North Carolina
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Grants
Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) is a three-year project focused on reducing transportation related emissions in North Carolina's non-attainment and maintenance counties for National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Projects that are adjacent to areas may also be eligible if emissions will be reduced in the eligible counties. The $2 million project is funded by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, State Energy Office, and the Division of Air Quality, and covers three broad areas: education and outreach; project funding; and recognition of exemplary activities. Funding for up to 80% of project costs is available for AFVs, fueling infrastructure, idle reduction technologies, heavy-duty HEVs, heavy-duty buses, and diesel retrofits.
Point of Contact
Anne Tazewell
Alternative Fuels Program Manager
North Carolina Solar Center, North Carolina State University
Phone (919) 513-7831
Fax (919) 515-6159
anne_tazewell@ncsu.edu
Alternative Fuel and Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Fund
The State Energy Office administers an energy credit banking program which enables the state to generate funds from the sale of Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) credits. The monies generated by the sale of EPAct credits are deposited into the Alternative Fuel Revolving Fund (Fund), which enables state agencies to offset the incremental costs of alternative fuel, related fueling infrastructure, and purchasing AFVs. Funds are distributed to state departments, institutions, and agencies in proportion to the number of EPAct credits generated by each. For the purposes of this program, the definition of alternative fuel includes biodiesel (minimum of 20% biodiesel or B20), ethanol (minimum of 85% ethanol or E85), compressed natural gas, propane, and electricity, and includes hybrid electric vehicles. The Fund also covers additional projects approved by the Energy Policy Council. (Reference North Carolina General Statutes 143-58.4, 143-58.5, 143-341(8)i, and 136-28.13)
School Bus Emission Reduction Grants
A pilot program will be established within the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources to provide grants towards the required 20% state funding match for the federal Safe Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act — A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), specifically for diesel school bus retrofits or repowers that reduce particulate matter emissions. Any repowering or replacement of existing diesel engines in school buses must meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2007 Heavy Duty Highway Diesel Standards. (Reference House Bill 1912, 2007)
Alternative Fuel Use and Fuel Efficient Vehicle Requirements
State-owned vehicle fleets with more than 10 motor vehicles designed for highway use must establish plans to improve the use of alternative fuels and fuel-efficient vehicles. The plans must enable the state-owned fleets to achieve a 20% reduction or displacement of the current petroleum products consumed by January 1, 2010. Reductions may be met by petroleum or oils displaced through the use of biodiesel, ethanol, synthetic oils or lubricants, other alternative fuels, the use of hybrid electric vehicles, other fuel-efficient or low-emission vehicles or additional methods as may be approved by the State Energy Office. (Reference Session Law 2005-276, Section 19.5)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Loans
State and local government credit unions offer green vehicle loans for new AFVs and HEVs. The loans are offered at a 1% interest rate discount as compared to traditional new vehicle loan rates.
