Delaware’s transportation Incentive Program is now offering higher rebates for drivers of electric vehicles and a greater emphasis on business and commercial users.
Updated rebate amounts will apply only to vehicles and equipment purchased on or after Nov. 1, 2016.
More than 250 Delawareans in all three counties have received rebates for battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric cars since the program was launched in July 2015.
The program’s initial goal of 100 electric vehicle rebates over a year and a half was surpassed in just six months.
The new program offers $3,500 rebates for most battery electric vehicles, and $1500 for plug-in hybrid electric, propane and natural gas vehicles.
Rebates are also available for home, public and workplace electric vehicle charging stations.
“Businesses and residents throughout Delaware are seeing the benefits of electric and clean fuel vehicles, from economic savings to cleaner air,” said DNREC Secretary David Small. “When businesses transition to electric and clean fuel vehicles, they reduce operating and maintenance costs. When residents can drive from place to place with fewer polluting emissions, Delaware has a healthier and safer environment. We all win.”
The updated program also puts a stronger emphasis on commercial and workplace electric vehicle charging stations by covering up to 75 percent of the equipment cost (price caps apply).
“Adding an electric vehicle charging station to a business or workplace can attract positive attention and customers, while supporting employees who drive electric vehicles,” said Susan Love, climate section administrator, Division of Energy & Climate. “Drivers need to feel comfortable that they’ll always have somewhere to charge up. Your business can be a part of that solution – and customers can shop, eat or stop in while their car charges. This is also a great option for towns and downtown districts looking to spur economic activity.”
The Division of Energy & Climate is working with partners throughout the state on projects that will add at least 10 new electric car charging stations, three propane fueling stations for clean fuel school buses and a public access compressed natural gas refilling station.
These new projects will aid the alternative fuel network within Delaware, which currently has about 50 public electric vehicle charging stations, eight propane stations and one compressed natural gas station. Delaware is also working with neighboring states to build a comprehensive alternative fuel network within the region.
For more information about the Delaware Clean Transportation Incentive Program, or to download an application, visit de.gov/cleantransportation.
The program is made possible through Delaware’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a regional market-based emissions cap and trade program.
Delaware’s proceeds from RGGI are invested in energy efficiency, renewable energy, emissions reductions programs and programs that benefit energy consumers.
Critics of the program have claimed the investments are more than offset by higher energy costs that come out of pollution and alternative energy mandates.
