The 50 States of Electric Vehicles: States Tackle Electric Vehicle Loads Through Demand-Side Management in Q1 2026
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Raleigh, NC – (April 30, 2026) The NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) released its Q1 2026 edition of The 50 States of Electric Vehicles. The quarterly series provides insights on state regulatory and legislative discussions and actions on electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
The report finds that 37 states, plus DC, took actions related to electric vehicles and charging infrastructure during Q1 2026 (see figure below), with the greatest number of actions relating to rebate programs, residential managed charging programs, rate design for commercial and public charging, charging infrastructure planning activities, and vehicle registration fees.
A total of 187 electric vehicle actions were taken during Q1 2026, in addition to more than 400 introduced bills that have not yet passed a legislative chamber. The most active states this quarter were Maryland, Virginia, California, Hawaii, and New Jersey, followed New York, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Connecticut.
Q1 2026 State and Utility Action on Electric Vehicles
The report discusses three trends in electric vehicle actions taken in Q1 2026: (1) states legislators increasing registration fees for electric vehicles, (2) decision-makers incorporating electric vehicle charging into demand-side management initiatives, and (3) lawmakers considering niche issues for electric vehicles.
“More states and utilities are considering electric vehicle load under the broader banner of demand response, perceiving it as a new opportunity for electric vehicles to benefit the grid,” noted Rebekah de la Mora, Project Manager at NCCETC. “From managed charging to vehicle-to-grid exports, growing electric vehicle loads can become a critical component of load flexibility and grid management for utilities.”
The report notes five of the top policy developments of the quarter:
- The Maryland Public Service Commission approving utilities’ Phase II electric vehicle programs;
- Virginia lawmakers codifying transportation electrification planning rules;
- New Mexico regulators formalizing a clean fuel standard;
- South Carolina regulators launching a study on transportation electrification; and
- Federal courts striking down the executive order that paused the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program.
“States increasingly view managed charging as an important element within wider virtual power plant and load flexibility programs,” observed Brian Lips, Senior Project Manager at NCCETC. “Policymakers in several states took steps to ensure electric vehicles are able to participate in these programs.”
View the 50 States of Electric Vehicles Q1 2026 Quarterly Report Executive Summary
View and Purchase the 50 States of Electric Vehicles Q1 2026 Quarterly Report
ABOUT THE NC CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CENTER
The NC Clean Energy Technology Center, as part of the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University, advances a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating and providing support for clean energy technologies, practices and policies. It serves as a resource for innovative, sustainable energy technologies through technology demonstration, technical assistance, outreach and training. For more information about the Center, visit: http://www.nccleantech.