Frequently Asked Questions

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are vehicles that rely solely on electric energy stored in a rechargeable battery. BEVs produce zero tailpipe emissions. See details on different kinds of EVs. 

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) combine a gas engine with a small, rechargeable battery. This battery can be charged from an outside electric source and recaptures energy through regenerative braking. PHEVs can briefly run solely on battery power, reducing fuel consumption while still using gas. See details on different kinds of EVs. 

PHEVs are powered by an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery. PHEVs can operate in all-electric (or charge-depleting) mode.  

PHEVs require a larger battery than older hybrids. These batteries are charged at electric power sources. Like older hybrids, PHEVs use regenerative braking to capture energy.  

Most PHEVs can travel between 20 and 40 miles on electricity alone. After running out of electric power, they can operate solely on gasoline.  

On the other hand, hybrid electric vehicles, HEVs, are powered by an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors that uses energy stored in a battery. HEV batteries are charged through regenerative braking, not by external power sources. See details on different kinds of EVs. 

Yes. According to a June 2023 Consumer Reports factsheet, driving an EV can save you between $6,000 to $12,000 over the vehicle’s lifetime compared to a gas-powered vehicle. The average EV driver will spend 60% less to power their vehicle and spend half as much to repair and maintain their EV than owners of gas-powered vehicles.

Yes, the average EV driver will spend 60% less to power their vehicle.  Marylanders charging their EVs at home are paying approximately 15 cents per kWh. With home charging at this price, you could travel 100 miles in an EV for $5.21.

Visit our Incentives page and our Utility Assistance page to learn more about EV savings.

Check out our Utility Assistance page to learn more about EV programs offered by each utility in Maryland. You may qualify for an incentive or rebate.

Maryland offers a one-time credit for the purchase of a zero-emission plug-in electric or fuel cell electric vehicle, subject to available funding.

If an individual has already received a credit in the past iteration of this program, they are no longer eligible. The credit may not exceed $3,000. The full criteria for a qualifying zero-emission plug-in electric or fuel cell electric vehicles are as follows:

• The vehicle must be made by a manufacturer primarily for use on public streets, roads, and highways.
• The vehicle cannot be modified from the manufacturer’s specifications.
• The vehicle must be a new vehicle and purchased and titled for the first time on or after July 1, 2023, but before July 1, 2027.
• The qualifying vehicle must be registered in Maryland.
• The vehicle must be acquired for use or lease by the taxpayer, and not for resale.
• The vehicle has a battery capacity of at least 5 kilowatt-hours, or if a motorcycle or auto cycle, has a battery capacity of at least 4.0 kilowatt-hours (applies only to plug-in electric).
• The vehicle has a base purchase price not exceeding $50,000.
• The credit is limited to one vehicle per individual and ten (10) vehicles per business entity.

Comprehensive details about the program are available on the Motor Vehicle Administration’s website.

The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) processes program applications, but the credit is prepared by the State Comptroller’s Office in Annapolis.

Upon approval, you should receive the credit within 8-10 weeks, but you may contact MVA via ContactMVA  if you do not receive the credit. Comprehensive details about the program are available on the Motor Vehicle Administration’s website.

No. The vehicle must be a new vehicle and purchased/leased and titled for the first time on or after July 1, 2023, but before July 1, 2027.

The vehicle must be acquired for use or lease by the taxpayer, and not for resale. Comprehensive details about the program are available on the Motor Vehicle Administration’s website.

No. Maryland does not currently offer a tax credit for the purchase of used EVs. However, the Federal Government provides an incentive for used EVs. Comprehensive details about the Maryland ZEV excise tax credit are available on the Motor Vehicle Administration’s website.

Federal legislation gives EV buyers—including all-electric, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell electric vehicles— a credit on their annual tax return if they meet certain requirements.

The availability of the credit depends on several factors. This includes:

• Vehicle MSRP
• Final assembly location
• Battery component and/or critical mineral sourcing
• Applicant’s modified adjusted gross income (AGI)

Requirements for the tax credit also vary depending on when the vehicle was purchased and whether or not the vehicle is pre-owned.

New tax credit options arrived in January 2024. They allow EV buyers to take the tax credit as a rebate at time of purchase.

For full details on requirements, please visit Plug In America. Visit Energy.gov for comprehensive information on new and used clean vehicle federal tax credits.

Yes, it is possible to receive both a state and federal tax credit on the purchase of one vehicle.

Check the latest tax laws and regulations at both the federal and state level to determine eligibility and specific requirements.

Beginning January 1, 2023, the Clean Vehicle Credit from the Federal Government provides a tax credit of up to $4,000 for the purchase of a pre-owned EV or FCEV.

Eligible vehicles must be of a model year at least two years prior to the year of purchase and may not have a purchase price above $25,000. For detailed eligibility requirements, visit the IRS Clean Vehicle and Tax Credits page.

The federal government offers a tax credit for EV charger hardware and EV charger installation costs. This credit covers 30% of the costs with a maximum $1,000 credit for residents and $30,000 federal tax credit for businesses. Visit the US Department of Energy website for the details.

Permitted EVs may operate in any Maryland HOV lanes regardless of the number of occupants.

To operate in HOV lanes, EV owners must obtain a $5 permit from the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). Permits are valid through September 30, 2025.

For more information, see the MVA HOV Permit Issuance for EVs website.

Electric vehicles typically require less maintenance than conventional vehicles:

• The battery, motor, and associated electronics require little to no regular maintenance.
• There are fewer fluids, such as engine oil, that require regular maintenance.
• Brake wear is significantly reduced due to regenerative braking.
• There are far fewer moving parts relative to a conventional fuel engine.

No. According to AAA, if maintained according to automakers’ recommendations, electric vehicle maintenance costs are on average $300 less annually than a gas-powered car.

No gas-powered engine means no oil changes or air filter replacements are needed.

Data show that repair and maintenance costs are slightly higher for PHEVs than for BEVs until the 100,000-mile mark. Then costs are slightly less beyond 100,000 miles.  

A Consumer Reports analysis compares lifetime repair and maintenance costs for vehicles of the three different powertrain types: PHEV, BEV, and internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrains. Results show that both BEVs and PHEVs will cost consumers about $4,600 less to repair and maintain over their lifetimes compared with ICE models. 

There are three levels of charging for EVs:

• Level 1 chargers use the car’s charge cord to plug into a common 120v outlet, available virtually everywhere. An electric car can maintain more than 40 miles a day if charged using level 1 overnight. Assuming a 60kWh battery, a level 1 charger typically takes 40-50 hours to fully charge. Each hour adds approximately 2-5 miles of driving range.
• Level 2 chargers require additional equipment that can be installed by an electrician. Alternately, they can utilize an existing 240V outlet, just like a clothes dryer. Level 2 charging is often used for home charging, such as in an EV driver’s garage. Level 2 charging is also available at public charging stations for a fee based upon kWh used. Assuming a 60 kWh battery, a level 2 charger typically takes 4-10 hours to fully charge. Each hour adds approximately 10-20 miles of driving range.
• DC Fast Chargers are typically available at commercial sites and along highways. Depending on battery size, DC Fast chargers can charge some EVs up to 80% in as little as 20-60 minutes. Each hour adds approximately 180-240 miles of driving range.

Learn more at our EV Charging page.

Level 2 charging equipment and installation costs 

The price to install an electrical circuit (an electrical system designed to power an EV charger) for an L2 charging station is between $400 to $1,700 for a single-port station (charges one electric vehicle at a time). The cost is $800 to $3,400 for a dual-port station (charges two electric vehicles at a time with one circuit).

An L2 charger falls between $500 to $700 for a single-port station and approximately $3,500 for a dual-port station. This does not include installation.

Single-port charger 
Unit price: $500-$700
Installation price: $400-$1,700

Dual-port charger 
Unit price: $3,200-$4,800
Installation price: $800-$3,400

Cost of electrician 
Installing a Level 2 charging unit requires assistance from a certified electrician for safe installation. This includes an assessment of your home’s electrical situation to determine amperage, the circuit (made up of a dedicated breaker, wiring, and an outlet or charging station), your charger, and the electrical panel’s location in your home.

The price of installing new circuits into your home will depend on factors including the state of your breaker box/electrical panel. This can cost anywhere from about $850 to $4,000 to upgrade, depending on how many amps you need.

Other factors include the availability of circuits at a high enough amperage, which can cost about $600 to $1,200 to install, and the distance between the electrical panel and the charging station. In addition, some hidden costs of installing at-home EV chargers might include upgrading your home’s electrical system for a Level 2 charger. Many homes, even new ones, could need electrical work for Level 2 chargers. Those hookups require uncommon 240-volt circuits.

Cost of permit
The cost of a permit to install a residential EV charging unit varies by location in Maryland. For accurate permit costs, check with your City or County permitting office and your certified electrical contractor. Common costs associated with each part of a permit request are:

• Application: $40-$60
• Electrical permit: $100-$200
• Additional handling charges: $20-$40

To find a certified electrician in your area, use the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program’s (EVITP) “Find a Contractor” tool. This website provides a list of contractors who employ EVITP-trained and certified electricians.

Charging your EV from empty can take as little as 20 minutes or upwards of 40 hours, depending on everything from the size of your particular car’s battery to where you decide to charge. There are three levels of charging for EVs:

• Level 1 charging adds approximately 5 miles of range per hour of charging
• Level 2 charging adds approximately 25 miles of range per hour of charging
• DC fast charging can add 100-200+ miles of range in as little as 30 minutes

Other factors that affect charging speed include:

• Current battery level (this is the SOC, or state of charge)
• Battery temperature
• Activated car features (heat, AC, lights, etc.)
• Battery deterioration
• Vehicle current and voltage limits

While it is perfectly safe to charge your EV to 100%, the charging will slow down considerably after reaching an 80% SOC.

Here’s how:

• Check your car’s battery level before leaving.
• Determine how far you need to drive to reach your destination.
• Use an EV trip planner app to find charging stations along the way.
• Check station availability and plan your route accordingly.

Learn more about charging on our EV Charging page.

The PlugShare app and website provide an interactive map with information on the location and details of charging stations.  

Or try MarylandEV’s Alternate Fueling Station Locator to find the public charging station near you. With more than 1,500 public EV charging stations in Maryland, it’s easy and convenient to incorporate charging your EV into your daily routine.

The distance an EV can travel on a single battery charge is known as its “all-electric range.” Most all-electric vehicles can travel between 150 and 350 miles on a fully charged battery. PHEVs typically travel 15–60 miles on battery power alone and then switch to gas.

Several factors affect actual range, including weather conditions, driving conditions, driving habits, battery size, and use of climate controls.

The AFDC offers various guides and resources covering everything from charging setup and parking policies to electrical needs and fee structures.

Additionally, visit our website’s HOA and multi-unit dwelling resources page which provides case studies on how HOAs and multi-unit dwellings have obtained and installed EV charging equipment.

In 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, enacted as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), established the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program. Maryland’s NEVI Plan outlines the State’s commitment to a national EV charging network along Maryland highways and in Maryland communities. Maryland’s focus is first on strategically installing DC Fast Chargers at 50-mile intervals along Maryland’s 23 EV Alternative Fuel Corridors, each within one mile from highway access points. Each of these charging stations will allow at least four vehicles to charge simultaneously. After Maryland’s 23 EV Alternative Fuel Corridors are populated with DC Fast Chargers, Maryland will invest in Level 2 chargers in communities throughout the state.

To learn more about Maryland’s NEVI Program and Plan, see the MDOT Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Plan website.

Regenerative braking is a technology used in electric and hybrid vehicles.

It converts the kinetic energy produced during braking into electrical energy and stores it in the vehicle’s battery for future use.

Essentially, the energy that would otherwise be lost as heat during braking is harnessed and fed back into the battery.

Regenerative braking helps extend EV range by recharging the battery in between stops to recharge or refuel.

BEVs are fueled solely by electricity and produce no tailpipe emissions, so they are considered zero emission vehicles (ZEVs).

The total greenhouse gas emissions related to powering EVs is dependent on the composition of the electrical grid. Maryland is committed to overall decarbonization of the grid.

Learn more about how Maryland’s electrical grid affects the emissions of EVs.

Electric vehicles are generally quieter than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, but they do produce some noise. This noise is produced by the electric motor and the tires moving along the pavement. Because electric vehicles do not have a traditional engine and exhaust system, they are much quieter than ICE vehicles overall.