Maine EV Incentives
Maine's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Planning
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) NEVI Formula Program requires the Michigan Department of Transportation to submit an EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan (Plan) to the DOT and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Office by August 1, 2022, describing how the state intends to distribute NEVI funds. Plans must be established according to NEVI guidance. For more information about Maine’s NEVI plan, see the Joint Office’s State Plans for EV Charging website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebates
Efficiency Maine’s EV Accelerator provides rebates to Maine residents, businesses, government entities, and tribal governments for the purchase or lease of a new EV or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) at participating Maine dealerships. Rebate amounts are based on participant type:
Type of Vehicle; Individuals, Businesses, Organizations; Qualified Low-Income; Maine Resident; Maine Governmental Entity or Tribal Government; Non-Profit Organizations
EV $2,000 $5,500 $7,500 $7,500
PHEV $1,000 $4,000 $2,000 $2,000
Qualified low-income residents are also eligible for a rebate of up to $2,500 for the purchase of a used EV or PHEV. Vehicles must be purchased or leased between December 21, 2020, and August 31, 2022. The program is funded by Maine’s portion of the Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including eligible vehicles and preapproval requirements, see Efficiency Maine’s Electric Vehicle Initiatives website. (Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 35-A, Section 10126)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebates for Businesses
The Efficiency Maine EV Accelerator provides rebates to businesses for the purchase of new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and EVs at participating dealerships. Rebate amounts are based on vehicle type: Vehicle Type Rebate Amount Light-Duty PHEV $3,500 Light-Duty EV $4,500 All-Electric Van (Chassis Cab or Cutaway) $5,000 All-Electric Cargo Van $8,000 Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Businesses must have a fleet of at least five registered light-duty vehicles to be eligible for the light-duty rebates. For more information, including how to apply and eligibility requirements, see the Efficiency Maine EV Rebates website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Funding
Efficiency Maine offers a rebate of $350 to government and non-profit entities for the purchase of Level 2 EV charging stations. Applicants are awarded one rebate per port and may receive a maximum of two rebates. EV charging stations must be purchased between December 21, 2020, an August 31, 2022. EV charging stations along specific roads and at locations that will likely experience frequent use will be prioritized. The program is funded by Maine’s portion of the Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including how to apply and priority site characteristics, see the Efficiency Maine Electric Vehicle Initiatives website. (Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 35-A, Section 10127)
Biodiesel Fuel Tax Exemption
An individual that produces biodiesel for personal use or use by a member of their immediate family is exempt from the state fuel excise tax. (Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 36, Section 3203 and 3204-A)
Idle Reduction Weight Exemption
An individual that produces biodiesel for personal use or use by a member of their immediate family is exempt from the state fuel excise tax. (Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A, Section 2360)
Clean Transportation and Infrastructure Loans
Efficiency Maine administers the Maine Clean Energy and Sustainability Accelerator (Accelerator) to provide loans for qualified alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) projects, including the purchase of electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, zero emission vehicles (ZEVs), and associated vehicle charging and fueling infrastructure. Recipients must direct 40% of funds towards low-income communities and communities of color. The Accelerator must also establish a financing program to provide low- and zero-interest loans to schools, municipalities, and non-profit organizations to purchase ZEVs and associated fueling infrastructure. The Accelerator must publish an annual report, including greenhouse gas emission reductions resulting from investments. (Reference Legislative Document 1659, 2021 and Title 35-A, Section 2360)
Low-Speed Vehicle Inspection Exemption
Low-speed vehicles are exempt from annual state vehicle inspections. Low-speed vehicles must be registered, carry a special license plate, and meet specified state and federal safety equipment requirements. Additional restrictions may apply. (Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A, Sections 501, 1752, and 1925)
Utility & Private Incentives for Maine Residents
Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Support
Maine utilities joined the National Electric Highway Coalition (NEHC), committing to create a network of direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations connecting major highway systems from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific of the United States. NEHC utility members agree to ensure efficient and effective fast charging deployment plans that enable long distance EV travel, avoiding duplication among coalition utilities, and complement existing corridor DCFC sites. For more information, including a list of participating utilities and states, see the NEHC website.