Explore NCCETC’s Resource for Navigating Electric Vehicle Resilience Funding in North Carolina
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This June, the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) is excited to share an updated resource for navigating electric vehicle (EV) resilience funding. This guidebook, Electric Vehicle Resilience Funding in North Carolina: Grants, Rebates & Tax Credits, is designed for commercial and public sector audiences, including businesses, local governments, fleet operators, and other organizations. The resource aids readers in locating federal and state funding opportunities, utility incentive programs, as well as tax credits and financing tools for resilience-related projects. The guidebook also provides clarity and understanding pertaining to eligibility requirements and where to begin with EV resilience planning.
Electric vehicle resilience in North Carolina is an issue of growing importance, especially as severe weather conditions continue to impact electricity supply and EV charging infrastructure. With EVs emerging as a transformative force in the shift toward sustainable transportation, stakeholders and local governments must collaborate to design and implement the reliable EV infrastructure needed to support these vehicles when natural disasters occur. This can include solutions such as backup battery storage, solar-plus-storage systems, and technologies that help maintain access to charging when the electric grid is down. Emerging technologies like vehicle-to-grid (V2G), which allows EVs to send power back to the grid or a building, are also gaining attention as potential tools for improving energy reliability and resilience.
This new resource highlights funding opportunities that can support a wide range of clean transportation and resilience projects. Examples include: EV fleet purchases and replacements, EV charging infrastructure, solar and battery storage systems, as well as workforce development initiatives. Because the status of some funding programs is uncertain or is currently under litigation, the white paper gives information on the most recent round of funding allocated and publicly available information about announced future rounds of funding.
Among the federal programs highlighted in the funding guidebook is the Clean School Bus Program (CSB), which supports the replacement of existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models to provide cleaner air to communities nationwide. The federal and state-level Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) programs also fund eligible diesel emissions reduction projects and vehicle replacements, though the timing of future rounds of funding is uncertain.
In addition to the federal programs, the resource outlines many state funding opportunities allocated through state agencies. The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) is administered by NCDOT using federal funds and provides funding to state and local governments for transportation projects and programs to reduce congestion and improve air quality in areas that do not meet Clean Air Act standards. State CMAQ funds are further allocated to the Clean Fuel Advanced Technology program (CFAT), which is managed by NCCETC and provides annual funding for clean transportation technology projects in eligible North Carolina Counties. Click here to learn when the 2026 CFAT report will be published by subscribing to be notified by email.
A notable underutilized funding tool highlighted in the funding guidebook is North Carolina’s Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (C-PACE) program. C-PACE is available for local governments to join and allows developers and commercial property owners to finance improvements related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and resilience. Projects such as solar panels, battery storage systems, and EV charging infrastructure can undergo long-term private financing through C-PACE, which ties to the property itself instead of the owner. Since the financing is attached to the property deed as a voluntary assessment, it transfers between owners if the property is sold. Ultimately, this helps reduce upfront financial costs and addresses return on investment (ROI) concerns that often hinder clean energy project development.
While no known North Carolina C-PACE projects currently exist for EV charging infrastructure, similar models have been used in other states to support resilience systems and EV projects. For example, in Maryland, the Towson Row Hampton Inn/Home2 Suites development used C-PACE financing through Maryland’s C-PACE program to help bridge funding gaps in its energy-efficient building design. This project exhibits high-efficiency features such as HVAC and climate systems, improved insulation, smart lighting, and other sustainable site elements.
There is potential for similar approaches in North Carolina, allowing developers to combine federal Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credits with C-PACE financing to significantly reduce, or even eliminate, out-of-pocket costs associated with large-scale EV charger installations. The guidebook identifies C-PACE as an emerging opportunity that could help commercial property owners, developers, and local government partners support more resilient EV infrastructure across North Carolina. Access the guidebook here for more information on C-PACE and additional programs highlighted above.
Businesses, local governments, fleet operators, and other organizations often face challenges when navigating EV resilience funding opportunities in North Carolina. These challenges can include identifying eligible programs, understanding application requirements, tracking changing funding availability, securing financing for large-scale projects, and determining how multiple funding sources can be combined. The funding guidebook was created by NCCETC to simplify this process for a broad audience by compiling funding opportunities, application details, eligibility information, and additional program resources all in one place.
As clean transportation and resilience initiatives in North Carolina continue to expand, access to clear and reliable funding guidance is of the utmost importance. By bringing together federal and state funding opportunities, utility incentive programs, as well as tax credits and financing tools, the guidebook simplifies navigating the evolving funding process. The resource also encourages organizations to focus on long-term transportation resilience and energy reliability. As sustainable technologies such as battery storage, solar plus storage systems, and V2G continue to develop, strategic planning and collaboration across sectors are essential to building a resilient clean transportation future in North Carolina and beyond.
As part of NC State University’s College of Engineering, NCCETC works to advance a sustainable energy economy through education, hands-on demonstration, and customized support for clean energy technologies, practices, and policies. NCCETC’s Clean Transportation program aids in propelling the development, awareness, and use of alternative fuels and advanced transportation technologies. Readers interested in learning more about how NCCETC experts can help their organization can visit the energy services webpage and can get in touch with the team by completing the energy services interest form.
Individuals interested in learning more and speaking with experts about funding options for alternative fuels, infrastructure investments, operating expenditures, and capital expenditures are encouraged to attend the Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference. Held this August 25 – 27th in Durham, NC, this affordable, three-day conference features Planning, Policy, and Funding breakout sessions and focuses solely on creating or maintaining a more sustainable fleet. Included is an Expo Hall and multiple networking receptions, as well as the presentation of the National Green Fleet Awards. Early bird and registration discounts are available through July 10, 2026. Learn more and register by visiting the 10th Annual Sustainable Fleet Technology conference website.
Written by: Jenna Bean, Communications Intern