Clean transportation utilizes technology to replace or reduce the direct use of fossil fuels, which generate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Clean transportation includes plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), battery electric (BEV), hydrogen fuel cell, ethanol, biodiesel, natural gas, and propane-powered vehicles.
The adoption of clean transportation vehicles and infrastructure has the potential to address Massachusetts’ energy and pollution challenges. Massachusetts’ thriving innovation sector can also foster the development of cutting-edge clean transportation technologies and the growth of clean transportation companies.
For Massachusetts residents, our Solarize Mass Plus program offers an opportunity for communities to receive funding for programming that promotes the adoption of solar PV and additional clean technologies such as EVs. As part of Solarize Mass Plus, MassCEC has partnered with Green Energy Consumers Alliance to support Drive Green, an educational resource and online platform listing dozens of collaborating Massachusetts dealerships who provide reduced pricing offers on a variety of electric vehicle and hybrid makes and models.
On the commercial side, MassCEC has awarded over $4.2 million to clean transportation projects through a targeted bundle of programs. With this funding, our aim is to animate new markets, accelerate the commercialization of clean technologies, and cultivate the cleantech workforce.
Transportation is a focus area for Massachusetts’ climate goals. In 2016, transportation contributed 43% of greenhouse gas emissions in the Commonwealth. As this sector is entering a stage of major innovation and technology transformation, Massachusetts can encourage the most efficient, clean, and equitable paths forward. MassCEC's Accelerating Clean Transportation Now (ACTNow) program seeks applications that catalyze adoption of clean transportation solutions via business and project finance models, user engagement, technology, or other innovative approaches. ACTNow has $1.4M available for 10-15 awards.
MassCEC has partnered with the nonprofit Green Energy Consumers Alliance to support the expansion of their ‘Drive Green’ platform and associated outreach about electric vehicles (EVs). The Drive Green website offers a way for consumers to cross-compare EV makes and models, evaluate pricing from a variety of area dealerships, and the ability to sign up for a test drive. It also offers resources to learn about EVs, including information about charging, incentives, fuel costs, maintenance, and environmental benefits.
Massachusetts proudly participates in Destination Electric, an education campaign encouraging residents of Northeast states to consider an EV for their next vehicle purchase.
EV rebates and incentives depend on the vehicle you're purchasing and where you live. The following three resources provide comprehensive (and sometimes overlapping) information on rebates, incentives, EV technology, and vehicle options.
To get in touch with MassCEC about the topic of clean transportation email: cleantransportation@masscec.com with the subject, “Clean Transportation Stakeholder.” We look forward to hearing from you.
Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI)
This partnership between Massachusetts and 8 other Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states aims to develop a regional program to address transportation GHG emissions.
ZEV Commission
The ZEV Commission works to support zero emission vehicle adoption in Massachusetts.
Volkswagen Diesel Settlements & Environmental Mitigation
Information about the Commonwealth’s use of funds from its settlement with Volkswagen Group of America can be found here.
Commission on the Future of Transportation
The Commission issued a report in 2018 exploring anticipated changes in technology, climate, land use, and the economy to determine likely impacts on transportation between 2020 and 2040.