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NGV Incentives

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Voucher Program

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) administers the Maryland Freedom Fleet Voucher (FFV) Program, which provides vouchers for the purchase of new and converted AFVs registered in Maryland. Eligible vehicles include purchased or leased light-, medium-, and heavy-duty dedicated natural gas, propane, hybrid electric, plug-in electric, and hydraulic hybrid vehicles. Vehicles must be used by commercial, non-profit, or public entities. Voucher amounts are based on gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and are capped at 50% of the vehicle's incremental cost; the cap does not apply to plug-in electric vehicles. Funds are not guaranteed until voucher agreements are fully executed, which may not occur until after July 1, 2014. The FFV Program ends June 1, 2016. For more information, including application requirements, see the Maryland FFV Program website.

Natural Gas Fueling Infrastructure Grant

The Maryland Energy Administration provides funding through the Natural Gas Refilling Station Grant Program to develop publicly accessible natural gas fueling infrastructure. Only businesses are eligible to apply; utilities, local governments, and state government agencies are not eligible. Stations must be located in Maryland and open to the public 24 hours daily. Projects must also use commercially available technologies and comply with requirements outlined in the program guidelines. Applications are due January 12, 2015 (confirmed September 2014). For more information, including application instructions, see the Natural Gas Refilling Station Grant Program page.

Laws and Regulations

Alternative Fuel Use Requirement

At least 50% of state vehicles must use a minimum biodiesel blend of 5% (B5). This requirement does not apply to any state vehicles for which the use of biodiesel will void the manufacturer's warranty for that vehicle. Additionally, bi-fuel and flexible fuel vehicles capable of operating on either alternative fuel or conventional fuel must use alternative fuel when it is available. (Reference Maryland Statutes, State Finance and Procurement Code 14-408, and Policies and Procedures for Vehicle Fleet Management)

2015 Session - Proposed Legislation

Maryland has no proposed 2015 NGV legislation as of this update.

2014 Session - Proposed Legislation

Maryland has no proposed 2014 NGV legislation as of this update.

2013 Session - Proposed Legislation

HB-791

Extends tax credit for electric vehicle charging infrastructure until 2016 (was to expire after 2013) and the excise tax credit for certain qualified plug-in electric vehicles for an additional year (until July 1, 2014). Credit for infrastructure is 20% or no more than $400 and subject to annual limitations; the excise tax credit is capped at 2,000. Reference - HB791 Bill History, Reference - HB791 Bill Text 2013-05-02 - Approved by the Governor - Chapter 389