Green Driver State Incentives in Nebraska

Nebraska offers green-minded drivers a handful of money-saving incentives. The goal: Encourage more NE drivers to adopt eco-friendly driving habits. Whether you own a hybrid, electric car (EV), or alternative fuel vehicle (AFV)—or are in the market to buy a fuel-efficient vehicle—keep reading for more on auto insurance discounts, AFV loans, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle rebates, federal tax credits, and more.

Nebraska Vehicle Emissions Testing

Many states exempt some eco-friendly vehicles from smog checks, but in Nebraska, all vehicles can skip the emissions test. Reason being, the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not require emissions testing as part of its vehicle registration process. However, your vehicle might need an inspection, especially if you cannot present a Nebraska Certificate of Title or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO). For more on requirements and exemptions, refer to our page on NE vehicle inspections.

Alternative Fuel Vehicle and Fueling Equipment Loans

The Nebraska Energy Office, along with the state's lending institutions, finance dedicated alternative fuel* projects through Nebraska Dollar and Energy Saving Loans.

Types of Loans

Under this program, you can get a loan to help you:

  • Replace vehicles that run on traditional fuels with alternative fuel vehicles (AFV).
  • Buy new, dedicated alternative fuel vehicles (meaning, those unable to run on gasoline or diesel fuel)
    • Conversion equipment: loan term for 3 years.
    • Alternative fueled vehicles.
      • Vehicles less than 8,500 lbs.: loan term 5 years.
      • Vehicles 8,500 lbs. or more: loan term 7 years.
  • Establish a fueling station: loan term 10 years.
  • Buy fueling equipment for dedicated AFVs: loan term 10 years.

*For a full list of qualifying fuel types see the last subsection titled What is an Alternative Fuel.

Keep in mind that you must make minimum monthly payments.

    Who May Apply

    If you are one of the following legal Nebraska residents, you may apply for an alternative fuel project loan:

    • Nebraska taxpayer.
    • Nebraska partnership.
    • Nebraska-chartered corporation.
    • Subdivision of the NE government.
    • Someone who has maintained a permanent residence and lived in Nebraska for more than 6 months.

    How to Apply

    As a legal resident of Nebraska, you can apply by:

    1. Obtaining a bid or quote to present to your lender.
    2. Downloading and completing a Dedicated Alternative Fueled Vehicle and/or Fueling Equipment and Facilities Projects Application.
    3. Paying a visit to a local lender offering loans under this program.

    What is an Alternative Fuel

    For the purposes of this program, alternative fuels include:

    • Ethanol.
    • Methanol.
    • Electricity.
    • Compressed natural gas (CNG).
    • Liquefied natural gas.
    • Propane.
    • Any other fuel that the United States Department of Energy recognizes as an alternative fuel.

    Federal Tax Incentives for Buying a Fuel-Efficient Car

    To entice American taxpayers to go green, the government offers numerous federal tax credits for buying a fuel-efficient vehicle such as one of the following:

    • Electric car (EV).
    • Hybrid.
    • Plug-In hybrid (PEV).
    • Diesel.
    • Other Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV).

    For full details on these tax breaks for eco-friendly vehicle owners, consult fueleconomy.gov's Tax Incentive Information Center. And as always, be sure to consult your preferred tax preparer or an agent from your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center if questions arise regarding how to take advantage of tax incentives.

    Nebraska Weight Limit Increase for Idle Reduction Technology

    Nebraska grants a weight limit increase for vehicles equipped with idle reduction technology. Specifically, these vehicles may exceed the maximum gross weight limit and axle weight limit by up to 550 lbs to compensate for the extra weight that the idle reduction technology adds. For full details, refer to Nebraska Revised Statutes 60-6, 294.

    NE Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicle Rebate

    Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD) of Omaha offers  rebates to those who buy new, dedicated compressed natural gas vehicles. 

    Owners of commercial-use CNG vehicles can also apply for the rebate, but using a different application. Call (402) 504-7185 to receive one.

    NE Auto Insurance Discounts for Eco-Friendly Driving and Green Vehicles

    Get a break on what you pay for your car insurance for having green driving habits and/or driving a fuel-efficient vehicle. Consult your Nebraska car insurance company about potential green vehicle auto insurance discounts such as:

    • Alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) discounts.
    • Hybrid auto discounts.
    • Pay as you drive discounts.
    • Economy car discounts.
    • Low-mileage discounts.

    Owning or leasing a hybrid car can get you up to a 10% discount on car insurance.

    Compare auto insurance rates online if your current NE auto insurance carrier doesn't reward eco-friendly driving.

    Keep Up with the Latest Nebraska Green Driver Incentives

    Earth-friendly driver incentives and related green vehicle laws are ever-evolving. In addition to combing through this page for perks, consult your local Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles branch and the Alternative Fuels Data Center for the latest.

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