Funding and Grants

Active Grant Solicitations

On November 17, 2020, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) released the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Level 2 ZEV Infrastructure Rebate Program under the Volkswagen Diesel Settlement Environmental Mitigation Trust. This RFP for the Level 2 ZEV Charging Infrastructure Program will assist interested parties in applying for funds using a first-come, first-served rebate process to install ZEV Level 2 charging infrastructure, as described in the North Carolina VW Mitigation Plan until all funds are exhausted. The primary goal is to increase use of ZEVs in place of gas-powered cars to mitigate nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and greenhouse gas emissions in the state.   
 
NCDEQ anticipates awarding a total of approximately $1.1 million towards Level 2 charging infrastructure projects in Phase 1. Rebate applications will be prioritized by the urban-suburban/rural split described in the NC VW Mitigation Plan, with about 68% of the funds allocated for urban and suburban counties, and a minimum of 32% allocated for rural counties
Triangle Clean Cities can provide technical assistance to interested applicants with the preparation of application materials, information sharing, and working with vendors. NC’s Clean Cities Coalitions have a successful track record with working with applicants on previous VW applications – reach out to TCC Coordinator Caitlin Rose at crose@tjcog.org to request assistance. 

The U.S. Department of Energy announced up to $60 million in new and innovative advanced vehicle technologies research. This funding supports research that will lead to more affordable, efficient, and secure transportation energy.

This opportunity is funded through the Office of Energy and Efficiency and Renewable Energy and seeks research projects to address priorities in the following areas: batteries and electrification; materials; technology integration and energy-efficient mobility systems; energy-efficient commercial off-road vehicle technologies; and co-optimized advanced engines. 
  • 2/5/21 : Concept Papers Due
  • 4/7/21 : Full Applications Due 
  • Learn More
 

The main purpose of the Low-No Program is to support the transition of the nation’s transit fleet to the lowest polluting and most energy efficient transit vehicles. The Low-No Program provides funding to State and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses, including acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities. 

Inactive but Recurring Grant Solicitations

The main purpose of the Low-No Program is to support the transition of the nation’s transit fleet to the lowest polluting and most energy efficient transit vehicles. The Low-No Program provides funding to State and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses, including acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities.

The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center seeks proposals from both public and private entities for transportation-related projects that reduce emissions in North Carolina’s non-attainment and maintenance counties for National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Eligible projects include:

  • Alternative Fuel & Advanced Technology Vehicles (AFVs) Leases
  • Alternative Fuel & Advanced Technology Vehicle (AFV) Conversions
  • Mobile Idle Reduction Technologies
  • Diesel RetrofitsMaximum per project award: $400,000
  • Minimum per project award: $5,000

The main purpose of the Low-No Program is to support the transition of the nation’s transit fleet to the lowest polluting and most energy efficient transit vehicles. The Low-No Program provides funding to State and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses, including acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities.

The Diesel Emission Reduction Program (DERA)  grant supports projects aimed at reducing emissions from the nation’s existing fleet of older diesel engines. Under this competition, the DERA program is soliciting applications nationwide for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions and exposure, particularly from fleets operating in areas designated by the EPA Administrator as poor air quality areas.

Guaranteed Loans

The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

Available Tax Incentives

A tax credit is available for the purchase of a new qualified PEV that draws propulsion using a traction battery that has at least five kilowatt-hours (kWh) of capacity, uses an external source of energy to recharge the battery, has a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 14,000 pounds, and meets specified emission standards. The minimum credit amount is $2,500, and the credit may be up to $7,500, based on each vehicle’s traction battery capacity and the gross vehicle weight rating. The credit will begin to be phased out for each manufacturer in the second quarter following the calendar quarter in which a minimum of 200,000 qualified PEVs have been sold by that manufacturer for use in the United States. This tax credit applies to vehicles acquired after December 31, 2009. Learn More

Alternative fuels used in a manner that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) deems as nontaxable are exempt from federal fuel taxes. Common nontaxable uses in a motor vehicle are: on a farm for farming purposes; in certain intercity and local buses; in a school bus; for exclusive use by a non-profit educational organization; and for exclusive use by a state, political subdivision of a state, or the District of Columbia. This exemption is not available to tax exempt entities that are not liable for excise taxes on transportation fuel. Learn More

The retail sale, use, storage, and consumption of alternative fuels is exempt from the state retail sales and use tax. Learn More

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