Electric vehicles (EVs) have faced a series of legislative roadblocks at the federal level this year. Notably, the recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill rolls back several incentives to purchase and manufacture EVs, and it’s likely that these measures could significantly hinder EV uptake in the U.S.
But how are states moving on EVs?
In light of these federal headwinds, state governments are in a pivotal position to shape a supportive policy environment. So far in 2025, state legislators have been picking up the momentum to advance EVs. Pulled from our State Policy Dashboard, below is a summary of some of the EV policy developments we have seen at the state level this year.
Incentives for Charging Deployment and Reliability
This year, states have introduced several measures to accelerate charging deployment – both for consumers and providers.
For example, New York State’s Assembly Bill 1012 aims to fill gaps in the state’s fast-charging network. Among several provisions, the bill requires the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to develop a comprehensive EV fast charging station implementation plan and create a “Fast Charge NY working group.” Lawmakers in the state are also thinking about incentives for EV charging providers as indicated by Assembly Bill 1798, which seeks to establish a task force to recommend a tax credit for commercial property owners who are looking to install EV chargers.
Across the border in New Jersey, legislators are making efforts to reserve charging stalls for EVs only. Assembly Bill 3035 would impose fines on non-EVs parked in designated charging spots.
Massachusetts’s Senate Bill 2316, if enacted, would require the Department of Public Utilities to create a “Resilient EV Charging System Pilot Program,” funding an EV microgrid designed to provide charging service during extended power outages.
EV Battery Fire Response
While preliminary data suggest that EVs are less likely to catch fire than their gas counterparts, state lawmakers are beginning to require emergency response and mitigation plans for those situations where battery fires do occur.
First, Washington State’s Senate Bill 5624 requires the Washington state patrol, in consultation with the Fire Marshal, to “develop best practices for multidiscipline responses and training for response to electric vehicle fires,” including the response from law enforcement and fire responders and guidance for transporting and storing EVs involved in a fire.
Similarly, New York State’s Assembly Bill 247 requires the state fire administrator to make available and provide a specialized EV emergency response training program for fire companies, emergency medical providers, tow operators, and others responsible for providing emergency response.
Lastly, California’s Assembly Bill 855 would require the Office of Emergency Services to “to develop and post on its internet website an action plan for responding to electric commercial motor vehicle battery fires that covers specified topics, including best practices for reducing wildfire risk and mitigating the risk of battery reignition.”
Electric Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle (MDHV) Incentives
With electric MDHV sales on the rise, state lawmakers are introducing new legislation to support and accelerate their adoption.
First, Pennsylvania’s House Bill 1539 would establish an Electric School Bus Grant Fund, covering buses, chargers, workforce training, and depot upgrades, with a focus on high-pollution districts.
Massachusetts’ House Bill 3535 would require all new MDHVS purchased or leased by the Commonwealth to be zero-emission starting July 1st, 2025, although, as of July 28th, the bill has yet to move out of committee. It also sets a target for the entire state MDHV fleet to transition to zero-emission vehicles by June 30, 2035.
Tax Exemptions for EVs and Chargers
A number of states have proposed tax exemptions this year to lower the cost of EV adoption and charging infrastructure, including:
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Wisconsin’s Assembly Bill 106 exempts residential EV chargers from the state’s EV charging tax of 3 cents per kWh.
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Massachusetts’ Senate Bill 1296 exempts residential EV chargers from the state sales tax.
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California’s Senate Bill 752 extends the sales tax exemption for electric transit buses until 2028.
For a deep dive on state EV policy this year, visit our State Policy Dashboard.
