Washington Hybrid Electric Vehicle Laws and Incentives
State Incentives
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Tax Exemption
New passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles that are dedicated AFVs are exempt from the state sales tax. Qualified vehicles must operate exclusively on natural gas, propane, hydrogen, or electricity, meet the California motor vehicle emissions standards effective January 1, 2005, and comply with the rules of the Washington Department of Ecology. In addition, all new passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles that utilize hybrid electric technology and have a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated highway fuel economy of at least 40 miles per gallon are exempt from the 0.30% motor vehicle sales tax. These tax exemptions expire on January 1, 2011. (Reference House Bill 6170, 2009, and Revised Code of Washington 82.08.020 and 82.08.809)
Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Demonstration Grants
The Vehicle Electrification Demonstration Grant Program is administered by the Washington Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development. Eligible applicants are state agencies, public school districts, public utility districts, or political subdivisions of the state. Grants may be awarded to projects involving the purchase or conversion of existing vehicles to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles or battery electric vehicles for use in an applicant's fleet or operations; additional eligibility requirements apply. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 43.325.110)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Emission Inspection Exemption
Electric, compressed natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas vehicles are exempt from emission control inspections. HEVs that obtain a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy rating of at least 50 miles per gallon of gasoline during city driving are also exempt from these inspections. (Reference Revised Code of Washington 46.16.015)
State Laws and Regulations
State Fleet Petroleum Reduction
State agencies must take all reasonable actions to achieve a 20% reduction in petroleum use in all state and privately owned vehicles used for state business by September 1, 2009. Strategies to achieve this goal include energy-efficient use of state resources and giving priority to the purchase and use of hybrid electric and other fuel-efficient, low emission vehicles (those that achieve a minimum of 30 miles per gallon and meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tier 2 emission standards). Additionally, beginning with the 2009 Model Year, vehicles sold in the state must meet more stringent emissions standards. Furthermore, the state is directed to support the growth of biofuel feedstocks and the blending and distribution of biofuels for use by state fleets and the public. (Reference Executive Order 05-01, 2005, and Executive Order 07-02, 2007)
Fleet Action Plan - Seattle
The Clean Green Fleet Action Plan (PDF 444 KB) aims to increase the use of alternative fuels, reduce fleet fuel use, reduce vehicle emissions, and improve the fuel efficiency of the City of Seattle's (Seattle's) fleet. Download Adobe Reader. Seattle's long-term intent is to continue participating in the Northwest Hybrid Medium and Heavy Duty Truck Consortium and to continue increasing the use of E85 fuel and electric vehicles. Seattle met its original goal to have a fleet that is 100% clean and green, through the use of clean fuels and vehicles that have the highest fuel efficiency and the lowest emissions and meet the needs of Seattle's operations. Seattle also met the specific measures called for in the plan, including a 5% reduction in the fleet's annual fuel use by 2005 as compared to 1999.
Utilities/Private Incentives
Clean and Efficient Fleet Assistance
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has launched the Evergreen Fleets program, a comprehensive greening plan and certification system for fleets. Evergreen Fleets provides fleet managers with tools to help "green" public and private fleets, reduce pollution, and save money. Evergreen Fleets provides a step-by-step guide to identify the most effective way for fleet managers to green their fleets, including buying greener vehicles, switching to greener fuels, or improving fleet efficiency.
