Raleigh, NC – (May 6, 2021) The N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) released its Q1 2021 edition of The 50 States of Electric Vehicles. The quarterly series provides insights on state regulatory and legislative discussions and actions on electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
The report finds that 48 states and the District of Columbia took actions related to electric vehicles and charging infrastructure during Q1 2021 (see figure below), with the greatest number of actions relating to rebate programs, additional fees for electric vehicles, and state procurement of electric and zero-emission vehicles. A total of 521 electric vehicle actions were taken during Q1 2021, with the most active states being Massachusetts, California, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Hawaii.
Q1 2021 State and Utility Action on Electric Vehicles
The report discusses three trends in electric vehicle actions taken in Q1 2021: (1) utilities requesting approval for new electric vehicle program portfolios, (2) state lawmakers considering road usage fees and taxes on electricity used for vehicle charging, and (3) policymakers addressing government procurement of electric vehicles.
“Funding for transportation infrastructure continues to be a hot topic at state legislatures, with many states evaluating additional registration fees for electric and hybrid vehicles,” observed Autumn Proudlove, Senior Policy Program Director at NCCETC. “This year, however, we’ve also seen a lot of states exploring road usage fees and taxes on the electricity used to charge electric vehicles.”
State & Utility Electric Vehicle Actions 2018 – 2021
The report notes five of the top policy developments of the quarter:
- New Jersey regulators approving electric vehicle programs for Atlantic City Electric and PSE&G New Jersey;
- Virginia lawmakers approving electric vehicle rebate and grant programs;
- The Colorado Public Utilities Commission approving a modified transportation electrification plan for Xcel Energy;
- The Oklahoma State Legislature adopting a tax on electricity used for vehicle charging at certain types of charging stations; and
- Kansas and North Dakota legislators exempting charging stations from public utility regulation.
“State lawmakers appear to be making up for many of their COVID-shortened 2020 legislative sessions, introducing more than 350 bills in the first quarter of 2021 to encourage the continued transition to electric vehicles,” noted Brian Lips, Senior Policy Project Manager at NCCETC.
View the 50 States of Electric Vehicles 2021 Q1 Update Executive Summary
View and Purchase the 50 States of Electric Vehicles 2021 Q1 Update FULL Report
View other 50 States Reports – Solar, Grid Modernization and Electric Vehicles
ABOUT THE N.C. CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CENTER
The N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center, as part of the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University, advances a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating and providing support for clean energy technologies, practices and policies. It serves as a resource for innovative, sustainable energy technologies through technology demonstration, technical assistance, outreach and training. For more information about the Center, visit: http://www.nccleantech.