Maryland EV Fee Calculator

Sets MVA base fee; EMS $40/yr included in schedule

EV surcharge $125 BEV / $100 PHEV (Jan 2025+)

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Optional county/municipal transportation tax

~28 kWh/100 mi for Model 3–class BEV

Wall-to-battery (typical 0.85–0.90)

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MD residential avg ~22.1¢/kWh

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MD public avg ~34.4¢/kWh

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Also used for ICE comparison

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Pepco/BGE L2 rebate

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ICE Class A without EV surcharge

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Used for payback years (ΔPrice ÷ annual savings)

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Maryland electric vehicle owners pay weight-based registration, a dedicated EV surcharge, a one-time excise tax at title, and ongoing electricity costs that vary sharply between home charging and public fast charging. Battery-electric vehicles owe $125 per year in EV surcharge on top of standard registration; plug-in hybrids owe $100. At purchase, most buyers face 6.5% excise tax on vehicle price, though a state credit of up to $3,000 can wipe out much or all of that tax on qualifying new EVs through June 2027. This guide explains every major fee and cost line in plain English, with step-by-step examples, so you can estimate what a Maryland EV costs to register and own in 2026.

Maryland stacks several distinct charges when you buy and register an EV. The Motor Vehicle Administration collects a title certificate fee ($200), weight-based annual registration (often $120.50 to $191.50 for passenger cars in the first year), a $40 Emergency Medical Services surcharge on every registration, and since January 1, 2025, an annual EV surcharge ($125 for zero-emission vehicles, $100 for plug-in hybrids). Two-year tags double the registration and surcharge amounts collected up front.

At title, excise tax runs 6.5% of purchase price or market value (minimum $41.60). Maryland’s EV excise tax credit can offset up to $3,000 of that tax on eligible new battery-electric or fuel-cell purchases through June 30, 2027. Federal new and used EV purchase credits generally expired for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025; the federal home charger credit ended for equipment placed in service after June 30, 2026.

Operating costs depend heavily on electricity. Maryland residential rates averaged about 22.1 cents per kWh in 2026, but BGE, Pepco, and Delmarva Power EV time-of-use plans can cut off-peak charging to roughly 10 to 13 cents. Public charging averaged about 34.4 cents per kWh statewide. Understanding how registration, excise tax, credits, and energy combine is essential for any Maryland EV total cost of ownership calculator.

Compared with a gasoline vehicle paying the same weight-based registration (without the $125 EV surcharge), a typical compact BEV might owe about $102 more per year in registration fees alone ($285.50 vs. roughly $160.50 for base plus EMS on a Class A car). That gap is often smaller than the fuel savings at 12,000 miles per year when gas costs $3.50 to $4.00 per gallon and home electricity stays near 22 cents per kWh.

Maryland Registration Fees by Weight (2026)

Maryland passenger vehicle registration is weight-based. Representative first-year annual amounts (before EV surcharge and EMS fee) include:

  • Class A (≤3,500 lbs): $120.50 per year
  • 3,501–3,700 lbs: $125.50 per year
  • 3,701–5,999 lbs: $191.50 per year
  • Heavier commercial classes: higher schedules (e.g., Class E 5,001–7,000 lbs about $178.75/year)

Every registration includes a $40 EMS surcharge. Two-year registration doubles the base weight fee and EMS components. Maryland increased several registration fees around July 2024; always confirm the current MVA fee schedule before paying.

Example 1: Compact BEV Under 3,500 lbs (One-Year Tag)

Base registration (Class A): $120.50 EMS surcharge: $40.00 EV surcharge (BEV): $125.00 ────────────────────────────────────────── Total annual registration: $285.50

Example 2: Mid-Size SUV ~4,650 lbs (One-Year Tag)

Base registration (3,701–5,999 lb): $191.50 EMS surcharge: $40.00 EV surcharge (BEV): $125.00 ────────────────────────────────────────── Total annual registration: $356.50

Heavier EVs pay a higher weight bracket before the EV surcharge is added.

References:

  • Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration — registration fee schedule
  • Maryland Transportation Code and MVA administrative regulations

Maryland EV Surcharge (Effective January 1, 2025)

Starting January 1, 2025, Maryland imposes an annual surcharge on electrified vehicles:

  • Zero-emission vehicle (BEV, FCEV): $125 per year
  • Plug-in hybrid (PHEV): $100 per year

The surcharge is collected at initial titling and at each renewal. If you purchase a two-year registration, you pay two years of surcharge at once ($250 for a BEV on a two-year tag). Conventional hybrids without plug-in capability and gasoline vehicles pay no EV surcharge.

Important: Maryland exempts EVs from annual emissions inspection. You still pay registration, excise tax, and the EV surcharge, but no smog test is required for qualifying zero-emission and plug-in vehicles.

References:

  • Maryland MVA — EV surcharge guidance (effective Jan. 1, 2025)
  • Maryland Department of the Environment — emissions inspection exemptions

Excise Tax, Title Fees, and Out-of-State Transfers

One-time excise (titling) tax

Maryland charges 6.5% excise tax on the greater of purchase price or market value at title, with a minimum of $41.60. Vehicles seven years or older may qualify for flat minimum tax ($41.60 for most passenger vehicles).

Title and plate fees

  • Title certificate: $200
  • License plates/tags: roughly $20 to $100 depending on type

New Maryland residents

When transferring an out-of-state vehicle, you generally pay the difference between Maryland’s 6.5% and the tax rate paid in the prior state, with a minimum of $100 if the other state’s rate was 6.5% or higher. If no tax was paid elsewhere, full 6.5% applies.

Example 1: Excise Tax on $41,000 Tesla Model 3

Purchase price: $41,000 Excise tax (6.5%): $2,665.00 MD EV excise tax credit: -$3,000.00 (max; credit exceeds tax) Net excise due: $0.00 (excess credit may carry per program rules)

Example 2: Excise on $100,000 Model X (Partial Credit)

Excise tax (6.5%): $6,500.00 State credit (max): -$3,000.00 Net excise due: $3,500.00 (+ title $200, registration, surcharges)

Federal Incentives in 2026

  • New EV credit (IRC §30D): up to $7,500 — generally unavailable for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025
  • Used EV credit (IRC §25E): up to $4,000 — same cutoff for most 2026 purchases
  • Home charger credit (IRC §30C): 30% up to $1,000 — expired for equipment placed in service after June 30, 2026

Lease transactions may have passed federal credits to lessors before expiration; new 2026 purchases should assume no federal purchase credit unless Congress restores programs.

Original IRA rules (for reference when reviewing 2025 purchases) included MSRP caps ($55,000 cars / $80,000 trucks), buyer income limits ($150,000 single / $300,000 joint), North American final assembly, and battery mineral and component content thresholds. None of those factors affect a typical 2026 Maryland purchase unless credits are reinstated.

Maryland State Credits and Utility Programs

Up to $3,000 EV excise tax credit

Maryland offers a tax credit against the 6.5% excise tax of up to $3,000 for qualifying new battery-electric or fuel-cell vehicle purchases or leases (vehicle price cap $50,000) from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2027. Applications are first-come, first-served within annual funding. This credit directly reduces title tax for most eligible buyers.

Because the credit applies to excise tax rather than purchase price, a $28,000 Bolt with $1,820 excise tax can zero out tax completely ($1,820 credit used). A $41,000 Model 3 with $2,665 excise uses $2,665 of the $3,000 cap, leaving headroom. A $100,000 Model X generates $6,500 excise; the $3,000 cap leaves $3,500 net tax due. Leased vehicles may qualify if the lessee or lessor structure meets program rules—confirm on the Comptroller application before signing.

Charger rebates

  • Maryland Energy Administration programs: up to 50% of Level 2 costs, max $700 residential or $5,000 commercial; multifamily station incentives available
  • BGE / Pepco EVsmart: up to $300 residential Level 2; larger amounts for multifamily and DC fast infrastructure

HOV and parking

Maryland’s prior solo HOV access for EVs (with permit) expired September 2025. As of 2026, assume no statewide HOV benefit unless local rules differ. Some municipalities (e.g., Annapolis) may still offer EV parking perks; verify locally.

Utility time-of-use rates

BGE EV24/EV48 and similar Pepco and Delmarva plans charge lower off-peak rates (often 10–13 cents/kWh) and higher peak rates (25–30 cents). Customers who shift charging overnight commonly save $120 to $240 per year versus flat residential averaging.

Public DC fast charging stations connected on commercial utility tariffs may face demand charges ($10 to $20 per kW per month in some rate classes). Those costs are embedded in per-kWh or per-minute pricing at public stations rather than in residential bills. Home calculator users can ignore demand charges unless modeling fleet depot charging.

Maryland EV policy timeline

  • July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2027: State excise tax credit up to $3,000 for qualifying new EV/FCEV purchases
  • Jan. 1, 2025: Annual EV surcharge ($125 BEV / $100 PHEV) effective
  • July 2024: MVA registration fee increases on several weight classes
  • Sept. 2025: Solo HOV lane access for EVs expired
  • Sept. 30, 2025: Federal new/used EV purchase credits generally ended
  • June 30, 2026: Federal home charger credit (IRC §30C) expired for new installs

References:

  • Maryland Comptroller / MVA — EV excise tax credit program
  • Maryland Energy Administration — EV charging rebates
  • BGE, Pepco, Delmarva Power — EVsmart and TOU rate riders
  • U.S. DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center — Maryland incentives summary

Maryland Electricity and Public Charging Costs

EIA data for April 2026 show Maryland residential electricity averaging about 22.07 cents per kWh and commercial about 16.41 cents per kWh. AAA reports Maryland’s blended public charging average near 34.4 cents per kWh.

Public pricing varies by network and session type. Maryland Transportation Authority state-owned Level 2 stations have charged about 18 cents per kWh; MDTA DC fast chargers on toll facilities have listed about 34 cents per kWh. Private networks (Electrify America, EVgo, ChargePoint hosts) may bill by the minute, by kWh, or through membership tiers. For calculator defaults, use ~20 cents per kWh for occasional public Level 2 and ~34 to 40 cents for DC fast charging unless you have a specific network rate card.

Charging efficiency matters: wall-to-wheels losses of 10 to 15% mean you draw more kWh from the grid than the battery strictly needs for a given range. A Model 3 Long Range rated 358 miles on 82 kWh might need roughly 27 kWh from the outlet per 100 miles at 85% efficiency, not 23 kWh from nameplate math alone.

Representative public rates:

  • MDTA Level 2 stations: about $0.18/kWh
  • MDTA DC fast charge: about $0.34/kWh
  • Network DCFC (membership): often $0.30–$0.40 per minute or subscription kWh pricing

Assume about 85–90% charging efficiency from the wall to the battery (10–15% loss). For calculator defaults: home $0.22/kWh, Level 2 public $0.20/kWh, DCFC $0.40/kWh.

Example 1: Model 3 Energy Cost (12,000 mi/yr, 22 kWh/100mi)

Battery kWh: 12,000 ÷ 100 × 22 = 2,640 kWh Grid kWh (90% eff.): 2,640 ÷ 0.90 = 2,933 kWh At $0.2207/kWh: 2,933 × $0.2207 = $647.33/yr Cost per mile: 5.4¢/mi

Example 2: BGE Off-Peak TOU (80% off-peak at $0.12)

Off-peak (80%): 2,346 kWh × $0.12 = $281.52 On-peak (20%): 587 kWh × $0.28 = $164.36 ────────────────────────────────────────── Annual cost: $445.88 (saves ~$200 vs. flat 22¢ average)

Calculator Formulas and Required Inputs

Core formulas:

  1. Excise tax = vehicle price × 6.5% (min $41.60)
  2. Net excise = excise tax − Maryland EV credit (up to $3,000 if eligible)
  3. Registration = base weight fee + $40 EMS + EV surcharge ($125 BEV / $100 PHEV)
  4. Grid kWh = (annual miles ÷ EPA range) × battery kWh ÷ charging efficiency
  5. Energy cost = grid kWh × blended $/kWh (flat or TOU)
  6. Upfront total = purchase + net excise + title + first registration period fees + plates
  7. Annual operating = registration renewal + energy + insurance + maintenance

User inputs: purchase price, vehicle weight class, BEV vs PHEV, annual mileage (default 12,000), home/public charging mix, utility rate or TOU plan, county (if local transport tax applies), lease vs buy, eligibility for state credit.

Outputs: excise breakdown, registration line items, annual energy cost, cost per mile (energy-only and including annualized fees), five-year TCO sketch, applied incentives.

Step-by-step: building a Maryland EV cost estimate

  1. Set purchase price and vehicle type. Enter MSRP or negotiated price, choose BEV vs. PHEV (surcharge differs), and note whether the vehicle qualifies for the $3,000 excise credit (new EV/FCEV, price ≤ $50,000, program open).
  2. Compute excise and net title tax. Multiply price by 6.5%, subtract eligible state credit (capped at tax owed or $3,000), add $200 title and plate fees.
  3. Look up weight class. Use curb weight from the window sticker or EPA label to pick Class A, mid-bracket, or heavier commercial class. Add EMS ($40) and EV surcharge per year of tag length.
  4. Estimate annual grid energy. Divide annual miles by EPA range, multiply by battery kWh, divide by charging efficiency (~0.85). Apply residential, TOU-blended, or public rate.
  5. Sum ownership horizons. Year-one cash outlay includes vehicle, net excise, title, and multi-year registration if you choose two-year tags. Years two through five add renewal registration and energy; optional lines include insurance, maintenance, and depreciation.

A practical default for Maryland suburban commuters: 12,000 miles per year, 80% home charging at ~22 cents and 20% public at ~34 cents yields a blended rate near 24 cents per kWh before TOU discounts. Enrolling in BGE EV24 or Pepco’s EV rate and charging after 9 p.m. can pull the effective home portion below 13 cents, dropping five-year energy cost by $800 to $1,500 on many compact and mid-size EVs.

Sample EV specifications for Maryland calculators

Registration weight class and battery size drive fee and energy estimates. Five common models illustrate the range:

ModelBattery (kWh)EPA range (mi)Weight (lb)Reg. class (typical)
Tesla Model 3 Long Range82358~3,600Class A
Ford Mustang Mach-E ER AWD88300~4,650Mid SUV bracket
Chevy Bolt EV65259~3,589Class A
Nissan Leaf (2022+)62212~3,600Class A
Tesla Model X Long Range100335~5,148Heavier Class A / SUV

Example 1: PHEV Registration (One-Year Tag)

Base registration (Class A): $120.50 EMS surcharge: $40.00 EV surcharge (PHEV): $100.00 ────────────────────────────────────────── Total: $260.50/yr (saves $25/yr vs. BEV surcharge)

Example 2: ICE vs. BEV Registration (Same Weight Class)

Gasoline Class A (no EV fee): $120.50 + $40 EMS = $160.50/yr BEV Class A: $120.50 + $40 + $125 = $285.50/yr Registration premium for BEV: +$125.00/yr Gas fuel (12k mi, 30 mpg, $3.80/gal): 400 gal × $3.80 = $1,520/yr BEV energy (Model 3 profile): ~$585–$647/yr at MD avg rate Potential fuel/energy savings: ~$873–$935/yr (net positive after $125 reg surcharge)

Sample Vehicle Comparison (12,000 mi/yr, MD Averages)

ModelPriceExcise 6.5%Net excise2-yr reg+EV+EMSEnergy/yr¢/mi
Tesla Model 3$41,000$2,665$0*~$491~$5854.9
Ford Mach-E$50,000$3,250$250~$490~$7686.4
Chevy Bolt EV$28,000$1,820$0*~$490~$6635.5
Nissan Leaf$28,000$1,820$0*~$490~$7786.4
Tesla Model X$100,000$6,500$3,500~$490~$7966.6

*Net excise $0 when $3,000 state credit fully offsets excise tax. Two-year registration assumes Class A base doubled plus two years EV surcharge and EMS. Energy at ~22.1¢/kWh.

Complete Example: Bolt EV First Registration

Scenario: $28,000 purchase; Class A weight; BEV; two-year tag; full state credit; title and plates.

Purchase price: $28,000.00 Excise tax (6.5%): $1,820.00 MD EV credit: -$1,820.00 Net excise: $0.00 Title certificate: $200.00 2-yr registration+EMS+EV: ~$490.00 Plates (est.): ~$50.00 ────────────────────────────────────────── Upfront beyond purchase: ~$740.00 Annual energy (12k mi): ~$663.00 Annual reg (yr 3+ renewal): ~$285.50/yr (1-yr equivalent)

Worked Example: Ford Mach-E ($50,000, Heavier Weight Class)

Scenario: Extended-range AWD; ~4,650 lb; 12,000 mi/yr; ~29 kWh/100 mi; two-year tag; full $3,000 state credit.

Purchase price: $50,000.00 Excise tax (6.5%): $3,250.00 MD EV credit: -$3,000.00 Net excise: $250.00 Title certificate: $200.00 2-yr reg (weight+EMS+EV): ~$490–$550 Plates (est.): ~$50.00 ────────────────────────────────────────── Upfront beyond purchase: ~$990–$1,050 Annual energy (12k mi): ~$768.00 Annual reg (yr 3+, 1-yr equiv.): ~$356.50

Heavier EVs land in higher weight brackets before the same $125 BEV surcharge applies. Energy cost rises with kWh per mile even when purchase price hits the $50,000 state credit cap.

Edge cases: lease, out-of-state, and commercial

Leased EVs: Federal purchase credits often flowed to the lessor before September 2025. The Maryland $3,000 excise tax credit may still apply depending on who is owner-of-record and how the lease is structured. Ask the dealer whether the state credit reduces your upfront tax or appears as a capitalized cost reduction.

Out-of-state moves: New Maryland residents pay excise on the difference between 6.5% and tax paid elsewhere (minimum $100 when the prior state rate was 6.5% or higher). EV surcharge applies at first Maryland registration and each renewal regardless of where the vehicle was purchased.

Commercial registration: Trucks over 6,000 pounds use higher weight classes with larger base fees. Excise tax remains 6.5% of value. Fleet calculators should prompt gross vehicle weight rather than assuming Class A passenger rates.

Five-Year Ownership Sketch (Model 3, With State Credit)

Year 1 upfront (excl. vehicle): ~$740 (see above) Years 2–5 registration (avg): 4 × $285.50 = $1,142 Years 1–5 energy (avg $600): 5 × $600 = $3,000 5-yr operating subtotal: ~$4,882 (+ purchase $41,000; minus any resale) Comparable ICE 5-yr fuel (30 mpg, $3.80): 5 × $1,520 = $7,600 fuel alone 5 × $160.50 reg ≈ $803 Fuel + reg gap favors EV by several thousand over five years in this illustration

ItemAmountNotes
Excise tax6.5%Min. $41.60
MD EV excise creditUp to $3,000Through 6/30/2027
Title fee$200One-time
Class A registration$120.50/yr≤3,500 lbs
EMS surcharge$40/yrAll registrations
BEV surcharge$125/yrFrom 1/1/2025
PHEV surcharge$100/yrFrom 1/1/2025
Residential electricity~22.1¢/kWhEIA Apr. 2026
Public charging avg.~34.4¢/kWhAAA

Common Questions

Do I pay EV surcharge and regular registration?

Yes. The $125 or $100 EV surcharge is added to weight-based registration and the $40 EMS fee.

Can I still get the $3,000 Maryland credit in 2026?

Yes, if the program remains funded and your vehicle and price meet eligibility through June 30, 2027. Apply promptly; awards are first-come, first-served.

Is there a federal EV tax credit in 2026?

Generally no for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025.

Do EVs need emissions testing in Maryland?

No. Zero-emission and qualifying plug-in vehicles are exempt from annual emissions inspection.

Can I use HOV lanes alone in my EV?

The statewide solo HOV exemption expired September 2025. Do not assume HOV access without checking current MVA rules.

How do two-year tags affect cost?

You pay two years of base registration, EMS, and EV surcharge at renewal. Example: BEV two-year total often near $491 for Class A including all components.

Does the home charger federal credit still work in 2026?

Only for equipment placed in service on or before June 30, 2026. After that date, IRC §30C generally does not apply to new residential installs unless law changes. Utility rebates from BGE, Pepco, or MEA may still be available separately.

What local taxes might apply?

Maryland vehicle excise is statewide at 6.5%. Some counties or municipalities may impose transportation or other local charges; enter county-specific amounts if your deputy registrar or purchase documents list them.

Where the Numbers Come From

Registration and surcharge amounts come from Maryland MVA fee schedules and January 2025 EV surcharge implementation guidance. Excise tax and the $3,000 credit come from Maryland tax law, Comptroller forms, and MVA program materials. Electricity rates use U.S. EIA April 2026 data, MDTA toll-plaza charging prices, and AAA public charging surveys. Vehicle battery, range, and weight figures use EPA labels and manufacturer specifications. Federal credit expiration dates follow IRS guidance on IRC §30D, §25E, and §30C.

Update calculator defaults when MVA revises weight fees, when the state credit program ends June 2027, or when utilities file new TOU rates with the Public Service Commission.

For maintenance planning, U.S. Department of Energy ownership data suggest EVs often cost roughly 40% less to maintain than gasoline vehicles over time (no oil changes, reduced brake wear). Insurance in Maryland may run 10 to 20% higher for EVs due to repair cost; budget accordingly alongside registration and energy lines.

References:

  • Maryland MVA — fee schedules and EV surcharge
  • Maryland Comptroller / MEA — excise tax credit and charger rebates
  • BGE, Pepco, Delmarva — EV TOU and EVsmart programs
  • U.S. EIA, AAA, MDTA, DOE AFDC, IRS

Key Takeaways for Maryland EV Owners

Maryland combines weight-based registration, a $40 EMS fee, and a $125 BEV / $100 PHEV annual surcharge on every registration cycle. Purchase costs center on 6.5% excise tax and a $200 title fee, but the up to $3,000 state credit can eliminate excise tax entirely on many vehicles under $50,000 through mid-2027.

Energy cost is the long-run advantage: even at 22 cents per kWh, many EVs run near 5 to 7 cents per mile for electricity versus substantially more for gasoline. Enrolling in BGE, Pepco, or Delmarva EV time-of-use rates lowers that further. Budget higher upfront registration than a gas car, offset by lower fueling and no emissions testing.

Use your actual weight class, tag length (one vs. two years), utility rate, and credit eligibility in any calculator. Confirm MVA fees after July 2024 increases and verify HOV, parking, and rebate program status before you buy.

Maryland remains one of the more EV-friendly mid-Atlantic states for purchase tax: the $3,000 excise credit through mid-2027 can offset much of the titling tax that neighbors charge without an equivalent cap. The ongoing $125 annual surcharge is material but usually smaller than annual fuel savings for drivers who charge at home on utility TOU rates. Model your scenario with real specs, miles, and rates rather than table averages alone.

Disclaimer: This guide is for education and estimation only. MVA fees, tax credits, utility rates, and program funding change. Confirm all amounts with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, Comptroller, and your utility before completing a transaction.

Complete Reference List

Maryland agencies and law

  • Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration — registration, title, EV surcharge
  • Maryland Comptroller — excise tax and EV tax credit
  • Maryland Energy Administration — EV charging incentives
  • Maryland Department of Transportation / MDTA — toll plaza charging rates
  • Maryland Department of the Environment — emissions testing exemptions

Utilities, federal, and market data

  • Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) — EV24/EV48 TOU rates
  • Pepco and Delmarva Power — EVsmart rebates
  • U.S. EIA — Maryland electricity profile
  • Internal Revenue Code §30D, §25E, §30C
  • U.S. DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center — Maryland incentives
  • AAA — public EV charging cost data
  • EPA — vehicle range and efficiency labels

Article prepared for the EV Fee Calculator project’s Maryland educational content. Figures reflect 2026 MVA schedules, April 2026 EIA rates, and illustrative model calculations unless otherwise noted.

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