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    State Energy Program

    ​Electric Vehicle Transportation

    Drive Electric Pennsylvania Coalition

    Drive Electric Pennsylvania Coalition Participants, November 2017 Meeting Drive Electric Pennsylvania Coalition Participants, November 2017 Meeting

    Every year, more states and cities around the country are promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs), as they increasingly see the value of reduced greenhouse gas emissions and the potential for new economic opportunities. The DEP Energy Programs Office partnered with stakeholders statewide in 2016 to form the Drive Electric PA Coalition and develop strategies to increase use of EVs by state and local government agencies, businesses, industry, and individual consumers in Pennsylvania. Through a process coordinated by an expert transportation consultant (supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Energy State Energy Program), the Coalition identified barriers to EV use in Pennsylvania and the most effective ways to overcome them.

    Pennsylvania Electric Vehicle Roadmap

    DEP and the Drive Electric PA Coalition published the "Pennsylvania Electric Vehicle Roadmap" (PDF) in 2019. It reviews the state of the electric vehicle market in Pennsylvania, presents a set of proposed strategies to support the expansion of the EV market, and estimates the potential benefits and impacts to the state from an increased EV market. The roadmap is designed to inform policymakers, business owners, and other decision-makers interested in supporting EV growth in Pennsylvania.

    Electric Vehicle Roadmap: 2021 Update

    DEP, PennDOT, and other Coalition members are working to implement the recommendations identified in the Roadmap. For highlights on progress made, more actions that can be taken, and a summary of the current electric vehicle market in Pennsylvania, all in an easy-to-use booklet format, see the Pennsylvania Electric Vehicle Roadmap: 2021 Update (PDF)

    Zero Emissions Vehicle Roadmap: 2024 Update

    DEP is working with the Drive Electric PA Coalition to develop the Zero Emissions Roadmap 2.0. This roadmap will build upon the successes in the first Roadmap (2019/updated in 2021) and expand the scope to include not only light-duty electric vehicles but medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The final ZEV Roadmap 2.0 will map out specific, implementable strategies aimed to maximize the economic and environmental benefits of transportation electrification in Pennsylvania. A draft report is expected in 2025.

    Connect with the Coalition

    The Drive Electric Pennsylvania Coalition includes state and municipal government officials, Clean Cities Coalitions, EV businesses and consultants, transportation organizations, electric utilities, environmental groups, auto companies, individuals, and other interested stakeholders.

    Coalition Meetings

    The Drive Electric PA Coalition meets at least three times a year, and meetings are open to the public. If you'd like to be informed about upcoming meetings, please contact Tristyne Youngbuth of the DEP Energy Programs Office at youngblut@pa.gov.

    Next Meeting:

    • April 24, 2025

    Previous meeting: October 3, 2024

    The June 6, 2024 DEPA Coalition meeting was held via video conference. The Electrification Coalition gave a legislative update on the EV registration fee, DEP gave updates on the Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant (AFIG) program and Medium and Heavy Duty grant projects and PennDOT provided an in-depth update on the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.

    Electric School Buses

    Benefits of Electric School Buses

    • Zero tailpipe pollution -- students, drivers, and members of the community will be exposed to significantly less harmful diesel emissions like PM and NOX
    • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to diesel school buses
    • Reduced maintenance costs
      • Less brake wear due to regenerative braking and no engine or exhaust system maintenance
      • Potential for reduced fuel costs compared to diesel depending on electricity costs
    • Quiet, clean operation

    What is DEP doing?

    DEP hosted several Electric School Bus Educational Workshops to inform school districts and transportation companies about the substantial financial incentives available for electrification. These education sessions covered the benefits of electric school buses, grants, rebates and tax incentives available, total cost of ownership, maintenance and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. See slides from the Educational Workshops below:

    Electric School Bus Essentials and Funding Opportunities Presentation (PDF)

    Electric School Bus Technologies Presentation (PDF)

    Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Presentation (PDF)

    DEP provided one on one technical assistance to a select number of school districts that expressed interest in electrification during our workshop series in 2024.

    EPA Electric School Bus Resources

    EPA Clean School Bus Program

    With funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the EPA’s Clean School Bus (CSB) Program provides $5 billion over five years (FY 2022-2026) to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models. For more information see EPA’s Clean School Bus website:

    Clean School Bus Program | U.S. EPA

    To stay informed about EPA’s Electric School Bus Program announcements, click the link below and sign up for the EPA’s Clean School Bus Listserv.

    EPA Clean School Bus Listserv Sign Up