Tax incentives and/or other incentives for drivers of electric vehicles in Columbia.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) AFV Program offers rebates to assist eligible residents with the cost of the purchase or lease of new or qualifying pre-owned AFVs, including all-electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, electric motorcycles, and propane vehicles. Applicants must meet income eligibility requirements for the program and eligible AFV purchase price not exceed $45,000. Rebates are available in the following amounts:
| Vehicle Type | Rebate Amount |
|---|---|
| EV (new or pre-owned) | $3,000 |
| PHEV (new or pre-owned) | $1,500 |
| CNG, Propane, and Electric Motorcycle (new or pre-owned) | $500 |
An additional rebate of $1,000 is available for all applicants that meet the low-income requirement, as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Applications much be received within six months of vehicle purchase. Rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including forms and detailed requirements and restrictions, see the DEP AFV Rebates website.
(Reference Title 73 Pennsylvania Statutes, Chapter 18E, Section 1647.3)
A vehicle equipped with qualified idle reduction technology may exceed the state’s gross and axle weight limits by up to 400 pounds (lbs.) to compensate for the additional weight of the idle reduction technology. A vehicle primarily powered by natural gas or electricity may exceed the state’s gross vehicle weight limits by a weight equal to the difference between the weight of the vehicle with the natural gas tank and fueling system, or EV battery, and the weight of a comparable vehicle with a diesel tank and fueling system. Any NGV and EV may exceed the limits by up to 2,000 lbs.
(Reference Title 35 Pennsylvania Statutes, Chapter 23B, Section 4604 and Title 75 Pennsylvania Statutes, Part IV, Chapter 49, Subchapter C, Section 4941)
Conventional original equipment manufacturer passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks may be converted to operate on alternative fuels as a dedicated or bi-fuel AFV. Vehicles altered to operate on propane, natural gas, methane, ethanol, or electricity are classified as aftermarket AFV conversions. All vehicle conversions must meet current applicable U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or California Air Resources Board standards for aftermarket conversions.
A NEV is defined as a four-wheeled electric vehicle that has a maximum speed greater than 20 miles per hour (mph) but not more than 25 mph. All vehicles must comply with the safety standards established in Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500. Drivers must maintain a defined level of insurance coverage for all registered vehicles.
Beginning January 1, 2025, in addition to standard vehicle registration fees, EV owners must pay an annual fee of $200, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle owners must pay an annual fee of $50.
(Reference Senate Bill 656, 2024)
Beginning January 1, 2025, EVs that are subject to the annual EV registration fee are exempt from the Alternative Fuels Tax.
(Reference Senate Bill 656, 2024)
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