Recent State Updates
Listed below are new and recently updated state laws, incentives, and regulations related to alternative fuels and advanced vehicles.
Massachusetts
Certain commercial buildings with new parking spaces must provide EV-ready spaces according to the total number of parking spaces:
| Number of Parking Spaces | Minimum Number of EV-Ready Spaces |
|---|---|
| 2–6 | 1 |
| 7–13 | 2 |
| 14–20 | 3 |
| 21–40 | 4 |
| 41 or more | 10% but not more than 16 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)
North Dakota
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)
South Carolina
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)