With the advent of Prius, Volt, Tesla, and other electric vehicles, more and more citizens are beginning to capitalize on the cost savings and environmental advantages plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) bring to the market. Similarly, many States, conscious of the overwhelming public support, have made efforts to promote the market for PEVs usually through incentives, grants, or rebates.1 Aside from these direct efforts, many States have also helped spur the construction of power-charging stations, so much so that more than 16,000 charging stations now exist throughout the United States.2 Presently, Maryland has nearly 600 charging stations and over 1,500 publically available charging outlets.3

Maryland’s most significant effort in promoting electric vehicles can be seen through the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (“EVSE”) Rebate.4 Under the EVSE, residents, governments and businesses can acquire a state rebate for purchasing or installing an electric vehicle charging station.5 Maryland has budgeted $1.2 Million annually to fund the program through the end of 2020.6 Those eligible for the EVSE rebates can expect to receive anywhere from $500 to $5,000, however, the rebates are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and are only available up until the annual budget is depleted.7 Furthermore, purchasers of PEVs are eligible for both Maryland’s excise tax credit, apportioned according to the battery capacity of the PEV, and a Federal income tax credit up to $7,500 for qualified PEVs.8

Aside from the benefits offered directly by the State, Maryland utility providers, such as BGE and Pepco, offer incentives for individuals who install residential charging stations.9 These incentives require the utility providers to install a time-of-use meter at one’s residence.10 Once the time-of-use meters are installed, those utility providers will bill consumers according to the amount of electricity utilized by the charging stations.11 Although, the average cost to charge PEVs depends on the particular power station being utilized and the specific PEV at hand, a typical PEV can reach a full charge within 6-8 hours at a total cost of under $5.12 When compared to the costs required to refuel gas vehicle, the cost-savings benefits inherent with PEVs becomes immediately apparent. Furthermore, owners of PEVs can enjoy unfettered access to HOV lanes throughout Maryland, regardless of the number of vehicle occupants, after applying for a special permit with the Maryland Vehicle Administration upon proof of ownership.

In sum, these policies and programs display Maryland’s support and embrace of the electric vehicle industry. Consequently, Marylanders considering the change to PEVs should feel confident about their investments in light of these State-granted incentives and the increasing number of electric-charging power stations available throughout the State. Nonetheless, as the electric vehicle industry continues to progress and the price of PEVs becomes more affordable, Maryland provides an ideal environment for those willing to capitalize on this environmentally friendly industry.

Christian Zeleny is a 3L at the University of Baltimore and will graduate in May of 2019. Christian is from Anne Arundel County, Maryland and currently resides there. For the past five years, Christian has worked on a part time basis at Blackford & Flohr, LLC, a law firm located in Severna Park, Maryland. When Christian is not at the law firm or the law school, he is most likely spending his time on the soccer field, coaching and training youth soccer players, as an employee for Coerver United.

1 Nat. Con. of State Legislators, State Efforts to Promote Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, Sept. 26, 2017, available athttp://www.ncsl.org/research/energy/state-electric-vehicle-incentives-state-chart.aspx (last visited Dec. 27, 2018).

2 Id.

3 U.S. Dept. of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center: Electric Charging Stations Locations, 2018, available athttps://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_locations.html#/analyze (last visited Dec. 27, 2018).

4 Md. Energy Admin., Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (ESVE) Rebate Program 2.0, available athttps://energy.maryland.gov/transportation/Pages/incentives_evserebate.aspx (last visited Dec. 27, 2018).

5 U.S. Dept. of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center: Electric Charging Stations Locations, 2018, available athttps://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_locations.html#/analyze (last visited Dec. 27, 2018).

6 Id.

7 Nat. Con. of State Legislators, State Efforts to Promote Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, Sept. 26, 2017, available athttp://www.ncsl.org/research/energy/state-electric-vehicle-incentives-state-chart.aspx (last visited Dec. 27, 2018).

8 Id.

9 Id.

10 Balt. Gas and Electirc, Charging & Rates, 2018, available athttps://www.bge.com/SmartEnergy/InnovationTechnology/Pages/ChargingRates.aspx (last visited Dec. 27, 2018).11 Id.

12 Id.

13 Nat. Con. of State Legislators, State Efforts to Promote Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, Sept. 26, 2017, available athttp://www.ncsl.org/research/energy/state-electric-vehicle-incentives-state-chart.aspx (last visited Dec. 27, 2018).