Minnesota Electric Laws and Incentives
State Laws and Regulations
Electric Vehicle (EV) and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Transportation Analysis
The Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation is required to conduct a study, in collaboration with other state agencies and stakeholders, to evaluate the current and long-range needs of the state's transportation system, and investigate possible strategies to meet these needs. The study must include the following: 1) identification of options for maintenance and improvement of the state's transportation system, specifically regarding the effects of potential increases in vehicle fuel economy, availability of alternative modes of transportation, and extreme fuel price volatility on future transportation revenues; 2) identification of financial options with particular consideration of environmental impacts such as air and water quality, and greenhouse gas emissions; and 3) evaluation of the impact of the use of EVs and PHEVs on the current funding mechanisms for the state's roadways and an analysis of methods to mitigate the impact. The results of the study are due to the legislature by November 1, 2009. (Reference House File 1250, 2009, and Minnesota Laws 2008, Chapter 287, Article 1, Section 118)
Clean Energy Collaborative
The Governor's Clean Energy Technology Collaborative (Collaborative) was created for experts to discuss issues that impact the development of new clean energy technologies that utilize Minnesota expertise, Minnesota resources, and benefit Minnesota by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Collaborative provides the Governor with advice and recommendations on matters relating to advances in technology and research in order to achieve Minnesota's long-term clean energy goals, including reducing GHG emissions by 80% by 2050 and generating 25% of Minnesota energy from renewable energy resources by the year 2025. (Reference Executive Order 08-04, 2008)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Initiatives
All solicitation documents that include the purchase of passenger automobiles issued under the jurisdiction of the Minnesota Department of Administration after June 30, 2006, must assert the intention of the state to begin purchasing EVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) as soon as they become commercially available. The vehicles must first meet the state's performance specifications and be priced no more than 10% above the price for comparable gasoline-powered vehicles.
An EV is defined as a motor vehicle that is able to be powered by an electric motor drawing current from rechargeable storage batteries, fuel cells, or other portable sources of electrical current, and meets or exceeds applicable requirements in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 571, and future regulations.
A PHEV is defined as an EV containing an internal combustion engine that also allows power to be delivered to the drive wheels by a battery-powered electric motor. When connected to the electrical grid via an electrical outlet the vehicle must be able to recharge its battery. The vehicle must have the ability to travel at least 20 miles, powered substantially by electricity.
(Reference House File 1250, 2009, Minnesota Laws) 2006, Chapter 245, and Minnesota Statutes 169.011
Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) Access to Roadways
A NEV is defined as an electric vehicle that has four wheels and is capable of achieving speeds of at least 20 miles per hours (mph), but not more than 25 mph, on a paved level surface. A NEV must be titled according to state law and may be operated on public streets and highways if it meets all equipment and vehicle safety requirements in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500, and successor requirements. A NEV may not operate on roadways with a speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour, except to make a direct crossing of that roadway. A road authority, including the commissioner of transportation, may prohibit or further restrict the operation of NEVs on any street or highway under the road authority's jurisdiction. (Reference Minnesota Statutes 169.011 and 169.224)
Medium-Speed Electric Vehicle Access to Roadway
A medium-speed electric vehicle is defined as an electrically powered four-wheeled motor vehicle capable of achieving speeds of at least 25 miles per hours (mph), but not more than 35 mph, on a paved, level surface and, except with respect to maximum speed, otherwise meets or exceeds regulations in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500. A medium-speed electric vehicle may not be operated on a roadway with a speed limit greater than 35 mph, except to make a direct crossing of that roadway. A road authority, including the commissioner of transportation, may prohibit or further restrict the operation of medium-speed electric vehicles on any street or highway under the road authority's jurisdiction. (Reference Minnesota Statutes 169.011 and 169.224)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure
EV infrastructure installed in Minnesota must enable the following without requiring significant upgrades of the EV infrastructure: 1) utilization of the EV infrastructure by any make, model, or type of EV; 2) compliance with state safety standards and standards set by the Society of Automotive Engineers; and 3) capability for bidirectional charging once electrical utilities achieve a cost-effective ability to draw electricity from EVs connected to the utility grid. (Reference House File 1250, 2009, and Minnesota Statutes 325F)
Alternative Fuel Use and Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Acquisition Requirements
State agencies are required to use alternative fuels, including B20-B100 biodiesel blends, compressed or liquefied natural gas, E70-E100 ethanol blends, hydrogen, or liquefied petroleum gas, to operate state motor vehicles if the clean fuels are reasonably available at comparable costs to conventional fuels and are compatible with the intended use of the motor vehicle. Additionally, state agencies are required to purchase alternative fuel vehicles, which include those capable of being powered by the fuels listed above or motor vehicles powered by electricity or by a combination of electricity and liquid fuel, if such a motor vehicle is reasonably available at comparable costs to other vehicles and if the vehicle is capable of carrying out the purpose for which it is purchased. (Reference Minnesota Statutes 16C.135)
State Agency Energy Plan and Vehicle Acquisition Priorities
State agencies are required to use alternative fuels, including B20-B100 biodiesel blends, compressed or liquefied natural gas, E70-E100 ethanol blends, hydrogen, or liquefied petroleum gas, to operate state motor vehicles if the clean fuels are reasonably available at comparable costs to conventional fuels and are compatible with the intended use of the motor vehicle. Additionally, state agencies are required to purchase alternative fuel vehicles, which include those capable of being powered by the fuels listed above or motor vehicles powered by electricity or by a combination of electricity and liquid fuel, if such a motor vehicle is reasonably available at comparable costs to other vehicles and if the vehicle is capable of carrying out the purpose for which it is purchased. (Reference Minnesota Statutes 16C.135)
