Tax credits for purchasers of alternative fuel heavy duty and medium duty vehicles.

(a) As used in this Code section, the term:

(1) “Affiliated entity” means a person or business entity that is a member of the taxpayer’s affiliated group within the meaning of Section 1504(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(2) “Alternative fuel” means electricity, liquid petroleum gas, natural gas, or hydrogen fuel. The term does not include hybrid electric drives unless the vehicle has a gross weight equal to or greater than 8,500 pounds and less than 26,000 pounds.

(3) “Alternative fuel heavy-duty vehicle” means a new commercial vehicle, with a gross vehicle weight ratio equal to or more than 26,001 pounds, that is primarily fueled by an alternative fuel. As used in this paragraph, “primarily fueled by an alternative fuel” means a vehicle that is produced by an original equipment manufacturer and operates on 90 percent or more alternative fuel and on 10 percent or less gasoline or diesel fuel. In order to qualify for a tax credit under this Code section, the vehicle shall be registered in Georgia and be certified by the Department of Natural Resources as meeting all requirements set forth in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of Code Section 48-7-29.19.

(4) “Alternative fuel medium-duty vehicle” means a new commercial vehicle, with a gross vehicle weight ratio equal to 8,500 pounds or more and less than 26,001 pounds, that is solely fueled by an alternative fuel and that is produced by an original equipment manufacturer. In order to qualify for a tax credit under this Code section, the vehicle shall be registered in Georgia and be certified by the Department of Natural Resources as meeting all requirements set forth in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of Code Section 48-7-29.19.

(5) “New commercial vehicle” means a new commercial vehicle that: (A) is manufactured by an original equipment manufacturer, or (B) is manufactured by an original equipment manufacturer and any third-party equipment manufacturers, provided that such third-party manufacturers provide such parts or services prior to the original sale of such vehicle to a purchaser, and all vehicle components, including the alternative fuel system, are covered by the original equipment manufacturer or covered under separate warranties by the original equipment manufacturer and the third-party equipment manufacturer that together provide warranty for the complete vehicle.

(6) “Taxpayer” means any person or business entity required by law to file a return or to pay taxes.