Help To Buy Your Electric Dream Car
In 2013, governors from seven states (California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) committing to the successful implementation of Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) programs. Pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)——as well as hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), are examples of ZEVs being promoted. States that are a part of this program will be required increase the sale of ZEVs in their state to 15 percent of all vehicles sales by 2025. That translates into many wonderful incentives for current and future owners of ZEVs. Here are some of the best electric car incentives offered in these seven and other states, in ascending order.
- Nevada
Along with the HOV lane exemptions offered in many other states, Nevada’s Department of Transportation offers discounted rates for home electricity bills applying to individuals who charge
their plug-in hybrid vehicles off-peak hours. Hybrid electric vehicles and other AFVs are exempt from state emission tests for the first five years from registration. Also, all AFVs are allowed to park in any metered parking lot without having to account for a fee.
- Arizona
Alternative fuel vehicles like EVs and hydrogen vehicles are exempt from emissions testing and also qualify for a lower tax rate. You must obtain an alternative fuel special plate, but there is no fee. Having this plate also allows alternative fueled vehicles in Arizona to drive in the HOV lane even if only the driver is in the vehicle. Also, a tax credit maximum of $75 is available to install EV charging outlets.
- New York
In the heart of traffic central, it pays to get a free pass to get on the HOV lane when you are driving solo. Long Island commuters who own low or zero-emission vehicles get just that when traveling on the 40-mile stretch of the Long Island Expressway. Additionally, the Clean Pass Program reduces alternative fuel vehicles’ toll rates on Port Authority crossing during non-peak hours. Motor vehicle emissions testing are no longer required for any electric cars. Like in Nevada, reduced electricity rates are offered for residents charging their PEVs during off-peak hours and New Yorkers with PEVs can bypass emissions testing for registration renewals.
- Massachusetts
Targeted mostly for public and private fleets, the state of Massachusetts offers grant funding for fleets opting for alternative fuel vehicles as well as up to $2,500 in a rebate for individuals and organizations purchasing plug-in hybrid vehicles. The project is run by Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. All electric vehicles are completely exempted from state motor vehicle emissions inspections.
- Washington
Who doesn’t like a tax break? Washington State offers tax exemptions for the purchase or lease of a clean alternative fuel vehicle or plug-in hybrid for $35,000 or less. Charging stations purchased for business or homes are also exempt from the state sales tax. Additionally, electric, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas vehicles and HEVs are exempt from emissions inspections.
- Maryland
Until June 30th, 2017, the state of Maryland is offering a tax credit equal to the number of kilowatt-hours of battery capacity of an electric vehicle, multiplied by $125. The tax credit value rises up
to $3,000 per vehicle. Alternative fuel vehicles are also exempted from the HOV lane passenger restrictions and emissions testing requirements.
- Connecticut
Connecticut keeps an impressive number of incentives on PEV adoption in the transportation system. Up to $3,000 is offered through the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate Program (CHEAPR) for any hydrogen-based, all electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. Commercial fleet operators qualify for up to two vehicle rebates. The cherry on top is that all electric vehicles are completely exempt from motor vehicle emissions testing and alternative fuel and all-electric cars benefit from free parking on all city streets!
- Georgia
When purchasing a dedicated alternative fuel vehicle or converting a motor vehicle to run only on alternative fuels, the state of Georgia offers an income tax credit of 10 percent of the vehicle cost, up to $2,500. An income tax credit of 20 percent or up to $5,000 was offered to individuals who purchased or leased a new zero emission vehicle before July 1st, 2015. Qualified electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are also exempt from the minimum passenger number rule for running on the HOV lane.
- Colorado
Colorado DoT is mighty generous to their plug-in electric vehicle and alternative fuel vehicle owners. PEVs qualify for up to $7,500 via an income tax credit and alternative fuel vehicles—motor vehicles converted to use an alternative fuel or those that have replaced a vehicle’s power source with an alternative fuel power source—qualify for an income tax credit of up to $6,000. Adoption of PEVs into private fleets is supported by the state through grants of 80 percent of the incremental cost of a vehicle (up to $8,260). Additionally, certain models of hybrid vehicles qualify for a permit and transponder that allows the use of HOV lanes even with single occupants.
- California
California tops the list because several states, including many on this list, base their qualifications for green vehicle incentives from California’s Air Resources Board (ARB). They basically set the
standard for other states to follow. In cities and counties across the Golden State, alternative fuel and electric vehicle owners can enjoy free parking benefits. You are required to have a special decal, so it is important to contact your local DMV office before leaving the meter unpaid. Like many of the states on this list, California allows single-occupant use of HOV lanes by drivers with qualifying clean alternative fuel vehicles who have a Clean Air Vehicle Sticker. It gets better. Californians may qualify for up to $5,000 in rebates for the purchase or lease of new, eligible zero-emission or plug-in hybrid vehicle. Fleet owners for public agencies operating in California’s most vulnerable and pollution-burdened areas can qualify for credits on these vehicles of up to $15,000! Oh, there is more. In California, among other states, you may qualify for a car insurance discount ranging from five to 10 percent with certain providers.
Electric Car Incentives in the Future
The push for alternative fuels and electric-powered vehicles is gaining traction year over year. As more and more manufacturers pay attention to the demands for more affordable fuel efficient vehicles, business and individuals will be able to take advantage of lower prices, state incentives, and cleaner air.
$5000 in rebates? Wouldn’t that pay for a large portion of a vehicle? That seems crazy! But I suppose maybe you only would get an amount that big if you opted for a more expensive vehicle or something.
@Brandon,
Good eye, that $5000 income tax credit bumped up EV adoption in Georgia (It made Atlanta one of the top Leaf sales territories), but eventually ran out of steam (and opposition in the legislature) and was dropped in June 2015. The state ended up losing more than $1 million in tax revenue according to some calculations, but it got a lot of EVs on the road.–ed.