Alternative Fuels -- State Regulations for North Carolina

This page contains selected data from the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) at the U. S. Department of Energy. Additional details and the latest updates may be found at the AFDC summary page for North Carolina.

Vehicle Acquisition

State agency vehicles

At least 75% of new or replacement state government light-duty cars and trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less must be AFVs or low emission vehicles. (Reference North Carolina General Statutes 143-215.107C)

State agency vehicles (biodiesel warranty)

All new state government diesel vehicles must have a manufacturer's warranty that allows the use of biodiesel blends of 20% (B20) in the vehicle. This requirement does not apply if the North Carolina Department of Administration determines that there is no vehicle available that is suited for the intended use and that has a manufacturer's warranty allowing the use of B20. (Reference North Carolina General Statutes 20-351.11, 136-28.15, and 143-341(8)(i))

Fuel Use

School buses

Every school bus that is capable of operating on diesel fuel must be capable of operating using blends of at least 20% biodiesel (B20). At least 2% of the total volume of fuel purchased annually by local school districts statewide for use in diesel school buses must be a minimum of B20, to the extent that biodiesel blends are available and compatible with the technology of the vehicles and the equipment used. (Reference North Carolina General Statutes 115C-240(c) and 115C-249(a))

General

Inspection Exemption (emissions)

Qualified plug-in electric vehicles are exempt from state emissions inspection requirements. Other restrictions may apply. (Reference House Bill 222, 2011, and North Carolina General Statutes 20-4.01 and 20-183.2)

Tax Exemption (alternative fuels)

The retail sale, use, storage, and consumption of alternative fuels is exempt from the state retail sales and use tax. (Reference North Carolina General Statutes 105-164.13(11))

Traffic Exemption (HOV lane)

Qualified plug-in electric vehicles, dedicated natural gas vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles may use North Carolina HOV lanes, regardless of the number of occupants. (Reference House Bill 222, 2011, Senate Bill 194, 2011, and North Carolina General Statutes 20-4.01 and 20-146.2)