Maine Incentives and Laws for EVs
The list below contains summaries of all Maine incentives and laws related to EVs.
State Incentives
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)
Laws and Regulations
State Plan to Reduce Petroleum Consumption
By December 1, 2012, the Maine Office of Energy Independence and Security (Office) must develop a plan to reduce petroleum consumption in all sectors of the economy with the overall goal of reducing petroleum consumption in the state by at least 30% and 50%, based on 2007 levels, by 2030 and 2050, respectively. The plan must prioritize the use of alternative energy sources for transportation. The Office must include an update on the progress towards meeting these goals in the state's biennial comprehensive energy plan. (Reference Legislative Document 553, 2011, and Maine Revised Statutes Title 2, Section 9)
Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Development
Maine has adopted a policy to promote the development, implementation, availability, and use of smart grid technology. The policy includes the goal of integrating advanced electric storage and peak-reduction technologies, such as plug-in electric and hybrid electric vehicles, into the electric system. (Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 35-A, Section 3143)
Transportation Efficiency Fund
The Transportation Efficiency Fund is a non-lapsing fund managed by the Maine Department of Transportation to increase energy efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels within the state's transportation system. Funding may be used for zero emission vehicles, biofuel and other alternative fuel vehicles, congestion mitigation and air quality initiatives, rail, public transit, and car or van pooling. (Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 23, Section 4210-E)
Provision for Establishment of Clean Fuel Vehicle Insurance Incentives
An insurer may credit or refund any portion of the premium charged for an insurance policy on a clean fuel vehicle in order to encourage its policyholders to use clean fuel vehicles, as long as insurance premiums on other vehicles are not increased to fund these credits or refunds. (Reference Maine Revised Statutes Title 10, Sections 963-A, and Title 24-A, Section 2303-B)
