The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced extending the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program through the end of 2022.
“As new and existing manufacturers introduce more electric vehicles to their lineups, more consumers are making the switch,” said Gov John Carney. “Our Clean Transportation Incentive Program is helping to make the transition more affordable for more Delawareans.”
The program has been in place since July 2015. In the first round of funding, which lasted until Oct. 31, 2016, the program paid out 292 rebates. By comparison, the program has paid out 267 rebates in the first four months of this year.
In total, almost 2,500 rebates have been issued since the program began. The current program was set to expire on June 30.
The program is separate from the federal tax credit for EVs and plug-in hybrids that run up to $7,500. Tesla and GM vehicles are not eligible for the tax credit since both have exceeded the sales cap.
Delaware buyers are also limited by Kia and Hyundai, limiting sales of hybrids and EVs to dealers in neighboring states. However, Delaware buyers are not barred from buying out of state.
The rebate program has critics who claim most EVs are out of the reach of moderate-income consumers, even with the rebate and tax breaks. EVs also need high-speed home chargers that require $1,000 or more in higher-voltage wiring.
“The continuing popularity of the electric vehicle rebate program, along with the benefits to the environment through reduced greenhouse gas emissions, are among the reasons why we are extending the program through the end of 2022,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin.
State rebates for the purchase or lease of electric vehicles include:
- $2,500 for battery electric vehicles, including vehicles with range extenders, with a total vehicle price of $60,000 or less;
- $1,000 for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with a total vehicle price of $60,000 or less.
Businesses and property owners of multi-unit dwellings can also take advantage of the rebate program by installing charging stations for customers and tenants to help in the transition of vehicle electrification. The Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Rebate Program pays up to 90% of the cost of the charging station, with a max amount of $3,500 per port/$7,000 per station for public properties, fleets, and multi-unit dwellings. Rebates are also available for natural gas and propane vehicles.
Delaware’s Clean Transportation Incentive Program is made possible through Delaware’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). More information about the rebates can be found at de.gov/cleantransportation.
