Olympia, Washington – Tomorrow, leaders in Washington state will launch a new $45 million program to help lower electric car prices (EVs) prices.
Rebates and other benefits are part of the program’s goal to make EVs easier for low-income families to afford. This is important because Washington plans to phase out gas-powered cars by 2035.
“Washington state is already a leader in EV adoption, but many more people interested in ditching the gas pump may think they can’t afford to do it,” said Inslee. “With these new rebates, we’re significantly lowering the entry point, opening the door to EVs for people of modest incomes as we continue paving the way to a clean transportation future for all.”
The program is set to begin in August 2024.
“The biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution is transportation,” said Mike Fong, director of commerce. “It is important that people who live in our most affected communities, which are usually urban and low-income, have access to cleaner ways to get around, like owning an electric vehicle.” These tax breaks can help a lot more people across the state buy or hire an EV.
The program focuses on affordability and will be the first statewide effort to offer low-cost leases as a reward. Residents who make up to $45,180 a year for one person or $93,600 a year for a family of four are now eligible. For new EV rentals of three years or more, the rebates offer up to $9,000. For new EV purchases or two-year leases, the rebates offer up to $5,000. For used EVs, the rebates offer up to $2,000.
People who want to take advantage of the program can go to a dealer to find out about the low-cost loan deals. The dealer will check the buyer’s income and credit score to make sure they are eligible, and then they will add the instant rebate straight to the lease cost. As zero-emission vehicles, the state also doesn’t charge sales tax on these cars for lease payments of up to $15,000.
Leaders say they think it’s also a good deal for cars and dealerships.
Dealers who take part can get rewards for encouraging people to buy electric vehicles. The program will also teach people how to charge their electric vehicles through public outreach programs.
Getting rid of the climate load
It is expected that the program will cut CO2 emissions in the transportation industry by around 24,000 metric tons. It’s part of a bigger plan that includes investing more than $120 million to make transportation electric and adding almost 5,000 new charging points.
Greenhouse gas pollution are being cut in King County and across the whole state of Washington. “With important funding from the Department of Commerce, we can work to make it easier for people all over the county to charge their electric vehicles,” said Dow Constantine, executive director of King County.
As Washington state continues to lead the way in environmental efforts, this new rebate program is meant to speed up the switch to electric cars, which will make the future cleaner and healthier for everyone who lives there.
