Zero Emission Vehicle

In December of 2022, Vermont adopted the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule, which incorporates California motor vehicle emissions standards. The rule is intended to accelerate the transition to zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles by requiring manufacturers to gradually increase deliveries of new zero-emission vehicles for sale in Vermont. The ACT rule helps protect public health and air quality and will give Vermonters increased choice to integrate electric vehicle and hybrid technologies into their fleets.

Vermont’s Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) program, authorized under section 177 of the Clean Air Act, has been a centerpiece of Vermont’s air quality efforts since 1996.  The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) program, which is a technology-forcing component of the LEV program, has been a major contributor to the successful commercialization of battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, hybrid-electric vehicles and ultra-low-emission technologies. To date, 16 states have adopted the ZEV Program (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nev

Motor vehicles, while an essential mode of transportation in a rural state like Vermont, are a major source of air pollutants that are associated with a variety of environmental and human health threats, including, but not limited to climate change, ground level ozone, air toxics, acid precipitation, and regional haze.