The Electric Car REbate
The Obama administration is working on a rebate program, similar to Cash For Clunkers, to help you trade in that old beater for an updated EV model.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood stated that the Obama administration “wants consumers to be able to get a tax rebate at dealerships when they buy electric vehicles.” The government already offers a $7500 credit on the purchase of EV’s, but you don’t see that money until income tax time.
The plan was presented in front of Nissan execs, while they showed off the next Leaf EV. “We’d like for people to get a $7,500 rebate on the day they buy the Leaf,” LaHood said. He compared it to the popular Cash for Clunkers program. Combined with state incentives, the rebate will allow buyers “to own a Leaf for what most average people can afford.”
He added the incentives could be in place “for as long as it takes to really motivate people to do this.” LaHood also stated the Obama administration will invest in more charging stations, making sure that owning an electric vehicle is convenient.
“I believe the model they’re using here is something I hadn’t even thought about,” he said. “They base the idea not just on $4.00 a gallon gas. They do want a cleaner environment, to clean the air up.”
Bailey Wood, a spokesman with the National Automobile Dealers Association, said car dealerships might have a hard time trying to determine whether a buyer qualifies for the tax credit.
Source: AP
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