Delaware is rolling out a Clean Transportation Incentive Program that offers rebates for electric vehicles and conversions to natural gas cars and trucks for businesses, individuals and government.
The program will be administered by the Division of Energy and Climate of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. On hand were representatives from seven Delaware auto dealerships that will assist in the program.
Host of the event was Sheridan Nissan of New Castle.
“Delaware is a leader among states in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving our state’s air quality and promoting innovation in the transportation sector,” said Gov. Jack Markell. “The Delaware Clean Transportation Incentive Program supports and advances our commitment by offering Delawareans and Delaware businesses financial incentives to purchase new or retrofitted alternative fuel vehicles and boosting investment in electric vehicle charging equipment and alternative fuel infrastructure.”
“Gasoline has long been the predominant transportation fuel in the U.S.,” said Delaware Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Nicole Majeski. “Fuels such as electricity, propane and natural gas are clean-burning, domestically-produced alternatives that benefit air quality. The Clean Transportation Incentive Program encourages the use of alternative fuel vehicles and the installation of infrastructure, and spurs innovation in the transportation sector.”
Natural gas vehicle conversions are being eyed by businesses as prices of the fuel remain at lower levels as new supplies come on stream for neighboring Pennsylvania.
With $2.7 million in funding available for the current, the program \ consists of three rebate programs for purchasing passenger vehicles, tractor-trailer trucks and electric vehicle charging equipment, and two competitive grant programs that provide financial incentives for the development of alternative fueling infrastructure, and promoting innovative transportation projects that decrease greenhouse gas emissions in Delaware.
All rebates and grants are open to Delaware residents, businesses, non-profits, fleets and state, county and municipal governments for vehicles titled and registered in Delaware.
The Clean Vehicle Rebate offers applicants purchasing or lease a new or retrofitted passenger vehicle rebates of $2,200 for new battery and/or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and $1,100 for new or leased dedicated propane and natural gas-powered vehicles and retrofitted electric, propane and natural gas-powered vehicles.
The Heavy-Duty Vehicle Rebate offers applicants rebates up to $20,000 per vehicle when purchasing new, dedicated natural gas fuel systems for tractor trailers or other heavy-duty vehicles, with fleets limited to five heavy-duty trucks per fleet.
The Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Rebate offers applicants rebates up to $500 to assist with the purchase and installation of charging equipment for electric vehicles through a 120-volt AC plug (level 1), or a 240-volt AC or 208-volt electrical service (level 2).
The Alternative Fueling Infrastructure Grants are competitive grants available for the development of alternative fueling infrastructure, including propane or compressed natural gas projects or for electric vehicle fast-charging stations, limited to 50 percent of total project costs.
In conjunction with Alternative Fueling Infrastructure Grants, Innovative Transportation Greenhouse Gas Reduction Competitive Grants are available to help fund innovative transportation projects that demonstrate greenhouse gas. This grant is for projects that are not eligible for the other four programs under the Delaware Clean Transportation Incentive Program.
Seven Delaware auto dealers have partnered with DNREC to assist in promoting the CTIP programs: Auto Team Delaware in Wilmington, Diver Chevrolet in Wilmington, I.G. Burton in Milford, Sheridan Ford in Wilmington, Sheridan Nissan in New Castle and Willis Chevrolet Buick and Willis Ford in Smyrna.
The dealers carry electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles which are eligible for CTIP rebates, including the Chevy Volt, the Nissan Leaf and the Ford Focus.
The dealers have offered to offer point-of-sale services, technical assistance and information, as well as helpwith completing applications Delawareans and Delaware-based businesses interested in participating in the program.
Funding for the CTIP program is from Delaware’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a market-based cap-and-trade program designed to reduce carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity generation sector.
Delaware’s proceeds from RGGI are invested in energy efficiency, renewable energy, programs designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other consumer benefit programs that spur innovation in a clean energy economy and create green jobs.
In his remarks, Governor Markell also highlighted Delaware’s progress in cutting greenhouse gas emissions through investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and implementing transportation policy and enhancements.
Delaware has reduced emissions by a greater percentage than any other state in the nation – almost 30 percent. The program is not without its critics who claim it has resulted in high electric power prices in the state and stifled economic growth.
For more information, visit Delaware Clean Transportation Incentive Program, or call DNREC’s Division of Energy and Climate at 302-735-3480.
