Guide to Electric Vehicles in New Hampshire

You’re sure to experience an unforgettable driving adventure winding through the scenic landscapes of New Hampshire in your EV.

In this historic state, each turn reveals more and more breathtaking natural beauty. Known as the Granite State, New Hampshire offers an enchanting mix of mountains, waterfalls, and charming small towns that make your trip one to remember.

But before you set off, brush up on the rules of the road and the regulations around driving an electric vehicle in New Hampshire.

This article lays it all out for you.

Jump to a section:

• How Many EVs Are There in New Hampshire?
• Are There Incentives for Electric Cars in New Hampshire?
• EV registration, licensing, and fees in New Hampshire
• New Hampshire EV charging network

How Many EVs Are There in New Hampshire?

As of 2021, there are around 4,000 EVs registered in New Hampshire, making up about 2% of the state’s vehicles, and 0.16% of that of the USA as a whole. This figure has increased by almost 50% year over year, significantly outgrowing the 2,690 EVs registered in 2020.

As of mid-2023, New Hampshire is the only state in the north-east yet to adopt the Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) program. As a result, there are fewer EVs in New Hampshire than in the surrounding states because automakers are less incentivised to sell EVs and EV manufacturers are more likely to sell their models to participating states.

However, there are tentative plans in place to deploy more infrastructure in the state that will encourage EVs, so we can expect to see more electric vehicles in the near future.

Are There Incentives for Electric Cars in New Hampshire?

Yes, despite being one of the slower East Coast states to adopt EVs as the future of driving, there are some incentives that owners of electric vehicles can benefit from.

New Hampshire Electric Co-op (NHEC) offers a rebate of $1,000 for customers who purchased or leased a new or used electric vehicle, and $600 for those who purchased or leased a new or pre-owned plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in 2022.

NHEC also offers up to two rebates of $300 to residential customers that want to install Level 2 EV charging stations. Otherwise, the main benefits of driving an EV in New Hampshire are the same as elsewhere: a smoother, quieter drive that’s better for the environment and mitigates the need to waste time and money at gas stations.

EV Registration, Licensing, and Fees in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, all vehicles must be registered at a Town Clerk’s office. The cost to register the car is based on its weight, and as of 2023 no discounts or incentives are available to owners of EVs.

New Hampshire does not require all drivers to have auto insurance and there are no benefits to rebates. However, drivers must cover the costs of any damage, injury, or other accidents they are responsible for so insurance is still advised.

New Hampshire EV Charging Network

New Hampshire only has 400 charging points in the state, which is half as many as you’ll find in neighboring Maine and Vermont. However, the local government has been granted up to $17 million to install more EV charging points across the state over the next five years.

As of 2022, the plan called for charging stations to be placed every 50 miles along New Hampshire’s main highways.

How much it costs to charge your EV in New Hampshire depends on your charge time. The estimated cost for a full charge is between $14-22. As state incentivizes drivers using the grid during evenings and early mornings, it is cheaper to charge your EV between 8pm and 6am in New Hampshire, while 6am to 3pm is the most expensive time slot.

NHEC offers an incentive for customers looking to install chargers at home. But otherwise, New Hampshire does not offer any benefits or discounts for charging your EV in the state.

Hit the road

New Hampshire is one of the most beautiful states in the USA. Marvel at the Sculpted Rocks Natural Area or plan a trip to the stunning Franconia Notch State Park. Once you’re winding through those stunning New England highways, you’ll feel your troubles fading in the rearview mirror. See the best of the Granite State with an EV from Hertz.