The Department of Environmental Protection acknowledges the significant role that electric vehicles (EV) will play in Pennsylvania's transportation future. It is important to promote the environmental benefits and quality of life improvements gained through vehicle electrification by collaborating with interested stakeholders, cities, towns, and other partners that are working to mainstream this technology.
To demonstrate that Pennsylvania is ready for EVs, government and business leaders are developing new policies, creating financial incentives, and engaging in public-private investments. More information on Pennsylvania's plan to achieve EV adoption can be found below.
Benefits
EVs have significant environmental and health benefits over conventional gasoline or diesel-powered cars, including reduced greenhouse gases and other harmful pollutants. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions. Fewer tailpipe emissions reduces the visible smog in heavily-populated urban areas, while minimizing other pollutants, improving overall air quality and public health. Using EVs instead of conventional vehicles can help reduce U.S. reliance on imported petroleum and increase energy security.
Roadmap: Ways to Increase Electric Vehicle Use in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Electric Vehicle Roadmap presents strategies and actions that policymakers, decision makers, and other leaders can take to expand knowledge and use of EVs.
The Roadmap provides data on current EV use in Pennsylvania; identifies barriers to EV use; recommends policies, plans, and programs to overcome them; and quantifies potential benefits, including greenhouse gas emission reductions and societal benefits throughout the state.
DEP, PennDOT, and the Drive Electric Pennsylvania Coalition are working to implement measures in the Roadmap to prepare Pennsylvania to be part of a growing EV market. All government, business, academic, and community leaders are invited to use the Roadmap as part of their decision making.
For highlights on progress made to date, more actions that can be taken, and an update on the current electric vehicle market in Pennsylvania, all in an easy-to-use booklet format, see the Pennsylvania Electric Vehicle Roadmap: 2021 Update
EV Rate Design Study
Among the priority actions presented in the EV Roadmap was a recommendation for PA to encourage the development and implementation of electric utility rates that can maximize cost savings for EV drivers while minimizing grid impacts and reducing financial barriers that can inhibit DC fast charging station viability.
DEP, with guidance from the PA Public Utility Commission (PUC) and other key stakeholders, completed an EV Rate Design Study designed to: 1) assess potential grid impacts on future electric consumption from the projected expansion of EVs, 2) assess the current state of electric rates in PA relative to EV usage, 3) evaluate best practices and experiences across the nation for developing EV rate strategies, and 4) recommend next steps for PA policy makers, regulators, and electric distribution companies. The results of this study are being used to guide and inform a PA PUC working group on EV rate design.
Drive Electric PA Coalition
Efforts to promote electric vehicle adoption are increasing nationally, as more states and cities see the value of reduced greenhouse gas emissions and the potential for new economic opportunities. DEP began collaborating with stakeholders statewide in a planning process to increase the acceptance and adoption of electric vehicles by state government agencies, local governments, businesses, industry, and the general public in Pennsylvania. Additional information about the Coalition can be accessed here.
Grants and Rebates
Consumer Rebates
AFIG provides a stimulus for opportunities to better manage Pennsylvania's fuel resources in a way that promote and build markets for advanced, renewable and alternative energy transportation technologies.
- Incremental cost of alternative fuel fleet vehicles
- Refueling infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles
- Alternative fuel innovative technology projects
Driving PA Forward
The DEP Driving PA Forward program offers grants and rebates to help Pennsylvania reduce nitrogen oxide and other air pollution and drive the transition to cleaner vehicles.
- Level 2 Light-Duty Vehicle Charging Equipment Rebates -- see brochure (PDF)
- Medium-Duty Truck, Port Drayage Truck, School Bus and Shuttle Bus Rebates
- Heavy-Duty Truck and Transit Bus Grants
- Electric Vehicle Fast Charging or Hydrogen Fuel Cell Equipment Grants