Tax incentives and/or other incentives for drivers of electric vehicles in Charlottesville.
A low-speed vehicle is defined as a four-wheeled electrically- or gas-powered vehicle capable of achieving a maximum speed of at least 20 miles per hour (mph) but not greater than 25 mph. The vehicle must comply with safety standards specified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500. Low-speed vehicles titled and registered with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) must display designated DMV license plates. Low-speed vehicles may not operate on roads with posted speed limits of more than 35 mph or on roads where the Virginia Department of Transportation or the local governing body has prohibited their use.
(Reference Virginia Code 46.2-100, 46.2-908.2, 46.2-908.3, and 46.2-711)
Any motor vehicle equipped with an auxiliary power unit or other idle reduction technology may exceed the gross, single axle, tandem axle, or bridge formula weight limits by up to 550 pounds (lbs.) to compensate for the added weight of the idle reduction technology. Furthermore, any natural gas or electric vehicle may exceed the limits by up to 2,000 lbs. To be eligible for the weight exemption, certification of the weight of the auxiliary power unit or proof that the vehicle operates on natural gas, and a demonstration that the vehicle is fully functional must be available to law enforcement officials.
(Reference Virginia Code 46.2-1129.1 through 46.2-1129.2)
Vehicles powered exclusively by natural gas, propane, hydrogen, a combination of compressed natural gas and hydrogen, or electricity are exempt from the Virginia emissions inspection program. Qualified HEVs with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy ratings of at least 50 miles per gallon (city) are also exempt from the emissions inspection program unless remote sensing devices indicate the HEV may not meet current emissions standards. For more information, including a list of HEVs that qualify, see the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Emissions Inspections website.
(Reference Virginia Code 46.2-1177 through 46.2-1178 and 46.2-749.3)
Any motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, that has been modified to replace the internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system must be titled by and registered with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as a converted EV. DMV converted EV registration requires certification by a Virginia safety inspector that the conversion to electric propulsion is complete and proof that the vehicle has passed a Virginia safety inspection. There is a $15 fee, in addition to any fee imposed for Virginia safety inspection.
Converted EVs must be equipped with special equipment, including high voltage cables, a temperature monitoring system for traction batteries other than lead acid batteries, and labeling on three sides of the vehicle identifying it as “Converted Electric.”
For more information, see the DMV Titling a Converted EV website.
(Reference Virginia Code 46.2-602.3, 46.2-625, and 46.2-1001.1)
Homeowners associations (HOAs) or condominium associations may not prohibit the installation of an EV charger for personal use within the EV charger owner’s designated parking space. HOAs may establish restrictions on the number, size, placement, manner of installation, and insurance requirements for the EV charger if it is installed on the exterior of the property or in a common area. HOAs are not liable for the EV charger.
A condominium association may prohibit the installation of an EV charger if it is not technically feasible or practical due to safety risks, structural issues, or engineering conditions. Condominiums may establish requirements on the manner of installation, architectural design, insurance requirements, and community-related expenses for the EV charger.
(Reference Virginia Code 55.1-1823.1, 55.1-1962.1, and 55.1-2139.1)
EV owners must pay an annual highway fee or a per-mile road use fee. These fees are in addition to standard vehicle registration fees. For more information, including the current fee amount, see the Virginia Department of Transportation Highway Use Fee website.
(Reference Virginia Code 46.2-770 through 46.2-773)
The Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy is authorized to administer a rebate program for the purchase of a new or used EV. Rebates may not exceed $2,500. An additional rebate of $2,000 must be available for residents whose annual household income does not exceed 300% of current poverty guidelines. Eligible used vehicles may not have a purchase price of more than $25,000. For more information, see the Virginia Department of Energy Sustainable Transportation website.
(Reference Virginia Code 45.2-1727 through 45.2-1733)
Any vehicle that is not actively charging may not park in a designated EV charging parking space. The penalty for violation is up to $25. Local governments may issue an additional penalty of up to $25.
(Reference Virginia Code 46.2-1219.3)
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