Alternative Fuel Stations in Columbia, NC

Tax incentives and/or other rebates, credits, incentives or related initiaves for drivers of alternative fuel vehicles or for other uses of alternative fuel in Columbia, NC.

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Exemption

Qualified electric vehicles, dedicated natural gas vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles may use North Carolina HOV lanes, regardless of the number of occupants. This exemption expires September 30, 2025. (Reference North Carolina General Statutes 20-4.01 and 20-146.2)

Electric Vehicle (EV) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Emissions Inspection Exemption

Qualified light-duty EVs and FCEVs are exempt from state emissions inspection requirements. Other restrictions may apply.

(Reference North Carolina General Statutes 20-4.01 and 20-183.2)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Definition

An EV is defined as a vehicle that:

• Does not have the ability to be propelled by gasoline
• Draws electricity from a battery with a capacity of at least four kilowatt-hours and is capable of being charged from an external source
• Has not been modified from the original equipment manufacturer power train specifications
• Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less
• Has a maximum speed of at least 65 miles per hour, and
• Meets applicable requirements in Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Section 571.

(Reference North Carolina General Statutes 20-4.01)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Annual Fee

The owner of an EV that is exclusively powered by electricity must pay a fee of $180 and the owner of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle must pay a fee of $90 in addition to any other required registration fees at the time of initial registration and annual registration renewal.

(Reference House Bill 259, 2023 and North Carolina General Statutes 20-87)

Alternative Fuels Tax

The state motor fuel tax on liquefied natural gas (LNG) is imposed based on the diesel gallon equivalent (DGE) and the tax on propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) is based on the gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE). For taxation purposes, one GGE of propane and CNG is equal to 5.75 pounds (lbs.) and 5.66 lbs., respectively, and one DGE of LNG is equal to 6.06 lbs. The North Carolina Department of Revenue will determine the equivalent rate for all other non-liquid alternative fuels. Certain exclusions apply. For more information, including current tax rates, see the Motor Fuels Tax Information website.

(Reference North Carolina General Statutes 105-449.130 and 105-449.136)

Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Weight Exemption

A vehicle primarily powered by natural gas may exceed the state’s gross vehicle weight limits by a weight equal to the difference between the average weight of the vehicle with the natural gas tank and fueling system and the average weight of a comparable vehicle with a diesel tank and fueling system. The NGV maximum gross weight may not exceed 82,000 pounds.

(Reference North Carolina General Statutes 20-118)

Electric School Bus and Infrastructure Rebate - Duke Energy

Duke Energy offers public and charter schools a rebate of up to $215,000 for the purchase of electric school buses and associated charging infrastructure. Rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including eligibility requirements, see the Duke Energy Park and Plug website

Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Support

North Carolina utilities joined the National Electric Highway Coalition (NEHC), committing to create a network of direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations connecting major highway systems from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific of the United States. NEHC utility members agree to ensure efficient and effective fast charging deployment plans that enable long distance EV travel, avoiding duplication among coalition utilities, and complement existing corridor DCFC sites. For more information, including a list of participating utilities and states, see the NEHC website.

Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment and Emissions Reductions Goals

North Carolina established the following goals to reduce statewide greenhouse (GHG) emissions:

• GHG emissions must be at least 50% below 2005 levels by 2030;
• Achieve net-zero emissions by 2050;
• Register at least 1,250,000 ZEVs by 2030; and,
• Increase the share of new passenger vehicle sales to 50% ZEVs by 2030.

To meet these goals, the North Carolina Policy Office must conduct a GHG emission analysis by January 8, 2023, that evaluates potential pathways for achieving net-zero GHG emissions across the state by 2050 and interim targets.

(Reference Executive Order 246, 2022)

Residential Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Make-Ready Rebate - Duke Energy

Duke Energy offers residential customers a $1,133 rebate for electrical upgrades to support a Level 2 or direct current fast charging (DCFC) station. For more information, including eligible upgrade costs, see the Duke Energy EV Charger Prep Credit website.