 3,000 gallons, or more than 45,000 miles traveled per year/per vehicle; and the vehicles must be registered in Maryland and operate in the Washington, DC metropolitan area or the Baltimore metropolitan area. The exact amount of financial support is determined on a case-by-case basis, taking expected emissions benefits and other criteria into consideration.

Rebate for Shuttle and School Buses

Expired: 04/01/2005

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) has a limited amount of money to help offset the purchase of alternative fuel shuttle and school buses. The rebate will pay up to $10,000 of the incremental cost of purchasing an alternative fuel shuttle bus. After purchasing a qualified vehicle, submit the receipt or invoice to MEA along with documentation of the incremental cost. This rebate does not apply to vehicle fleets mandated to comply with the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct).

EV and HEV Tax Credits

Expired: 07/01/2004

The Maryland Clean Energy Incentive Act provides tax credits up to $2,000 for electric vehicles (EVs) and up to $1,000 for qualifying hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). Credit amounts for HEVs vary according to the portion of maximum power and energy supplied to the rechargeable energy storage system.

Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Excise Tax Credit

Expired: 07/01/2004

The Maryland Clean Energy Incentive Act, effective July 1, 2000, through July 1, 2004, provides tax credits against the 5% vehicle excise tax, up to $2,000 for EVs and up to $1,000 for qualifying HEVs for model year 2000 and later. The credit values for HEVs are:

The maximum credit amount as detailed above may be increased for HEVs that actively employ a regenerative braking system that supplies to the rechargeable energy storage system at least 20% of the energy available from braking in a typical 60 miles per hour (mph) to zero mph braking event:

The vehicles must be four-wheeled, registered in Maryland, original equipment manufactured (OEM), and not more than 8,500 pounds (lbs.) unloaded Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). They must also meet the current vehicle exhaust standards set under the National Low Emission Vehicle Program for gasoline powered passenger cars. In order to claim a credit for an EV, the owner must first meet any state or federal laws or regulations governing clean-fuel vehicle or EV purchases applicable during the calendar year in which the vehicle is titled. (Reference Annotated Code of Maryland, Section 13-815 of the Transportation Article)

Task Force on Energy Conservation and Efficiency

Archived: 12/15/2001

Maryland's Task Force on Energy Conservation and Efficiency was created to study energy conservation in Maryland, and to make recommendations for reducing energy consumption in various sectors, including transportation. Representatives from industry, energy consumers and energy efficiency experts made their report to on December 15, 2001; the recommendations could influence legislative energy proposals, regulatory changes and budget spending. (Reference Executive Order 01.01.2001.07 and Energy Conservation and Efficiency Task Force Report)