Recent State Updates
Listed below are new and recently updated state laws, incentives, and regulations related to alternative fuels and advanced vehicles.
California
New warehouses must designate at least 50% of all passenger vehicle parking spaces as EV make-ready and at least 10% of all passenger vehicle parking spaces must be installed with EV chargers. Additionally, new warehouses must be capable of charging medium- and heavy-duty EVs.
(Reference Assembly Bill 98, 2024)
District of Columbia
The District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) and Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) are authorized to use federal infrastructure funding to distribute grants for EV charging infrastructure expansion. Additional data sharing and contracting requirements apply for permitholders installing more than five EV charging ports.
(Reference Council Bill 250106, 2024 and District of Columbia Code 50-921.04)
Beginning in 2026, the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) must publish an EV infrastructure deployment and management plan every three years. The plan must include:
- Total EV registrations in the District of Columbia;
- Progress toward EV charging infrastructure deployment equal to at least 5% of a ten-year forecast of EV registrations;
- Characterization of the speed and capacity of available EV charging infrastructure;
- Assessment of electric grid capacity and electric utility timelines to support EV charger deployment;
- Identification of income-based EV equity focus areas; and
- Legislation and regulatory recommendations.
By January 2026, DOEE must also establish an EV charging infrastructure incentive program.
(Reference Council Bill 250106, 2024 and District of Columbia Code 8-151.09f)
New construction of, or substantial improvements to, single family homes with off-street parking must include at least one EV-ready parking space capable of providing Level 1 charging. An EV-installed parking space is defined as a parking space with an installed EV charger, and an EV-ready parking space is defined as a parking space with sufficient electrical panel capacity and pre-wiring to support future EV chargers.
Beginning January 1, 2027, new construction of, or substantial improvements to, commercial buildings or multi-family housing (MFH) with six or more parking spaces must install EV chargers and pre-wiring capable of supporting EV chargers at the following number of parking spaces:
| Building Type | Required Share of EV-Installed Parking Spaces | Required Share of EV-Ready Parking Spaces |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial | 15% | 25% |
| MFH | No requirement | 25% |
Additional requirements for MFH apply beginning in 2031 and 2034.
(Reference Council Bill 250106, 2024 and District of Columbia Code 6-1451.01-03a)
Condominium associations may not prohibit or restrict the installation or use of EV chargers in a homeowner’s designated parking space. Condominium associations may put reasonable restrictions on EV chargers, but the policies may not significantly increase the cost of the EV charger or prohibit installation. Homeowners must comply with applicable health and safety codes and architectural standards and engage a licensed installation contractor. The homeowner is responsible for the cost of the installation, operation, maintenance, repair, removal, or replacement of the charger in their parking space, as well as any resulting damage to the EV charger or surrounding area. Additional requirements may apply.
(Reference Council Bill 250106, 2024 and District of Columbia Code 6-1451.01-03a)
New or substantially modified retail service stations projected to sell more than one million gallons of gasoline per year must install at least two direct current (DC) fast charging ports with a power output of at least 150 kilowatts for each gasoline pump.
(Reference Council Bill 250106, 2024 and District of Columbia Code 36-302.02)
New Jersey
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities’ (NJBPU) MHD EV Charging Program offers grants for the purchase and installation of eligible direct current (DC) fast chargers for community and private fleet charging. Grants of up to $25,000 are available per DC fast charger, with a maximum award of $225,000 for community charging and $175,000 for private fleet charging. Community charging programs must be located or operated within overburdened communities to qualify. This program is funded by Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) proceeds. For more information, including eligibility requirements, see the NJBPU EV Incentive Program website.
A school district may enter into lease purchase agreements for electric school buses and related charging equipment that last the service life of the vehicle. School districts may purchase leased school buses and related equipment at any point during the lease or when the lease ends, with credit towards the overall purchase price.
(Reference New Jersey Statutes 18A:18A-42 and 18A:20-4.2 and Assembly Bill 1677, 2024)
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) offers grants to school districts and school bus contractors for the purchase of electric school buses and charging infrastructure. Grants awards vary based on charger type and whether the applicant operates in an overburdened community. Grants are available in the following amounts:
| Technology | Maximum Grant Amount | Overburdened School District Maximum Grant Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Electric School Bus + Level 2 Charger | $270,000 | $300,000 |
| Electric School Bus + Direct Current Fast Charger | $290,000 | $320,000 |
| Electric School Bus + Bi-Directional Charging Option | $320,000 | $350,000 |
School bus contractors must apply in conjunction with a specified school or school district. For more information, including eligibility requirements, program evaluation criteria, and bi-directional charging details, see the NJDEP Electric School Bus Grant Program website and the Electric School Bus Grant Solicitation.
Pennsylvania
The Small Business Advantage Grant Program provides matching grants of up to 80% of project costs, up to $12,000, to enable a Pennsylvania small business to adopt or acquire energy-efficient or pollution prevention processes or equipment. Pennsylvania trucking companies and independent truckers may use the funding to purchase U.S. Environmental Protection Agency SmartWay verified anti-idling technologies. Projects may not begin until applications are approved. Grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, see the Small Business Advantage Grant Program website.
The AFIG Program provides financial assistance for innovative, advanced fuel and vehicle technology projects. Projects that result in product commercialization and the expansion of Pennsylvania companies are favored in the selection process. Eligible applicants include school districts, municipal authorities, political subdivisions, non-profits, corporations, limited liability companies or partnerships incorporated or registered in the Commonwealth. Projects must support:
- Incremental cost expenses relative to retrofitting vehicles to operate on alternative fuels;
- Incremental cost expenses to purchase alternative fuel vehicles;
- The cost to purchase and install the necessary fleet- or home-refueling equipment for alternative fuel vehicles; or,
- The cost to perform research, training, development and demonstration of new applications or next-phase technology related to alternative fuel vehicles.
(Reference Title 73 Pennsylvania Statutes, Chapter 18E, Section 1647.3)