Pennsylvania’s Commitment to Electric Vehicles
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recognizes the crucial role electric vehicles (EVs) will play in the state’s transportation future. The goal is to encourage the widespread adoption of EVs by highlighting their environmental advantages and improving quality of life.
To achieve this, the DEP collaborates with stakeholders, local governments, and other partners to popularize this technology. Growing the electric vehicle market through increased public awareness is a priority, as is boosting consumer confidence by strategically expanding the availability of EV charging stations. Such efforts allow Pennsylvania to join neighboring states in supporting a regional clean transportation network.
To demonstrate its commitment, Pennsylvania’s government and business leaders are developing new policies, offering financial incentives, and investing in public-private partnerships.
Benefits of Electric Vehicles
EVs offer significant environmental and health benefits compared to gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles, including the reduction of greenhouse gases and harmful pollutants. Since EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, they help reduce smog in urban areas and improve overall air quality and public health.
Additionally, the use of EVs can decrease the U.S.’s reliance on imported petroleum, boosting energy security.
Roadmap for Increasing EV Adoption
The Pennsylvania Electric Vehicle Roadmap outlines strategies and actions for policymakers and other leaders to expand the knowledge and use of EVs. This Roadmap provides data on current EV usage in Pennsylvania, identifies barriers to adoption, proposes policies and programs to overcome those barriers, and quantifies the potential benefits, including reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
DEP, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), and the Drive Electric Pennsylvania Coalition are working to implement measures outlined in the Roadmap. Government, business, academic, and community leaders are encouraged to use the Roadmap in their decision-making processes.
For a concise overview of progress made, additional actions that can be taken, and an update on the current EV market in Pennsylvania, see the Pennsylvania Electric Vehicle Roadmap: 2021 Update.
EV Rate Design Study
One of the key actions recommended in the EV Roadmap was to encourage the development and implementation of electric utility rates designed to maximize cost savings for EV drivers while minimizing grid impacts and reducing financial barriers to DC fast charging station viability.
The DEP, in collaboration with the PA PUC (Public Utility Commission) and stakeholders, completed an EV Rate Design Study to:
- Assess potential grid impacts from the projected growth of EVs.
- Evaluate the current state of electric rates in Pennsylvania relevant to EV usage.
- Analyze best practices nationwide for developing EV rate strategies.
- Recommend next steps for Pennsylvania policymakers, regulators, and electric distribution companies.
The findings of this study are guiding and informing a PA PUC working group on EV rate design.
Drive Electric PA Coalition
Efforts to promote EV adoption are gaining momentum nationwide. The DEP began collaborating with stakeholders statewide to increase the acceptance and adoption of electric vehicles among state agencies, local governments, businesses, industries, and the general public in Pennsylvania.
Grants and Rebates
The DEP offers various financial incentives to support EV adoption:
-
Consumer Rebates: Rebates are available to Pennsylvania residents who purchase electric vehicles or other alternative fuel vehicles. For more information, see Making Electric Vehicles More Affordable (PDF).
-
Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program (AFIG): This program supports projects that promote the development of markets for advanced, renewable, and alternative energy transportation technologies. Eligible projects include the incremental cost of alternative fuel fleet vehicles, refueling infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles, and innovative alternative fuel technology projects.
-
Driving PA Forward: This program provides grants and rebates to reduce nitrogen oxide and other air pollution, and facilitate the transition to cleaner vehicles.
-
Level 2 Light-Duty Vehicle Charging Equipment Rebates: See brochure (PDF).
-
Medium-Duty Truck, Port Drayage Truck, School Bus and Shuttle Bus Rebates
-
Heavy-Duty Truck and Transit Bus Grants
-
Electric Vehicle Fast Charging or Hydrogen Fuel Cell Equipment Grants
