Alternative Fuel

Public hearing on EV charging infrastructure plan set for Oct. 18

Public hearing on EV charging infrastructure plan set for Oct. 18

Public hearing on EV charging infrastructure plan set for Oct. 18

October 11, 2023

ADOT event seeks comments on pricing, user charges

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation is hosting a virtual public hearing Wednesday, Oct. 18, to seek public comments on user charges and pricing as part of a first phase in a planned statewide network of fast charging stations.

The virtual meeting is scheduled on Oct. 18 from 6-8 p.m. and will include a formal presentation from 6-6:30 p.m., a question and answer period from 6:30-7 p.m. and public comments starting at 7 p.m.

The public can visit azdot.gov/EVHearings to register for the meeting and receive a link to attend.

Comments are welcome through Nov. 2 through the following ways:

Provide comments at the virtual public hearing
Online through our comment form: azdot.gov/EVcomments
Email: [email protected]
Call: 602.792.8899
Mail: ADOT EV Plan, 1655 W. Jackson St., MD126F Phoenix, AZ 85007

The evolving EV charging network plan is part of $76.5 million in federal dollars Arizona has been allocated through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, which encourages adoption of electric vehicles by reducing range anxiety and encouraging consumers to consider electric vehicles as viable alternatives to gasoline powered cars.

ADOT will manage the charging station network through a private-public partnership method to build, operate and maintain the stations.

For more information about the EV plan and additional ways to provide input, visit AZDOT.gov/EVPlan.

Explaining Alternative Fuel and Energy Efficient license plates

Explaining Alternative Fuel and Energy Efficient license plates

Explaining Alternative Fuel and Energy Efficient license plates

October 16, 2013

*** UPDATE (5/6/15) *** The availability of energy-efficient license plates for owners of qualified vehicles has ended as the maximum number of plate applications has been reached. Please see our recent blog post for the latest.

*** UPDATE (5/20/2014) *** The program requirements for qualifying vehicles have changed.

Qualifying vehicles will be limited to include only plug-in hybrid electric vehicles according to the certification list established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA is responsible for issuing the rules that establish the certification and labeling requirements for low emission and energy-efficient vehicles.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles may be driven for a longer period of time on solely electric power, reducing both the amount of fuel consumed and tailpipe emissions released compared to normal hybrid vehicles. Reduced vehicle pollution supports the purpose of the “Clean Air – Blue Skies” program by encouraging the use of low-emission vehicles to improve the air quality in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Please see this news release for additional information on qualifying vehicles.

Ever since we blogged about alternative fuel and energy efficient license plates more than a year ago, we have received many questions asking for even more clarification...

And that’s exactly what we aim to deliver to you today with our newest infographic. We’ve taken the most frequently asked questions on this subject and provided all the answers in one convenient spot!

For additional information on alternative fuel and energy efficient license plates (along with all the other plates Arizona has to offer) visit the MVD website for more details.

Alternative Fuel FAQs

Q. Are there differences between the Alternative Fuel and Energy Efficient license plates?

A. Yes. While they look very similar to each other, the two plates (and the types of cars that can display them) are different. Alternative Fuel "blue cloud" plates begin with AF and owners pay a reduced Vehicle License Tax. Energy Efficient plates also sport the "blue cloud" design, but they come with a Hybrid logo and contain the letters "L" and "N".

Q. Who can drive in the HOV lane?

A. Per state law, vehicles carrying two or more people have the ability to use the HOV lanes during posted restricted time periods in morning and evening rush hours. In addition thee are other vehicles authorized to utilize HOV lanes, such as buses, motorcycles, emergency response vehicles and vehicles bearing either an Alternative Fuel license plate or an Energy Efficient license plate. Violating the restrictions for HOV lane usage may result in a driver receiving a traffic citation with a fine starting at $350.

Q. Who is eligible to register for an Alternative Fuel license plate?

A. Alternative Fuel license plates are available for vehicles powered ONLY by alternative fuel. For a vehicle to be eligible for an alternative fuel License plate, it must be powered exclusively by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG, propane) natural gas (CNG/LNG), a blend of 70 percent alternative fuel and 30 percent petroleum based fuel, hydrogen, solar or electric (excluding golf carts). There is NO LIMIT to the number of alternative fuel vehicles that can be issued the Alternative Fuel license plate.

Q. If I convert my vehicle to run on an accepted alternative fuel, will I be eligible for an Alternative Fuel license plate?

A. Yes. You would need that vehicle to be inspected by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to obtain an alternative fuel certificate. After that, you can register your vehicle for an Alternative Fuel plate.

Q.Who can obtain an Energy Efficient license plate?

A. Energy Efficient license plates were made available as part of a federally approved program that launched in 2007. The plates were limited to three eligible vehicles (Toyota, Prius, Honda Civic and Honda Insight). The Energy Efficient Pilot program has a maximum capacity of 10,000 vehicles - that number was reached in 2008. In 2011, approximately 2,500 vehicles had dropped out of the program. ADOT reopened the program and re-issued the 2,500 plates in less than 15 days. The Energy Efficient Pilot Program is currently at capacity. No more energy efficient plates are being issued at this time.

Q. I heard a rumor that more Energy Efficient license plates will soon be released for hybrid vehicles. Is this true?

A. At this time, ADOT has NOT reopened the Energy Efficient Pilot program and there is no set schedule for another reissue.

Q. If more Energy Efficient license plates are ever released, will I be able to get one?

A. You would be eligible for a plate at the next offering if you have a qualified car that is currently registered. At this time the federal government has included three cars in the program: the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid and Honda Insight.

Q. How will I know if more Energy Efficient license plates have been released? Is there a list I can get on so that I can be notified right away?

A. Announcements will be made in the media and we'll certainly let you know about it through our website, blog, Facebook and Twitter. We do not maintain any sort of a waiting list for these plates, but we will make sure the public is made aware if there is a reissue of the Energy Efficient license plates.

Q. Can I transfer my Energy Efficient license plate to someone else?

A. No, you cannot transfer your Energy Efficient license plate to someone else. However, the owner of a vehicle enrolled in the Energy Efficient pilot program can transfer their Energy Efficient plate to another qualifying replacement vehicle that they obtain.

Back To ADOT Blog

HOV lanes restricted during certain times and for certain vehicles

HOV lanes restricted during certain times and for certain vehicles

HOV lanes restricted during certain times and for certain vehicles

June 26, 2013

Some commuters in the Phoenix metropolitan area are able to take advantage of less congested rush-hour travel in the more than 175 miles of HOV lanes within the Valley freeway system. While any vehicle with two or more occupants can be in the lanes, some

PHOENIX — Some commuters in the Phoenix metropolitan area are able to take advantage of less congested rush-hour travel in the more than 175 miles of HOV lanes within the Valley freeway system. While any vehicle with two or more occupants can be in the lanes, some vehicles are allowed to use HOV lanes with just one occupant.

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, these are qualifying alternative fuel vehicles displaying the “Clean Air – Blue Skies” Arizona license plate denoting an alternative fuel registered vehicle, including a limited number of hybrid cars.

ADOT receives numerous inquiries throughout the year from motorists confused about what types of vehicles are allowed to use HOV lanes. Per state law, vehicles carrying two or more persons have the ability to use the lanes during posted restricted time periods in the morning and evening rush hour. In addition, there are other vehicles authorized to utilize HOV lanes, such as buses, motorcycles, emergency response vehicles and specific alternative fuel vehicles bearing Arizona’s special “Clean Air – Blue Skies” license plate.

The Federal Highway Administration funded construction of HOV lanes in the Phoenix metropolitan area. ADOT works in partnership with the federal agency to determine the criteria for usage. HOV lanes are in place to reduce rush-hour traffic congestion, minimize overall fuel consumption and protect air quality through lower vehicle emissions by encouraging commuters to carpool, utilize public transportation and drive fuel-efficient or alternative fuel vehicles.

“The implementation of the HOV lanes located in the Phoenix area is one of many examples where ADOT’s partnership with the Federal Highway Administration and local governments strives to improve the safety, efficiency and quality of Arizona’s transportation system,” said Jennifer Toth, ADOT deputy director for transportation. “In addition to this initiative, ADOT is placing a high regard on the preservation of the state’s environment and air quality.”

Violating the restrictions for HOV lane usage may result in a driver receiving a traffic citation with a fine starting at $350.

The alternative fuel vehicle license plate can be issued to a vehicle that has either been converted or manufactured to use an alternative fuel. The allowed alternative fuel sources are liquefied petroleum gas, propane, natural gas, hydrogen, a blend of 70 percent alternative fuel and 30 percent petroleum-based fuel (certain hybrid vehicles), solar and electric power. The alternative fuel has to be the exclusive source of the vehicle’s power and the vehicle incapable of operating on solely on petroleum-based fuel.

The criteria for the alternative fuel sources are determined by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

In 2007, Arizona implemented a pilot program for hybrid vehicles in support of the federal initiatives for low-emission, fuel-efficient vehicle standards. For this pilot program, qualifying low-emission, fuel-efficient vehicles were issued a special alternative fuel vehicle license plate with a “Hybrid” graphic that permits the operator to drive in any HOV lane, regardless of the number of occupants.

The distribution of alternative fuel vehicle hybrid license plates is limited to 10,000 vehicles in Arizona to test the impact of allowing additional vehicles in HOV lanes. This limited-number provision serves the purpose of preventing saturation of the HOV lane to achieve the primary goal of reducing the number of vehicles on the road and lowering fuel consumption while supporting improved air quality with decreased emissions in the Phoenix metropolitan area. All 10,000 alternative fuel vehicle hybrid license plates have been distributed and no additional hybrid license plates are being issued at this time.

Though there are several types of hybrid vehicles on the road today, the three original vehicles approved in the 2007 program — Toyota Prius, and Honda Civic Hybrid and Honda Insight — are still the only hybrid vehicles that qualify for Arizona’s alternative fuel vehicle hybrid program per federal government guidelines.

In addition to the benefits of access to HOV lanes, owners of vehicles registered as alternative fuel are charged a reduced vehicle license tax depending on the specific type of vehicle.

For more information, please visit the MVD website.

Subscribe to Alternative Fuel