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Electric Vehicles in Virginia

• Factsheet

April 29, 2024

Why electric vehicles and solar?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are quickly becoming a more affordable and lower maintenance option than traditional gasoline- or diesel-fueled cars for Virginians.

EVs and solar in Virginia

As of July 2023, Virginia is home to more than 56,000 registered electric vehicles, representing a 126% increase since 2021. The state offers several incentives to owners of electric vehicles, including an exemption from emissions testing and an exemption from High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) restrictions for qualified vehicles. However, electric vehicles must pay an extra registration fee.

Electric vehicles and charging stations are accessible throughout Virginia, with 1,490 charging station locations. See the full list here, on the U.S. Department of Energy Electric Vehicle Charging Station Location feature. Virginia utility, Dominion Energy, runs an EV Charger Rewards Program that provides incentives for EV owners who install a Level 2 EV Charger and charge their vehicles during off-peak hours. The Alternative Fuel Data Center of the U.S. Department of Energy reports 1,641 charging stations in the state. This number has grown significantly as Virginia continues to see rapid growth in EV owners across the state.

Electric Vehicle Charging Guide

EV chargers are classified into three categories: level 1, level 2, and level 3 (DC Fast charging). The categories are defined by the power and rate at which they charge a vehicle and the electric infrastructure required for installation and operation.

Virginia resources

• Drive Electric RVA – Richmond chapter of the Electric Auto Association website.
• Virginia Clean Cities information on EVs – This site is a wealth of information on EVs in Virginia.
• Virginia laws and incentives for EVs – This page describes the incentives available to Virginia EV owners.