Tracking Maryland’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Activity

Maryland has a long history of supporting ZEVs which reduce transportation-related air pollution, including greenhouse gas emissions. ZEVs also help reduce our dependence on petroleum, enhancing national security. GHG emissions from the transportation sector in Maryland account for 36% which is above the nationwide average of 27% attributed to vehicles driving through the state. Within that 36%, over half 67% of emissions come from gasoline vehicles, ex. passenger cars and light duty trucks and 19% comes from diesel delivery trucks, semi trucks and buses.

Zero-Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) – a vehicle that does not emit harmful emissions  from the engine. ZEVs include, but are not limited to; pure battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) which are 100% zero emissions, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

The ZEV Task Force was formed in 2013 when Maryland, along with 8 other states signed a memorandum of understanding committing to coordinated action to ensure the successful implementation of their own state transportation initiatives. The task force now has 10 member states who are committed to having at least 3.3 million ZEVs operating on their roadways by 2025. 

Maryland Zero Emission Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council
Created by Maryland State legislature in 2011, the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council (EVIC) and expanded in 2019 to include all ZEVs, including fuel cell electric vehicles. The council’s name was changed to Maryland Zero Emission Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Council (ZEEVIC) and creates policies, recommendations, and incentives that increase awareness and ownership of ZEVs in the private and public sector. To learn more about ZEEVIC’s goals, members (which includes MEA) and outreach, click here.

Light duty ZEV – In 2007, Maryland adopted California’s Clean Cars Program, which sets more stringent vehicle emissions standards than that imposed at the federal level. More information can be found here. . The Clean Cars Program includes a light-duty ZEV mandate (“the ZEV Program”), which requires vehicle manufacturers to sell an increasing number of ZEVs. In 2013, Maryland along with 8 other states signed a memorandum of understanding committing to coordinated action to ensure the successful implementation of the ZEV program, and the ZEV Task force was created. The task force now has 10 member states who are committed to collectively having at least 3.3 million ZEVs operating on their roadways by 2025.

As part of this overarching/collective ZEV program/task force goal, Maryland established goals to have 60,000 ZEVs on the road by 2020 and 300,000 ZEVs on the road by 2025. Maryland currently has just over 26,000 ZEVs (all EVs) registered. More information can be found here

Heavy & medium duty ZEV – Maryland is one of the 15 states and the District of Columbia that is committing to work in concert to advance and accelerate the market for electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, including large pickup trucks and vans, delivery trucks, box trucks, school and transit buses, and long-haul delivery trucks (big-rigs). The goal is to ensure that 100% of all new medium and heavy-duty vehicle sales be zero emission vehicles by 2050 with an interim target of 30% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2030. More information can be found in the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management press release, see below:
Multistate-Truck-ZEV-MOU-Media-Release-20200714 (1)

Maryland utility EV charging pilot
In early 2019, the Maryland Public Service Commission approved a five-year EV charging infrastructure pilot program in service territories of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, Delmarva Power and Light Company, Potomac Edison and Potomac Electric Power Company. The program will cover more than 5,000 Level 2 and DC fast charging stations. This pilot aims to help Maryland utilities review the benefits of EV charger expansion and still contain costs. These rebate incentives will supplement other state and local programs like MEA’s EVSE Rebate Program, MEA’s Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Program (offered from FY16-FY20), and MEA’s new FY21 Clean Fuels Incentive Program. Additionally, MEA offers a Maryland Smart Energy Community grant that encourages its participants to strengthen their sustainability goals, reduce energy consumption, improve air quality and reduce their petroleum use. 

Maryland and MEA remain committed to improving air quality by supporting the adoption of cleaner vehicles, charging stations. Visit our transportation page online to learn about our programs, work in Maryland Clean Cities Coalition, deployment of more EV chargers and transportation energy efficiency.