Electric Vehicles

What do electric vehicles have to do with climate change?

Transportation is the largest polluting sector in Maine. In Portland, it accounts for 30% of greenhouse gas emissions, and in South Portland, it accounts for 32% of greenhouse gas emissions. Vehicle electrification is one of the primary actions we can take to decarbonize and reduce emissions from our transportation sector–but why?

Driving an electric vehicle (EV) means using electric power stored in batteries to propel the car, instead of crude oils such as gasoline and diesel. As an EV drives around it emits no tailpipe emissions, whereas a gasoline or diesel-powered vehicle uses an internal combustion engine, which releases a number of toxic gases including carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. These gases contribute to climate change with their heat-trapping properties and directly pollute the air we breathe, causing respiratory illness, and our beloved Maine waterways, impacting our water sources and harming marine species.

Check out our recent Coffee and Climate event on EVs and other helpful resources below!

Considering buying an electric vehicle?

Receive a federal tax credit worth up to $7,500 off a new EV. View this list for eligible vehicles and information on how to claim the credit.

Receive an instant rebate from Efficiency Maine for up to $2,000 off select new models of EVs. View this list for eligible vehicles. For qualified low-income customers, this rebate is higher: for new EVs it is up to $5,500 and for used EVs it is $2,500.

Government entities, tribal governments, and non profits can receive an instant rebate from Efficiency Maine for up to $7,500 off select new models of EVs. Visit this page for more information.

For a limited time, Maine businesses can receive a rebate for business fleet purchases of 2-10 vehicles for up to $4,500 per vehicle. This is only available for the first 50 vehicles on a first-come-first-served basis. Visit this page for more information.

Looking to add EV charging equipment?

Receive a federal tax credit worth 30% of the cost, not to exceed $30,000 for commercial use and $1,000 for qualified residential equipment. Visit this page for more information and eligibility requirements. 

Government entities, tribal governments and select Maine nonprofits can receive a mail-in rebate from Efficiency Maine of $350 per plug, up to 2 plugs. Visit this page for more information and eligibility requirements.

To find lists of charging equipment suppliers, installers and qualified partners in Maine, visit this page

Looking for a charger in Maine?

Find a charger on Plugshare.com.