Tax incentives and/or other incentives for drivers of electric vehicles in 21783.
A low-speed vehicle is defined as a four-wheeled electric vehicle that has a maximum speed capability of 20 miles per hour (mph) to 25 mph. A low-speed vehicle must be registered with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration and comply with federal safety standards contained in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500. The State Highway Administration or any local authority may prohibit the use of low-speed vehicles on any controlled access highway in its jurisdiction. Low-speed vehicles are only permitted on highways with a speed limit of up to 30 mph, but may, except in certain situations, cross highways for which the maximum speed limit exceeds 45 mph if the intersection is controlled by a traffic light or a four-way stop sign. (Reference Maryland Statutes, Transportation Code 11-130.1, 21-313, 21-1125, and 22-101)
Qualified PEV purchasers may apply for a tax credit against the imposed excise tax. The tax credit is limited to one vehicle per individual and 10 vehicles per business entity. Vehicles must be registered in Maryland, unless the vehicle manufacturer conforms to applicable state or federal laws or regulations governing clean fuel vehicles or PEVs during the year in which the vehicle was purchased, or the vehicle was originally registered in another state. A qualified vehicle must meet the following criteria:
Vehicles purchased new and titled for the first time between July 1, 2017, and July 1, 2020, are eligible for a credit up to $3,000, calculated as $100 per kWh of battery capacity.
The credit is returned to the taxpayer in the form of a check from the state. For more information, including the request form, see the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration's Excise Tax Credit for PEVs website.(Reference Maryland Statutes, Transportation Code 13-815)Permitted PEVs may operate in any Maryland HOV lanes regardless of the number of occupants. Qualified PEVs must have a maximum speed capability of at least 65 miles per hour. Permitted hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) may operate in the Route 50 HOV lane only, regardless of the number of occupants. To operate in HOV lanes, PEV and HEV owners must obtain a permit from the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA). The cost of the permit may not exceed $20. Each year the MDOT MVA and the State Highway Administration must report PEV use in HOV lanes to the governor. This exemption expires September 30, 2019, for HEVs and September 30, 2022, for PEVs. For more information, see the HOV Permit Issuance for PEVs page. (Reference House Bill 714, 2018, and Maryland Statutes, Transportation Code 25-108 and 21-314)
Conventional original equipment manufacturer vehicles altered to operate on propane, natural gas, methane, ethanol, or electricity are classified as aftermarket AFV conversions. All vehicle conversions for vehicles certified only to California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards must meet current applicable CARB standards for aftermarket conversions. However, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified conversion kits may be used on EPA 50-state certified vehicles and vehicles with dual-certification that are 14,000 pounds or less. (Reference Code of Maryland Regulations 26.11.34)
The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) offers an EVSE rebate program to an individual, business, or state or local government entity for the costs of acquiring and installing qualified EVSE. Between July 1, 2017, and June 30, 2020, rebates for 40% of the costs of acquiring and installing qualified EVSE, or up to the following amounts:
| Qualified Entity | Amount |
|---|---|
| Individual | $700 |
| Business or State or Local Government | $4,000 |
| Retail Service Station Dealer | $5,000 |
Applicants must demonstrate compliance with state, local, and/or federal law that applies to the installation or operation of qualified EVSE. Other requirements may apply. Total funding for each fiscal year will not exceed $1,200,000. For more information, see MEA's EVSE Rebate Program page.
(Reference Maryland Statutes, Business Regulation Code 10-101, and State Government Code 9-2009)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 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. Applications are currently not being accepted (verified May 2018). For more information, including application requirements, see the Maryland FFV Program website.
Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) offers a time-of-use (TOU) rate for BGE residential customers who purchase or lease a PEV. The TOU rate, Schedule EV, applies to the energy used for the entire residence during a billing period. Participation requires a meter capable of measuring TOU data. For more information, see Schedule EV.
Pepco offers a time-of-use rate to all qualified Pepco residential customers in Maryland who own or lease a PEV. For more information, see Pepco's Plug-In Electric Vehicle Charging website.
A comprehensive list of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in or near 21783 (Smithsburg, MD). Search and compare EV charging stations in communities across the U.S., and find a local station when you need to charge your electric car.