Maryland Freedom Fleet Voucher Program

This grant is no longer active, information on this page is for historical reference only.

The Maryland Freedom Fleet Voucher (FFV) Program provides financial assistance for the purchase of new and converted alternative fueled vehicles registered in the state of Maryland. Incentive amounts vary, and are based on gross vehicle weight (GVW).

Applications are NOW (7/13/17) being accepted through May 18, 2018.

Please note, that any expenses incurred by applicants prior to the execution of a voucher agreement with MEA are made at applicant's own risk.

Grant funds are not guaranteed until a voucher agreement is fully executed.

Awards will be issued on a first come first-served basis. Program Information:

Find a list of Program Partners.

For more general program information, contact MEA by email at transportation.mea@maryland.gov to speak with Amanda Hinh, MEA Acting Transportation Program Manager.

How to Receive a Freedom Fleet Voucher

The Primary Point of Contact (PPC) (see definition list below) is responsible for ensuring all voucher documentation is submitted in a timely, accurate, and complete manner.

The following is a simplified diagram of the voucher program process:

Description: This simplified diagram shows the MET Voucher Program process. Call or email Chris Rice for additional details.

Program Guidelines

MEA strongly recommends the use of electronic forms. Electronic forms pre populate some data elements which saves time and eliminates errors. Additionally, certain fields are validated for form and content.

Definitions

Primary Point of Contact (PPC): The PPC is the primary point of contact (PPC) and is responsible for working with the Motor Carrier in completing and submitting application and reimbursement packages to MEA. PPCs include: Dealerships, manufacturers, and TEMs that sell or manufacture alternative fuel vehicles.

Motor Carrier (Fleet): Individual, business, non-profit, or governmental entity based in Maryland or that has an in-state (based) affiliate.

Lease Vehicle: A vehicle obtained from a leasing agency inside or outside the state that leases a qualifying vehicle to an entity based in the state of Maryland or that has an in state based affiliate.

Truck Equipment Manufacturer (TEM): A company that installs equipment on a truck chassis. The TEM bears full responsibility for any vehicle defects under federal law and is responsible for certifying that the vehicle meets all applicable federal safety standards.

Line Setting Ticket: The factory build or construction sheet created when the vehicle order is sent to the vehicle manufacturer. The Line Setting Ticket typically includes the new vehicle’s identification number (VIN), all the codes for standard equipment, and options the salesman used to create this vehicle for the Motor Carrier. After the factory assembles the vehicle and the vehicle is shipped and sold, the Line Setting Ticket identifies such things as the gross vehicle weight rating, engine type, transmission type, drive line, paint codes, gear ratio, and standard and optional equipment specific to that vehicle.

Tax Status of Electric Truck Vouchers: The Maryland Office of the Comptroller has determined that, based on IRS rules, a State voucher is considered taxable income related to the Motor Carrier or Manufacturer (as it relates to leased vehicles). Therefore, a Form 1099-G will be issued for vouchers received through the Maryland Freedom Fleet Voucher Program. They should also be reported as income on federal tax returns.

Eligible and Ineligible Vehicles

Eligible Vehicles

Eligible vehicles include the following:

On-highway dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG), dedicated liquefied natural gas (LNG), propane powered, hybrid electric, hydraulic hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles which will based in Maryland.
Vehicles must be a commercial, non-profit agency or public fleet vehicle.
Light and Medium Duty Vehicles: Maryland is a full CARB (California Air Resources Board) State. However, for vehicles under 14,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW), EPA certified conversion kits may be used on EPA 50 state certified vehicles and vehicles with dual-certification. See that new MDE CARB Policy Guidance Document for additional details and information.
DOE Light Duty Vehicle Search
Heavy Duty Vehicles: Please go to the DOE Heavy Duty Vehicle Search tool
Leased Vehicles (see Voucher Program Lease Instruction Sheet).
Exceptions may be granted on a case by case basis at the sole discretion of MEA. The PPC must provide a written explanation as an attachment to the application justifying the installation.

Ineligible Vehicles

Light duty (up to 8,500 lbs) electric, hybrid electric, and hydraulic electric vehicles.
New alternative fuel vehicles that are purchased prior to program opening.
Used or pre-owned vehicles that begin the retrofit process prior to program opening.
Publicly funded transit agencies.

Processes

Voucher application packages will not be processed and will be returned to the PPC if:
- Any documents are illegible; or
- Application package is incomplete or missing supporting documentation.
Application Period: All applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. on May 4, 2018. Ineligible applications must be corrected and returned to MEA by 4:00 p.m. on May 4, 2018.
All voucher commitment letters must be signed and returned to MEA by 4:00 p.m. on June 15,2018.
All vehicles must be delivered to the Motor Carrier and completed Reimbursement Packages submitted to MEA by May 5, 2019.
Program ends June 1, 2019.
The Freedom Fleet Voucher Program budget is fixed at $1,500,000.
MEA reserves the right to increase or decrease the program budget at its discretion.
Vouchers will equal:
- Voucher amounts are based on gross vehicle weight and are capped at 50% of the vehicle incremental cost.

Incentive Amounts
GVW (lbs)	Natural Gas	Propane	Electric*	Hybrid Electric	Hydraulic Hybrid	Hydrogen
Up to 8,500	$3,000	$3,000	$0	$0	$0	$5,000
8,501 -14,000	$5,000	$5,000	$12,000	$10,000	$20,000	$25,000
14,001 - 26,000	$12,000	$12,000	$20,000	$12,000	$20,000	$30,000
26,001 & greater	$20,000	$20,000	$20,000	$15,000	$20,000	$40,000

*Electric Vehicle Vouchers are not capped at 50% of the vehicle incremental cost and are provided based on the GVW.

Voucher Application Packages must be filled out and signed by the PPC and Motor Carrier.
- The PPC is responsible for sending MEA the following documents:
  - Vehicle purchase order by the 7th day following receipt of Voucher Commitment Letter
  - Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and estimated vehicle delivery date by the 30th day following Voucher Commitment Letter.
  - Voucher Extension Form by the 120th day following Voucher Commitment Letter if vehicle has not been delivered.
  - Missing any of the above deadlines will render Voucher Commitments void.
PPCs agree that the vehicle/retrofit purchase price will be reduced by the voucher amount.
For FY18, the cap per Motor Carrier is $250,000. See Frequently Asked Questions document above for further clarification.
Motor Carriers are required to own/lease and operate vehicles for a period of three years.
Voucher Reimbursement Packages must be filled out completely. All documents must contain the VIN #. Reimbursement Packages must include:
- Voucher Reimbursement Form signed by PPC and Motor Carrier
  - Delivery bill of lading, signed and dated
  - Line setting ticket (or factory build sheet)
  - MVA registration and tag number (temporary are acceptable)
  - Photograph of license plate
  - Final vehicle/retrofit invoice less voucher amount
    - Final invoices must provide line items listing the vehicle base price, voucher discount, and all applicable taxes and fees or
    - For retrofitted vehicles final invoices must provide line items listing equipment, labor cost, voucher discount, and all applicable taxes and fees.
  - Financial documentation identifying the method and date of final payment to the PPC must be provided. This can be a copied check or transaction showing an electronic money transfer. If lease or financial arrangements involve a third party, they must also be identified with the title or lien-holder clearly indicated.
  - If applicable, a lease agreement for a period of at least 3 years.
Vouchers can only be redeemed:
- Upon vehicle delivery
  - Final payment (less voucher amount)
  - The PPC must submit all voucher redemption documentation within 30 calendar days of Start of Service Date or 60 days after vehicle delivery to Motor Carrier location. Start of Service date is once the vehicle is MVA-registered, delivered to the Motor Carrier location, and payment to the dealer is complete. Failure to provide all required documents by this deadline may nullify the voucher.
  - Vehicles must be based in Maryland for a period of 3 years.
  - Motor Carriers are required to submit baseline vehicle mileage and fuel consumption data as well as quarterly vehicle mileage and fuel consumption data reports to MEA for a period of 3 years. Please use the Motor Carrier Quarterly Report template and email to Michael.Jones1@maryland.gov
  - Vouchers will be allocated on a first come, first-served basis.

General Provisions

Awardees agree to use voucher funds only for the purposes and subject to the conditions and agreements stated in the Program Guidelines. MEA has the exclusive authority to determine whether funds will be or were expended in compliance with the purposes, conditions and agreements set forth under the Program Guidelines. Upon determination and notice by MEA that awarded funds will not be or were not expended in accordance with the Program Guidelines, MEA shall have no obligation to deliver any funds to Awardees pursuant to any agreement, and Awardees shall promptly return to MEA any awarded funds that may have already been delivered to Awardees.

Voucher Application Package

We encourage you to fill out the Voucher Application Forms electronically. Some data elements are automatically populated electronically, which will save time and eliminate potential errors. Certain fields are also validated for form and content. For this reason, MEA strongly recommends utilizing these enhancements by filling out the forms electronically.

Note: Any illegible documents will be returned, unprocessed, to the PPC.

Any application package that is incomplete or is missing supporting documentation will be returned to the PPC without being processed.
Freedom Fleet Voucher Program Application
Note: Grant agreements will be mailed to the PPC address given in application. Before submitting an application, please verify that the address provided on the application is the accurate address for the individual with signatory authority for the PPC.
Legal Note: Please use legal entity names for both the PPC and Motor Carrier when completing and submitting applications. PPC’s new to the program will provide a signed W-9 form and use this legal name on applications. Motor Carriers operating in MD should have legal names that can be identified on the State Department of Assessment and Taxation (SDAT) website.

Having Trouble Downloading the Application? Tip: Try right-clicking on the link and save it to your desktop. Some internet browsers may have difficulty opening PDF Forms.

Supplemental Voucher Application Documents

Voucher Reimbursement Package

After MEA sends the Voucher Commitment Letter to the PPC, and the project has been completed, the PPC must submit the Reimbursement Package. As with the Application Package, the Voucher Reimbursement Forms are designed to be filled out electronically. Some data elements are automatically populated, and certain fields are also validated for form and content. MEA strongly recommends utilizing these enhancements by filling out the forms electronically.