Electric Vehicles in PA

The Department of Environmental Protection acknowledges the significant role that electric vehicles (EV) will play in Pennsylvania's transportation future. It is important to promote the environmental benefits and quality of life improvements gained through vehicle electrification by collaborating with interested stakeholders, cities, towns, and other partners that are working to mainstream this technology. 

Roadmap: Ways to Increase Electric Vehicle Use in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Electric Vehicle Roadmap presents strategies and actions that policymakers, decision makers, and other leaders can take to expand knowledge and use of EVs.

The Roadmap provides data on current EV use in Pennsylvania; identifies barriers to EV use; recommends policies, plans, and programs to overcome them; and quantifies potential benefits, including greenhouse gas emission reductions and societal benefits throughout the state.

DEP, PennDOT, and the Drive Electric Pennsylvania Coalition are working to implement measures in the Roadmap to prepare Pennsylvania to be part of a growing EV market. All government, business, academic, and community leaders are invited to use the Roadmap as part of their decision making.

For highlights on progress made to date, more actions that can be taken, and an update on the current electric vehicle market in Pennsylvania, all in an easy-to-use booklet format, see the Pennsylvania Electric Vehicle Roadmap: 2021 Update

EV Rate Design Study

Among the priority actions presented in the EV Roadmap was a recommendation for PA to encourage the development and implementation of electric utility rates that can maximize cost savings for EV drivers while minimizing grid impacts and reducing financial barriers that can inhibit DC fast charging station viability.

DEP, with guidance from the PA Public Utility Commission (PUC) and other key stakeholders, completed an EV Rate Design Study designed to: 1) assess potential grid impacts on future electric consumption from the projected expansion of EVs, 2) assess the current state of electric rates in PA relative to EV usage, 3) evaluate best practices and experiences across the nation for developing EV rate strategies, and 4) recommend next steps for PA policy makers, regulators, and electric distribution companies. The results of this study are being used to guide and inform a PA PUC working group on EV rate design.

Drive Electric PA Coalition

Efforts to promote electric vehicle adoption are increasing nationally, as more states and cities see the value of reduced greenhouse gas emissions and the potential for new economic opportunities. DEP began collaborating with stakeholders statewide in a planning process to increase the acceptance and adoption of electric vehicles by state government agencies, local governments, businesses, industry, and the general public in Pennsylvania. Additional information about the Coalition can be accessed here. 

Grants and Rebates

DEP offers a rebate to Pennsylvania residents who purchase electric vehicles or other alternative fuel vehicles. For more information on these rebates and other ways to help make an electric vehicle fit your budget, see Making Electric Vehicles More Affordable.