Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations in Tempe

Electric Vehicle (EV) Incentives in Tempe, AZ

Tax incentives and/or other incentives for drivers of electric vehicles in Tempe.

Zero Emission Vehicle Emissions Test Exemption

Electric vehicles registered in Arizona are not required to complete annual emissions testing. All alternative fuel vehicles, excluding electric and hydrogen vehicles, used to commute into Phoenix or Tucson are required to be emissions tested before they are registered. For more information, visit the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website.

(Reference Arizona Revised Statutes 49-541, 49-542 and 49-542.05)

Reduced Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) License Tax

The vehicle license tax for an AFV registered in Arizona is $4 for every $100 in assessed value. The minimum amount of the annual AFV license tax is $5. AFV assessed values are determined as follows:

• For AFVs initially registered between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, the assessed value of the AFV is 20% of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP);
• For each succeeding year, for the purpose of calculating the license tax, the assessed value of the AFV is reduced by 15% from the value from the preceding year.

For the purpose of this tax, AFVs include those powered exclusively by propane, natural gas, electricity, hydrogen, or a blend of hydrogen with propane or natural gas. For more information, see the ADOT AFV website. The reduced alternative fuel vehicle license tax does not apply to any vehicle purchased on or after December 31, 2022.

(Reference Arizona Revised Statutes 1-215, 28-5801, 28-5805)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Parking Incentive

An individual driving a dedicated AFV may park without penalty in parking areas that are designated for carpool operators, provided the vehicle is using alternative fuel. Recognized alternative fuels include propane, natural gas, electricity, hydrogen, and a blend of hydrogen with propane or natural gas.

(Reference Arizona Revised Statutes 1-215 and 28-877)

Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) Access to Roadways

NEVs may not operate at speeds greater than 25 miles per hour (mph). An NEV may not operate on a roadway with a speed limit greater than 35 mph, except to cross that roadway. NEVs must display a notice of the operational restrictions (either painted or otherwise permanently attached) on the vehicle in a location that is in clear view of the driver.

(Reference Arizona Revised Statutes 28-966 and 28-2157)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Parking Space Regulation

An individual is not allowed to stop, stand, or park a motor vehicle within any parking space specifically designated for parking and charging EVs unless the motor vehicle is an EV and has been issued an alternative fuel vehicle special plate or sticker. Violators may be subject to a civil penalty of at least $350.

(Reference Arizona Revised Statutes 28-876)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Special License Plate

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) must issue a special license plate to dedicated AFVs. Dedicated AFVs include vehicles powered exclusively by propane, compressed natural gas, electricity, hydrogen, a blend of hydrogen with propane or natural gas. AFVs may not be capable of operating on any other fuel type. There is no limit to the number of AFV license plates ADOT can issue. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) must inspect vehicles converted to operate solely on alternative fuel and issue an Alternative Fuel Certificate before converted vehicles may receive the AFV special plate. State or agency directors who conduct activities of a confidential nature and use AFVs are exempt from the requirement to display an AFV special license plate. For more information, see the ADOT Specialty Plates website.

(Reference Arizona Revised Statutes 1-215 and 28-2416)

Alternative Fuel and Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Use Tax Exemption

Arizona use taxes do not apply to natural gas or propane used in an AFV, AFVs converted to operate on alternative fuels, or the equipment used to convert a diesel vehicle to an AFV. Recognized alternative fuels include propane, natural gas, electricity, hydrogen, and a blend of hydrogen with propane or natural gas.

(Reference Arizona Revised Statutes 1-215 and 42-5159)

Idle Reduction and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Weight Exemption

A heavy-duty vehicle that is equipped with qualified idle reduction technology may exceed the state’s gross, total axle, or bridge formula vehicle weight limits by up to 550 pounds (lbs.) to accommodate the weight of the idle reduction technology. To qualify for the exemption, the vehicle operator must also be able to prove the weight of the idle reduction technology and demonstrate that the technology is fully functional. Any vehicles fueled by natural gas, electricity, or hydrogen may exceed the limits by up to 2,000 lbs as described by Title 23 U.S. Code, section 127(s).

(Reference Arizona Revised Statutes 28-1100)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Definition and Implementation Plan

The Arizona Corporation Commission (Commission) defines EVs as transportation vehicles that use electricity for propulsion. The Commission issued an EV policy statement that provides guidelines on EVs, charging infrastructure, and transportation electrification to utilities the Commission regulates. The policy addresses the state of EVs in Arizona, EV benefits, and barriers to adoption. This policy purposefully does not define the Commission’s role with respect to EV charging infrastructure operated by non-utilities at this time, but the Commission will explore it in the future. For more information, see the Commission’s EV policy statement and the Corporation Commission website.

(Reference Docket RU-00000A-18-0284 decision number 77044)