The Department of Environmental Protection Wednesday launched new grant and rebate programs for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) charging and fueling stations to increase options for ZEV owners and encourage more people to consider these clean vehicles for their next car.

The application period opens September 20. Application deadlines are 4:00 p.m. on January 25, July 15, and December 16, 2019.

The application period is continuous until funds are exhausted, and vouchers will be issued on a first come, first served basis. All applications from each period will be reviewed.

Businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and other organizations are eligible to apply.

The funding comes from Pennsylvania’s $118 million settlement with Volkswagen Group of America for cheating on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emissions tests.

The grants and rebates are available through the Driving PA Forward initiative. The goal of the initiative is to permanently reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution from vehicles.

“Electric vehicles reduce air pollution that can trigger asthma attacks and other health issues, especially in children and elderly residents. Reducing tailpipe emissions also helps Pennsylvania attain and maintain air quality standards,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “I’m excited to make electric vehicles more feasible for Pennsylvania residents by expanding the network of charging stations available.”

Up to $3 million in grants is available for acquisition, installation, operation, and maintenance of ZEV fast-charging equipment and hydrogen fuel cell equipment through 2019.

Grants are awarded as reimbursements after completed projects, with a maximum amount of $500,000. The amount awarded depends on the charging or fueling capacity of the proposed equipment.

Another $3 million is available in rebates for Level 2 (240-volt) charging stations for 2018. Stations can be located on publicly accessible, government-owned or non-government-owned property or at workplaces or multi-unit dwellings that are not publicly accessible.

Successful applicants will receive a rebate voucher that may be redeemed once project work is complete. Applicants will have 180 days to complete projects.

Mobile source emissions in Pennsylvania account for nearly half of NOx pollution, which can lead to ground-level ozone formation and poor air quality. Children and elderly residents are especially susceptible to health impacts such as asthma from poor air quality.

Applicants will find program guidelines, eligibility requirements, instructions, and links to the online applications at the Driving PA Forward initiative webpage.

Other Clean Vehicle Grants/Rebates

Application periods are open for several other clean vehicle grants or rebates, including--

-- September 30: Duquesne Light, Nissan Electric Vehicle Rebate

-- December 14: DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates (First-Come)

-- December 14: DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants

(Photo: Tesla electric vehicle charging station at the Weis Market on Union Deposit Road in Harrisburg.)

NewsClips:

Grants, Rebates For Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Announced

EPA Details Broad Expansion Of Biofuel Waiver Program

[Posted: Sept. 20, 2018]

9/24/2018