July 28, 2021

Trends in EV Policies and Regulations That At-Home Fleet Managers Should Know About

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4 Min. Read

Electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for 4.2% of new light vehicle sales in 2020. At the same time, they constituted an impressive 74.8% in Norway, largely due to local policies and subsidies. While Norway is in a unique position, the US has also made strides toward a mass transition to EVs. Take a look at this overview of federal and local EV policies that fleet managers should know about on their path to electrification.

President Biden is optimistic about EV adoption

Biden recently rolled out his detailed infrastructure plan to show what it will take to get us to EV adoption. One of the largest sources of greenhouse gas pollution in the US is automobiles. He knows it is the key to tackle climate change and wants to make EVs more affordable. Fortunately, automakers are already making changes by offering some incentives and rebate options, but they have confirmed they will still need more federal assistance to really make an impact.

How is the US government supporting electrification?

The US government is trying to do its part through federal mandates such as the “Clean Electricity Standard,” which requires a certain percentage of electricity in the US to be generated by zero-carbon energy sources.

There have also been state EV policies and regulations in place for over a decade that requires manufacturers to make lower emissions vehicles.

How states are driving electrification

EVs are still new and unfamiliar to many businesses. Many fleets are wary of change, uncertainty or the unknown. Many will take some convincing and incentivizing before they will be willing to adopt a new product, especially if it appears to cost more upfront. Local legislation and incentives play a key role.

California has had low emission regulations for many years. Recently, New Jersey also passed a law with the goal of 100% clean energy by 2050. The state has target points of 330,000 EVs on road by 2025, and 85% sold by 2040.

Additionally, California’s Advanced Clean Cars Program, which requires manufacturers to sell a set number of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) per year, has been accepted by at least 11 states. Other states are also creating EV policies and initiatives. Through state legislation and utility providers, approximately 45 states are offering some type of incentive, including infrastructure upgrades (as of 2020), to encourage EV adoption.

Additional local legislation that is driving EV fleet adoption includes:

  • Emissions vehicle pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions regulations.
  • Zero-emission bills.
  • Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
  • HOV vehicle lane exemptions.
  • Vehicle inspection and emissions test exemptions.
  • Registration fee reductions.
  • Parking incentives and utility rate reductions.
  • Tax credits for electric charging infrastructures.
  • Research project grants.
  • Alternative fuel technology loans.

Rebates and tax credits for EV chargers

Many states and manufacturers currently offer some form of a rebate, tax credit or other incentive for EV charging installation. Fleet managers may be entitled to a set amount off the price of installation or possibly even a percentage of the cost.

Some states like Louisiana offer an income tax credit of 30% towards EV infrastructure as well as a rebate of $250 upon the installation of an ENERGY STAR Level-2 charger. New Jersey is also offering what they call “cash on the hood” rebates, meaning that the price immediately decreases from the dealership. For example, instead of $40,000, the buyer is paying $35,000.

Knowing all of the potential rebates and tax credits available to you is critical when managing a fleet of vehicles across jurisdictions in order to operate at the highest efficiency and save money.

How fleet managers can take advantage of EV policies and regulations

With all of the available incentives, it is one of the best times for fleets to make the transition to EV. You can save money with reduced vehicle licensing taxes and electricity rates. You can also get exemptions from state vehicle and emissions inspections. Plus, you can benefit from solar and energy storage credits, loans, programs, and grants that may not always be around.

Take advantage of no carbon emission tax exemptions

With the goal of cleaner air in mind, many states have implemented renewable energy initiatives. This means opportunities for fleets to save money. For example, California has a zero-emission transit bus tax exemption. Additionally, any ZEV sold within New Jersey is exempt from state sales and use tax. Washington also offers a sales and use tax exemption for EV purchases.

Use state and government grants

Fleet managers can utilize the various federal and state grants available in support of EV to maximize their savings too. The Transportation Electrification, Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants and various other incentives offered for installations are all available to encourage mass EV adoption. Some states even offer multiple incentives that can be obtained together.

Whether through EV policies and rebate programs or advancements in technology research, the costs to purchase EVs and install chargers will continue to decrease. This is promising news for fleets looking to make the switch to EVs for cost savings and sustainability initiatives.

Qmerit is at the forefront of the renewable energy transition

With the only EV charging installation network spanning the US and Canada, we are defined by our safety, dependability, quality and expertise. We are leaders in electrification, with an extensive track record stretching back more than 20 years and including over 150,000 EV charging installations for leading automakers.

We can help you take advantage of recent EV policies and incentives with the most seamless charging station installation process for your fleet.

Contact us today to learn more.