Rebates encourage Delaware drivers and businesses toward environmentally-friendly, money-saving vehicles

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate today announced an extension of its popular Clean Transportation Incentive Program in response to Delawareans’ rising demand for cleaner fuel and electric vehicles. The current program will expire Oct. 31. Changes to the program – including updated rebate amounts and modified requirements – will apply to cars and equipment purchased on or after Nov. 1, 2016.

Encouraging drivers to choose clean, cost-effective cars
The Clean Transportation Incentive Program was launched in July 2015 to encourage Delaware drivers and businesses to purchase and lease alternative fuel vehicles, including vehicles that run on propane, natural gas and electricity. Alternative fuel vehicles produce less or no tailpipe emissions, reducing both unhealthy pollution and the greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change.

The Clean Transportation Incentive Program offers rebates for the purchase or lease of alternative fuel vehicles and the charging stations needed to support electric vehicles. Highlights from the updated program include the following rebates:

• $3,500 for battery electric vehicles
• $1,500 for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles with gasoline range extenders
• $1,500 for dedicated propane or natural gas vehicles
• $20,000 for heavy-duty dedicated natural gas trucks

“Drivers of electric, propane and natural gas vehicles save money on fuel and maintenance costs while knowing that they’re making an environmentally-responsible choice. The Clean Transportation Incentive Program was designed to make that choice easier,” said Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Planner Morgan Ellis, Division of Energy & Climate.

“Electric cars in particular are cheaper to power and don’t require the high maintenance of gas cars,” Ellis added. “Many people worry that electric cars are too expensive, but with their reduced operating costs and the rebates available through the Division of Energy & Climate, many electric vehicle drivers actually pay less over time than those who drive gasoline-powered cars.”

Rebate amounts vary based on the type and cost of the vehicle and/or equipment. In addition to state rebates, manufacturer rebates and federal funding opportunities and tax incentives also may be available.

Rebates are also available for electric vehicle charging stations. The program will provide a rebate for 50 percent of the cost of a residential charging station, and up to 75 percent of the cost of a charging station installed in a commercial area or workplace; price caps apply.

For more information, visit de.gov/cleantransportation, where full details on the updated program are posted.

Clean Transportation Incentive Program successful statewide
The Clean Transportation Incentive Program has been well-received across Delaware during its first 14 months. More than 225 Delawareans across all three counties have received rebates for electric vehicles – more than twice the program’s original target. In addition, seven businesses and organizations have received rebates for the addition of clean fuel vehicles to their fleets.

“The electric cars alone that have come through this program decrease the carbon dioxide emissions in our state by 900 tons each year,” said Climate Section Administrator Susan Love, Division of Energy & Climate. “In order to protect ourselves from the effects of climate change – including dangerous high temperatures and flooding – we need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. This program is an example of the tangible actions the state is taking to do that.”

The Division of Energy & Climate also awarded more than $1 million in grants to projects that will add at least 10 new electric car charging stations, three propane fueling stations for clean fuel school buses and a public compressed natural gas refilling station. These new projects add to the alternative fuel network within Delaware, which currently has about 50 public charging stations. Delaware is also working with neighboring states to build a comprehensive alternative fuel network within the region, so drivers can feel confident that they’ll always have somewhere to charge or fill up.

Delaware’s Clean Transportation Incentive Program is made possible through Delaware’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI is a market-based emissions trading program designed to reduce emissions from the electricity generation sector. Delaware’s proceeds from RGGI are invested in energy efficiency, renewable energy, emissions reductions programs and programs that benefit energy consumers. In addition to providing funds, RGGI encourages innovation, growing a clean energy economy and creating green jobs.

Media contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 340

-30-

Print