Guide to Electric Vehicles in North Dakota

Want to make the switch and go green in the Peace Garden State? Then you’ve come to the right place. More and more drivers are making the choice and going electric. There are now more than two million EVs (electric vehicles) on the road in the U.S. And in 2021, more than 20% of passenger car purchases were electric. But what does EV ownership look like in North Dakota, where can you charge your car, and are there tax credits for EV owners??

Read on to discover everything you need to know about electric car ownership in North Dakota as we cover registration fees, incentives, and the number of charging stations across the state. Hertz has got you covered.

In this guide:

• How Many EVs Are There in North Dakota?
• Are There Incentives for Electric Cars in North Dakota?
• EV Registration, Licensing and Fees in North Dakota
• North Dakota EV Charging Network
• Get Peaceful

How Many EVs Are There in North Dakota?

At this point, not many. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the number of electric vehicle registrations in North Dakota multiplied between 2020 and 2021. However, the total sum remains under 1,000. Recent federal data on EV adoption rates shows that North Dakota has the fewest number of EV registrations in the nation (400), with Wyoming (500) and South Dakota (700) following closely behind. To put that into perspective, overall, the state only makes up 0.03% of registered EVs in the country.

Are There Incentives for Electric Cars in North Dakota?

Unfortunately, not many. Currently, North Dakota doesn’t offer any tax credits or rebates for purchasing a new or used EV. Additionally, there are no incentives or credits available for home charging installations. However, customers may still be eligible for federal incentives.

So what electric car incentives are available in North Dakota? Citizens who purchase an EV may qualify for a Federal Electric Car Tax credit of up to $7,500. Additionally, residents can check their local electricity utility provider for further incentives.

For more information on the electric car tax credit in North Dakota and how to apply, check out our comprehensive guide. 

EV Registration, Licensing, and Fees in North Dakota

When thinking about buying an EV, it’s important to consider the whole picture when it comes to registration, licensing, and fees. EV ownership usually differs from traditional gas-powered cars. Here’s what you need to be aware of:

Registration and annual fees

Car registration fees in the U.S. vary from state to state, with some states imposing higher fees than others. In North Dakota, you can expect to pay $49 to register a traditional gas-powered car. However, EV owners must pay an additional annual fee of $120 on top of regular registration fees. Plug-in hybrid owners will also need to pay an additional $50.

Vehicle Excise Tax

Excise Tax is one of those fees that you may not expect when you register a vehicle. Essentially, this is a tax levied against manufactured goods. In North Dakota, the vehicle excise tax for motor vehicles is 5%. This is paid to the Motor Vehicles Division of the Department of Transportation upon vehicle registration.

Licensing and insurance considerations

You’ll also need to factor in licensing and insurance considerations. In North Dakota, a driver’s license costs $15. Additionally, you can expect to pay more insurance for an EV than a traditional gas-powered car as they often cost more to repair and replace. 

North Dakota EV Charging Network

As we previously mentioned, currently there isn’t any state-specific support on home charging in North Dakota. However, there are over 60 public charging stations in the region, eight of which are free.

Electric car charging stations in North Dakota cover major cities such as Grand Forks, Bismarck, and Fargo, giving you plenty of options to charge up away from home. Costs can vary, but you can refer to PlugShare for a more detailed breakdown. You can also use ChargeHub to locate the nearest charging points in your area.

Additionally, North Dakota is set to receive $25.9 million from the NEVI Formula program in 2026 which aims to provide a nationwide infrastructure of EV chargers that ensures a convenient, reliable, and affordable charging experience for all. The first phase of the program will see charging stations emerge along the I-94 and I-29, followed by further stations across the state.

Learn more about the cheapest ways to charge your EV.

Get Peaceful

Overall, electric car ownership in North Dakota is behind the rest of the United States. It remains the lowest in the country and there aren’t any state-specific incentives in place to entice drivers to go green. But, with plans to deploy a more connected charging network across the state in the coming years, and more drivers being mindful of the environment, we will more EVs hitting the road shortly.

Want to be ahead of the pack? Go electric with Hertz today in the Peace Garden State.