Recent State Updates

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the annual registration fee is $165 for EVs, $100 for PHEVs, and $70 for HEVs. Electric motorcycles have an annual registration fee of $30.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, for trucks and truck tractors that are less than 12,000 pounds gross weight, the annual registration fee for HEVs or PHEVs is $125 and for EVs $200. These fees apply to trucks and truck tractors that are the propelling unit for cargo, as either a single vehicle or combination of vehicles.

(Reference House Bill 2122, 2025 and Kansas Statutes 8-143)

Certain commercial buildings with new parking spaces must provide EV-ready spaces according to the total number of parking spaces:

An EV-ready space is defined as a designated parking space with a dedicated branch circuit for EV chargers. Additional terms and conditions apply.

(Reference Code of Massachusetts Regulations 780-13 Section C405.13)

Recognizing that low-emission technology is state policy under the 25x’25 initiative, North Dakota prioritizes the use of agricultural, forestry, and other natural resources as sources of fuel. State support for projects runs through North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) programs such as the Renewable Energy Program and the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority (CSEA), which can provide matching grants and other financial assistance for research, demonstration, development, or commercialization of low-emission technologies. For more information, see NDIC’s Renewable Energy Program and CSEA pages.

(Reference North Dakota Century Code 17-01-01)

A low-speed vehicle is defined as a four-wheeled motor vehicle, other than an all-terrain vehicle, that is capable of reaching speeds of at least 20 miles per hour (mph) but not greater than 25 mph, has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds, and meets the safety standards in Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500. A low-speed vehicle may only operate on secondary highways with a posted speed limit of up to 35 mph but may cross a highway with posted speed limits over 35 mph at an intersection. A low-speed vehicle must be registered and licensed in the same manner as a passenger vehicle and is subject to the same insurance requirements applicable to other motor vehicles. Homemade low-speed vehicles, retrofitted golf carts, or any other similar vehicles do not qualify as low-speed vehicles.

Golf cart owners must obtain a South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles permit decal and registration by providing proof of ownership, liability insurance, and a $5 fee and replace the decal every 5 years or after an address change. Operators must be at least 16, hold a valid driver’s license, and carry the license, registration, and proof of insurance. Local governments may set hours and locations of use and may allow night driving if certain conditions are met; operation is limited to roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less. Local governments may not require property ownership or long‑term rental to issue a decal. Passengers under 12 must wear a fastened safety belt on public streets and highways. Without a local ordinance, cart operations have further restrictions.

(Reference South Carolina Code of Laws 56-1-10, 56-2-100 to 56-2-130, and 56-5-820 and House Bill 3292, 2025)

An entity that operates an electric vehicle (EV) charger is not considered a public utility. Electricity must be procured from authorized electric utility, and the EV chargers must be immobile. Authorized utilities may charge for infrastructure supporting these EV charging stations. Utilities offering direct-current-fast-charging (DCFC) services must provide fair and nondiscriminatory rates to all operators. Exemptions apply.

(Reference Senate Bill 275, 2025 and South Carolina Code of Laws 58-27-1060)

A low-speed vehicle is any four-wheeled electric vehicle, excluding golf carts, that achieves speeds of at least 20 miles per hour (mph) but not more than 25 mph. A medium-speed vehicle is any four-wheeled electric or gasoline vehicle that has a maximum speed of more than 30 mph, but not more than 35 mph. Low- and medium-speed vehicles must comply with the safety standards in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 571.500.

Both low-speed and medium-speed vehicles are classified as utility terrain vehicles. Utility terrain vehicles may not operate on interstate highways or any road or street that has a posted speed limit greater than 45 mph. Additional conditions and exceptions apply. The departments of Transportation and Safety shall publish lists of roads and highways in the state where utility terrain vehicle operation is prohibited.

(Reference House Bill 0810, 2025 and Tennessee Code 55-8-101 and 55-8-191)

Any motor vehicle equipped with an automated driving system may operate in Texas, and may operate regardless of whether a human driver is physically present. Texas preempts local discriminatory or franchise-type rules for automated motor vehicles and allows the Texas Public Safety Commission to exempt them from specific traffic laws when deemed safe to do so. AV usage is authorized on streets and highways if the driving system complies with traffic or motor vehicle laws, is licensed to operate, complies with state and federal laws, is capable of minimizing risk if the automated system fails, is equipped with a recording device, is registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), and is covered by insurance. AVs are defined as motor vehicles with Level 4 or Level 5 automated driving systems that perform the full dynamic driving task. When automated driving is engaged, the automated driving technology is the legal operator, and citations go to the owner or authorization holder. Transport of property or passengers for a commercial enterprise requires TxDMV authorization and an emergency responder interaction plan filed with the Department of Public Safety. After a collision, required crash response duties apply and may be fulfilled by the vehicle or a person on its behalf. Automated commercial motor vehicles must comply with commercial motor vehicle laws, except provisions that inherently apply only to a human driver do not apply when an automated driving systems is engaged, and TxDMV may restrict or suspend driverless operations that endanger the public through a notice and expedited review or hearing process.

(Reference Texas Statutes, Transportation Code 545.451-545.459 and Senate Bill 2807, 2025)

By Dec. 1, 2024, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), in consultation with the Texas Department of Transportation, was required to adopt standards for EV chargers to ensure that the connectors or plugs are widely compatible with as many EVs as practicable. The relevant standards are published in the Texas Administrative Code Title 16, Part 4, Chapter 96 Subchapter A.

EV charging providers shall disclose on the EV charger display the method(s) for calculating the fee to charge, the current rate, and applicable surcharges. Itemized receipts must be made available if requested by a user. EV charger providers shall remove from operation and from digital maps of available chargers any equipment that poses a safety risk. Such chargers shall also be clearly marked “out of order.”

After Dec. 1, 2024, publicly available EV chargers funded through public grants or state rebate programs must meet additional standards adopted by TDLR. For more information see the TDLR EV Charging Stations website .

Exemptions, including for legacy chargers, may apply. Penalties for non-compliance may also apply.

(Reference Texas Statutes, Occupations Code 2311.0206 and 2311.0303 - 2311.0306 and Texas Administrative Code Title 16, Part 4, Chapter 96)