MOR-EV (Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles) Trucks Guide

At a Glance

Learn about MOR-EV, or “Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles” in this article. Massachusetts currently provides substantial financial incentives to encourage the adoption of zero-emission commercial vehicles. Through the MOR-EV Trucks program, fleet operators and small businesses can enhance their sustainability efforts, realize economic advantages, and help improve air quality across the state.

October 1, 2024

What is MOR-EV?

MOR-EV is a state-run initiative aimed at making electric vehicles (EVs) more affordable and accessible to everyone - from residents to businesses, non-profit organizations, and other entities within Massachusetts. The program's primary goal is to support the adoption of EVs to help the state meet its clean transportation goals, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide more equitable access to EV technology.

The program is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and administered by the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE). Through MOR-EV, eligible entities can receive rebates for the purchase or lease of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). These rebates are designed to offset the higher upfront costs associated with EVs, making them a more attractive option for consumers and businesses alike.

For fleet owners and commercial vehicle operators specifically, the MOR-EV Trucks program offers substantial financial incentives to transition to electric vehicles, particularly for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, which are a significant focus of the program. By participating in MOR-EV Trucks, businesses can reduce their operational costs, contribute to environmental sustainability, and take advantage of state-supported funding to modernize their fleets.

Eligibility Criteria for MOR-EV Trucks Funding

The MOR-EV Trucks program offers substantial rebates for the purchase or lease of new medium-duty electric vehicles, specifically targeting those with a total MSRP not exceeding $2,000,000 and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 10,000 lbs. These vehicles, typically used in commercial applications, are crucial for reducing emissions in the transportation sector.  

Understanding the eligibility criteria is essential for fleet owners looking to take advantage of these financial incentives. Consider the following:

  1. To qualify for the MOR-EV Trucks rebate, vehicles must meet the following criteria:
    • New Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) or Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV): The vehicle must be powered entirely by electricity or hydrogen fuel cells and designed for on-road use.
    • GVWR of 10,000+ Pounds: The vehicle must fall within class 3-8, which mainly includes medium-duty trucks such as delivery trucks, box trucks, and similar commercial vehicles.
    • Sales Price: The vehicle must have a sales price (total MSRP) below $2,000,000.
  2. The MOR-EV Trucks program is open to a wide range of applicants, including:
    • Massachusetts Residents: Individual residents of Massachusetts who purchase or lease an eligible vehicle.
    • Private Businesses: Companies licensed to do business in Massachusetts.
    • Non-Profit Organizations: Non-profits operating within the state.
    • Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities located in Massachusetts.
    • Government Entities: Local, Tribal, Municipal, and State governments and departments.
  3. To receive the rebate, both the vehicle and the applicant must meet several additional conditions:
    • Ownership and Registration: The vehicle must be registered in Massachusetts and remain in the applicant's possession for at least 48 consecutive months. This requirement ensures that the vehicle remains operational within the state, contributing to local emissions reductions.
    • No Emission System Modifications: Applicants must not alter or modify the vehicle's emissions control systems, hardware, or software. This ensures that the vehicle maintains its zero-emission status.
    • Exclusivity of Funding: The MOR-EV Trucks rebate cannot be combined with other Massachusetts state-funded incentives for the same vehicle. The total incentive funding for any vehicle cannot exceed 100% of its purchase price.
    • Data Reporting: Recipients of the rebate must agree to report vehicle miles traveled and possibly other operational data to the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) during the first year of vehicle operation.

How Much can You Save with MOR-EV Trucks?

The base post-purchase rebate amounts are determined by the vehicle's weight class. For medium-duty trucks, which fall within the GVWR range of 10,001 to 33,001+ pounds, the following rebates are available:

  • Class 3 (10,001-14,000 lbs): $15,000
  • Class 4 (14,001-16,000 lbs): $30,000
  • Class 5 (16,001-19,500 lbs): $45,000
  • Class 6 (19,501-26,000 lbs): $60,000
  • Class 7 (26,001-33,000 lbs): $75,000
  • Class 8 (33,001+ lbs): $90,000

The MOR-EV Trucks program uses a tiered "rebate block" system to manage the distribution of funds for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Each block has 200 vouchers available, which are claimed on a first-come, first-served basis. The rebates for class 5 vehicles start at $45,000 in Block 1 and decrease by 15% with each subsequent block once all 200 rebates are claimed, dropping to $38,250 in Block 2 and $32,513 in Block 3. The rebate amounts will remain at the Block 3 level until a program review is conducted, with a single fleet operator able to reserve no more than 10% of the rebates in any block, encouraging early adoption while ensuring broader participation over time.

As of 7/30/2024, there are 149/200 vouchers remaining in Value Block 1.

In addition, the Environmental Justice Rebate Adder under the MOR-EV program increases the base rebate by an additional 10% for eligible medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. To qualify for this adder, the vehicle must be registered in or must operate more than 50% of the time within census block groups that meet at least one of Massachusetts' Environmental Justice Population Criteria.

This adder is calculated as 10% of the base rebate amount for the specific vehicle class. For instance, if the base rebate for a Class 5 truck is $45,000, the Environmental Justice Rebate Adder would provide an additional $4,500, bringing the total rebate to $49,500​.

The MOR-EV+ Income-qualifying Rebate Adder offers an additional $1,500 available at point-of-sale for Massachusetts residents who meet specific eligibility criteria related to income. The adder is available to individuals who participate in one of the state or federal income-qualifying assistance programs outlined here.

MOR-EV Trucks Voucher Application Process

  1. Prepare Required Documentation:
    • Signed Program Applicant Terms and Conditions.
    • Proof of Intent to Purchase including sales price and GVWR, such as:
      • Purchase Order
      • Reservation agreement with a deposit of at least 10% of the quoted vehicle price
      • Signed bulk purchase participant agreement
      • A signed letter of intent describing the vehicle(s) to be purchased or leased
    • Proof of Residency:
      • For individuals: A Massachusetts driver’s license or other valid proof of residency.
      • For businesses/organizations: Local business license, articles of incorporation, or other formation documents.
    • If applying for the Environmental Justice Adder, include documentation such as an Operational Route Map, Delivery Site or Driver Assignment Documentation.
  2. Submit the Application:
    • Email the prepared documents to the MOR-EV Trucks program at mor-evtrucks@energycenter.org.
  3. Receive & Redeem Voucher:
    • Once the application is reviewed and approved, a rebate voucher will be issued with a unique identification number.

MOR-EV Trucks Rebate Claim Process

  1. Prepare Rebate Claim Documentation:
    • Copy of the originally issued voucher with the unique voucher identification number.
    • Copy of Massachusetts registration for vehicle
    • Signed Program Applicant Terms and Conditions.
    • Proof of Payment or Lease, which can be one of the following:
      • Final paid invoice/receipt for purchase
      • Final bulk purchase participant agreement
      • Final lease contract (including the length of the term)
  2. Submit Rebate Claim:
    • Email the rebate claim documents to mor-evtrucks@energycenter.org within the 12-month voucher period.
  3. Request an Extension (if needed):
    • If you cannot redeem the voucher within the 12-month period, apply for an extension. Extensions are available for up to an additional 12 months and must be requested only within the original voucher period.
    • For demonstrated good cause, an additional extension may be requested, but approval is at the discretion of the Department of Energy Resources (DOER).
  4. Receive Rebate:
    • After submitting the required documents, the rebate will be processed, and you will receive your rebate check.
Explore the SEA 5e commercial class 5 electric box truck.