---
title: Direct Solutions | North Carolina Incentives
---

[Home](https://www.evdirectsolutions.com/?hsLang=en)

# North Carolina Incentives

Learn about ways to reduce the cost of purchasing and operating an EV within the state of North Carolina.

##### Alternative Fuel Tax Exemption

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](http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/Statutes/Statutes.asp) 105-164.13)

##### High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Exemption

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. This exemption expires September 30, 2025. (Reference [North Carolina General Statutes](http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/Statutes/Statutes.asp) 20-4.01 and 20-146.2)

##### Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Emissions Inspection Exemption

Qualified PEVs and FCEVs are exempt from state emissions inspection requirements. Other restrictions may apply. (Reference [North Carolina General Statutes](http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/Statutes/Statutes.asp) 20-4.01 and 20-183.2)

##### Alternative Fuel and Idle Reduction Grants

The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Air Quality provides grants for the incremental cost of original equipment manufacturer alternative fuel vehicles, vehicle conversions, and implementing idle reduction programs. For more information see the [Diesel Emission Reductions Grants](https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/air-quality/motor-vehicles-air-quality/mobile-source-emissions-reduction-grants) website.

***Point of Contact***  
Jill Vitas  
Environmental Engineer  
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality  
Phone: (919) 707-8424  
[jill.vitas@ncdenr.gov](mailto:jill.vitas@ncdenr.gov)

##### Electric Vehicle (EV) Annual Fee

The owner of an EV that is exclusively powered by electricity must pay a fee of $130 in addition to any other required registration fees at the time of initial registration and annual registration renewal. (Reference [North Carolina General Statutes](http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/Statutes/Statutes.asp) 20-87)

#### Related links

[![home charger](https://www.evdirectsolutions.com/hubfs/home%20charger.svg)

### Buy a Home Charger

](https://www.evdirectsolutions.com/coming-soon?hsLang=en) [![charging station](https://www.evdirectsolutions.com/hubfs/charging%20station.svg)

### Find a Charging Station

](https://www.evdirectsolutions.com/chargingstations?hsLang=en) [![ev](https://www.evdirectsolutions.com/hubfs/ev.svg)

### Why EV

](https://www.evdirectsolutions.com/whyev?hsLang=en)