An Act to Protect Maine Consumers Shopping for Electric Vehicles
Maine Legislature, Session 132, LD 1324
Committee: Housing and Economic Development
Sponsors: BECK, BENNETT

Legislative Document
No. 1324
H.P. 859
House of Representatives, March 27, 2025
An Act to Protect Maine Consumers Shopping for Electric Vehicles 
from Deceptive Advertising and Marketing Practices
Reference to the Committee on Housing and Economic Development suggested and 
ordered printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative BECK of South Portland.
Cosponsored by Senator BENNETT of Oxford and
Representatives: ANKELES of Brunswick, FAIRCLOTH of Bangor, FRIEDMANN of Bar 
Harbor, KUHN of Falmouth, LEE of Auburn, PUGH of Portland, SATO of Gorham, Senator: 
CARNEY of Cumberland.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  10 MRSA c. 239 is enacted to read:
CHAPTER 239
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
§1500-X.  Prohibition on misleading marketing and advertising practices
1.  Definitions.  As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the 
following terms have the following meanings.
A.  "Electric vehicle" means a vehicle that is powered solely by an electric motor and 
does not have an internal combustion engine.
B.  "Gasoline-powered hybrid vehicle" means a vehicle that uses both an internal 
combustion engine and an electric motor, with the primary power source being the 
internal combustion engine, and that does not plug into an electrical outlet.
2.  Deceptive marketing and advertising.  A motor vehicle manufacturer or motor 
vehicle dealer may not use deceptive marketing or advertising practices that falsely suggest 
or imply that gasoline-powered hybrid vehicles are wholly or primarily powered by 
electricity. Deceptive marketing and advertising practices include, but are not limited to: 
A.  Using phrases like "electrified," "beyond zero," "electric," "E," "EV" or "range" 
regarding vehicles that are primarily powered by internal combustion engines; and
B.  Using deceptive imagery, including, but not limited to, lightning bolts, batteries, 
electric currents, plugs and sockets that could lead a reasonable consumer to believe 
that gasoline-powered hybrid vehicles are wholly or largely powered by electricity.
3.  Location and format.  Deceptive marketing and advertising of gasoline-powered 
hybrid vehicles are prohibited.  The prohibition includes, but is not limited to, the following 
formats:
A.  Print marketing and advertising in newspapers, magazines and mailers;
B.  Online marketing and advertising, including on social media and online videos;
C.  Radio and television advertising; and
D.  Signs, banners or other physical advertising at motor vehicle dealerships and at 
promotional events.
4.  Enforcement.  The Attorney General may enforce this section. 
5.  Penalties.  A violation of this section constitutes a violation of the Maine Unfair 
Trade Practices Act.
SUMMARY
This bill prohibits motor vehicle manufacturers and dealers from using deceptive 
marketing or advertising practices that falsely suggest or imply that gasoline-powered 
hybrid vehicles are wholly or primarily powered by electricity.  The Attorney General may 
enforce the provisions of the bill.  A violation of the provisions of the bill constitutes a 
violation of the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act.