After considering the most appropriate size and type of vehicle for your fleet and commute needs, review the list of EPA-certified SmartWay vehicles, which includes conventional, hybrid and alternative fuel* cars and trucks that emit fewer greenhouse gas and smog-forming tail pipe emissions and can save you money at the gas pump. Use this calculator​ to compare annual ownership costs for EVs and conventional fuel vehicles.

* Alternative fuel vehicles include those that run on methanol, ethanol (and blends of 85% or more of alcohol with gasoline), natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (propane), hydrogen, biodiesel, P-Series fuels and electric.

The infrastructure to support these vehicles continues to expand along with a number of generous incentives for both businesses and individuals:

• Federal Tax Credits  and Maryland Excise Tax Credit for electric vehicles (links to forms)
• Nissan Leaf Rebate for Pepco Customers
• EV Charging Equipment Rebates for businesses, residents, and government properties
• HOV Lane exemption for electric vehicles
• Voucher program for alternative fuel vehicles

Assess your fleet's needs (on/off road, city/highway, hauling/passenger transport, short/long distance, idling time, and other conditions) in order to ensure that the most efficient vehicle is being assigned to a task.

Use telematics analysis to improve fleet utilization.

Train employees on safe and efficient driving speeds and idle reduction (see Maryland law on idling)

Sign up for air quality alerts and limit driving and refueling on Code Red Ozone days. 

Maintain fleet vehicles in good operating condition including proper tire pressure and alignment to ensure maximum efficiency.

Learn more about how the SmartWay program and how it promotes and recognizes freight carrier efficiency.

The Maryland Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Program provides grants to businesses to install natural gas, propane, ethanol, hydrogen and electric refilling/charging stations.

• Map of Alternative Fueling Stations including electric charging stations.

There are three options when it comes to electric vehicle charging: Level I, Level 2 and DC Fast Charge. Charging units can also be networked or non-networked depending on whether you want to offer charging for free or for a fee.  Level I charging, which involves the standard 120 volt AC outlet, is a viable option for businesses and residences that have outlets in a garage or exterior location.

• The Maryland Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Program provides grants for the installation of DC Fast charging stations.
• The EV Charging Equipment Rebates for businesses, residents, and government properties cover all levels of EV recharging equipment.
• The Parking Lot Solar PV Canopy with EV Charger Grant Program helps businesses and other organizations put parking lot space to good use. 

Examples include financial incentives and loans for green vehicles, preferred parking or parking discounts for green vehicles, and EV workplace charging policies that make it easier and more predictable for employees to charge vehicles during work hours.

Examples include providing charging information to guests before they arrive at your facility, providing EV charging/alternative fuel refilling information for your geographic area, hosting or participating in National Drive Electric events and providing general messaging about the value of green vehicles.