Electric Vehicles in PA

Electric vehicle in Commonwealth fleet 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.

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.

Growing the electric vehicle market by increasing public awareness of EV models is key. In addition, boosting consumer confidence in EVs with a strategic rollout of EV charging stations to meet the projected demand, Pennsylvania can join the northeast and mid-Atlantic states to support a regional clean transportation network.

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

Electric vehicles 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

Drive Electric PA Coalition

Electric vehicle parking

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

DEP offers a rebate to Pennsylvania residents who purchase electric vehicles or other alternative fuel vehicles. For more information on these rebates and other ways to help make an electric vehicle fit your budget, see Making Electric Vehicles More Affordable

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.

Eligible AFIG project categories include:

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.