Alternative Fuels -- State Regulations for Nevada

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 Nevada.

Vehicle Acquisition

State vehicles - high population counties

Fleets containing 50 or more vehicles that are owned, leased, or operated by the state, a state agency, or a political subdivision of the state in a county with a population of 100,000 or more must acquire AFVs or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certified Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs). Covered fleets are required to purchase either AFVs or certified ULEVs for 90% of new vehicles obtained. A fleet may meet the acquisition requirements by converting existing or newly acquired vehicles to operate on alternative fuels. An AFV acquired in compliance with this mandate must operate solely on the alternative fuel except when operating in an area where the appropriate alternative fuel is unavailable. Fleets with buses or heavy-duty vehicles are included. (Reference Nevada Administrative Code 486A.010-486A.250, and Nevada Revised Statutes 486A.010-486A.180)

General

Definition (alternative fuel vehicle)

AFVs include:Vehicles propelled to a significant extent by electricity from a battery that has a capacity of at least four kilowatt hours and can be recharged from an external source, andVehicles propelled solely by compressed natural gas, hydrogen, or propane and that meet or exceed Tier 2, Bin 2 federal exhaust emissions standards.(Reference Assembly Bill 511, 2011, Nevada Revised Statutes 484A, and 40 CFR 86.1811-04)

Definition (biodiesel)

Biodiesel is defined as a fuel composed of mono-alkyl esters of long-chain fatty acids or any other fuel sold or labeled as biodiesel which is suitable for use as a fuel in a motor vehicle. A biodiesel blend is a blend of biodiesel and petroleum-based product suitable for use in a motor vehicle. A special fuel manufacturer is a person who manufactures, blends, produces, refines, prepares, distills, or compounds only special fuel containing biodiesel or biodiesel blends in Nevada for personal use in the state or for sale or delivery in or outside of the state. Special fuel manufacturers must obtain a license from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and report quantities of biodiesel fuel produced or blended in the state as well as contact information for biodiesel purchasers or recipients. Manufacturers must ensure that biodiesel blends produced do not exceed total volumes the DMV has established. (Reference Nevada Revised Statutes 366)

Inspection Exemption (emissions)

AFVs are exempt from the emissions testing requirements of the Nevada Emissions Control Program. A new HEV is exempt from emissions inspection testing for the first six years, after which the vehicle must comply with emissions inspection testing requirements on an annual basis. (Reference Nevada Revised Statutes 445B.770-445B.825)

Tax (alternative fuels)

Special fuels, including biodiesel and biodiesel blends, have a reduced tax rate of $0.27 per gallon. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG or propane) and compressed natural gas (CNG) used to operate a motor vehicle is taxed at a rate of $0.22 and $0.21 per gallon, respectively. For the purpose of taxing the sale or use of propane or CNG, 125 cubic feet of CNG or propane is considered equal to one gallon of special fuel. (Reference Nevada Revised Statutes 366.190, 366.197, and 373.066)