DNREC Division of Energy & Climate announces launch of electric vehicle Delaware Workplace Charging Program

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate encourages businesses, non-profit organizations, and local governments to take advantage of the opportunity to install electric vehicle charging stations for employees’ use through the Delaware Workplace Charging Program. Participants in the program can receive rebates and technical guidance for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations.

Organizations who opt to “fuel electrically” by installing charging stations can receive rebates for as many as six charging stations. Rebates cover 75 percent of the cost of charging equipment, up to $5,000 per rebate.

As electric vehicles grow in popularity across Delaware and the United States, installing electric vehicle charging stations is a simple and effective way for businesses and organizations to “go green” and support sustainability in their workforce and communities. Currently, 37 models of electric (battery-powered) and plug-in hybrid electric (battery and gas-powered) vehicles from almost every major auto manufacturer in the United States are available, with more models coming out every year.

“Workplaces are ideal locations for charging stations,” said Clean Transportation Planner Kathy Harris, Division of Energy & Climate. “Vehicles are parked there up to 8 hours a day, allowing employees time to fully charge their vehicles and ensure they have enough battery range for their commute.”

Workplace charging also opens opportunities for electric fleet vehicles, which have lower fueling and maintenance costs than their gasoline counterparts.

In the past two years, DNREC’s Clean Transportation Incentive Program has provided 465 rebates for electric vehicles and 120 rebates for residential and commercial charging stations to Delawareans in all three counties.

The Delaware Workplace Charging Program is open to participants through June 30, 2018. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the Division of Energy & Climate at 302-735-3480, and to visit de.gov/cleantransportation.

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


Revamped clean fuel vehicle rebates now available from DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate

Clean Transportation Incentive Program relaunch features updated rebates for clean fuel vehicles and electric vehicle charging stations

DOVER – DNREC’s revamped Delaware Clean Transportation Incentive Program takes effect this week, offering higher rebates for drivers of battery electric vehicles – vehicles which run solely on batteries, using no other fuels – and adjusted rebates for other clean fuel vehicles and electric vehicle charging stations. Updated rebate amounts will apply only to vehicles and equipment purchased on or after Nov. 1, 2016. DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate has extended the program following its resounding success throughout the state.

More than 250 Delawareans across 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. Individuals, businesses and workplaces are encouraged to participate.

“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 places 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 bolster 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.

About the Clean Transportation Incentive Program
Delaware’s 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 fewer or no tailpipe emissions, reducing both pollution and the greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change. 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. 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. 370


DNREC Division of Energy & Climate increases funding for Clean Transportation rebate program after exceeding goal of 100 rebates

Delawareans choose electric vehicles, save 830,000 pounds CO2 per year

DOVER – The success of DNREC’s Clean Transportation Incentive Program and high public demand for participation in it led the Division of Energy & Climate to announce today that an additional 100 rebates are being offered for electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles purchased or leased in Delaware.

Launched in July 2015, the Clean Transportation Incentive Program has exceeded its goal of 100 vehicle rebate applications from Delaware drivers of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. In light of the program’s high demand, 100 more rebates at $2,200 each are now available.

“The vehicles that have been purchased through the rebate program so far represent a savings of 830,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year that would have been emitted into our atmosphere if these drivers had chosen traditional gasoline cars,” said Climate Section Administrator Susan Love, Division of Energy & Climate.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, which have a back-up gasoline engine, and battery electric vehicles, which run solely on electricity, have more reliable and typically lower fuel costs compared to gasoline. In addition, battery-electric vehicles produce no tailpipe pollution, leading to cleaner air and a lower carbon footprint.

“Transportation accounts for roughly a third of greenhouse gas emissions in the state. Delawareans are embracing electric, plug-in hybrid electric and alternative fuel vehicles as a cleaner, cost-effective way to get around,” Love said. “That means a lot for our public health, our natural resources and our efforts to mitigate climate change.”

Rebate-eligible electric vehicles include the Nissan Leaf, Ford Focus Electric, Ford Fusion Energi, Chevy Volt, BMW i3, Tesla Model S and other options. Battery-electric vehicles such as the BMW i3, Chevy Spark and Nissan Leaf can drive about 80 miles on one charge, making them a viable option both for frequent local travel and some commutes.

Drivers in all three counties have applied for and received Delaware clean vehicle rebates, and dealerships across the state have partnered with DNREC to help inform and engage Delawareans. Partnering dealers are: AutoTeam Delaware, Wilmington; Diver Chevrolet, Wilmington; Sheridan Ford, Wilmington; Sheridan Nissan, New Castle; Bayshore Ford, New Castle; Porter Auto Group, Newark; Willis Chevrolet Buick, Smyrna; Willis Ford, Smyrna; and I.G. Burton, Milford.

Clean Transportation Grants and Rebates
In addition to vehicle rebates, the Delaware Clean Transportation Incentive Program also includes grant and rebate opportunities for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Delaware by promoting propane, electric and natural gas vehicles – collectively known as alternative fuel vehicles – and related infrastructure. Alternative fuel vehicles can meet the needs of drivers of all types of vehicles, from everyday four-door sedans and pick-up trucks to vans, dump trucks and heavy-duty tractor trailers.

In addition to state rebates and funding opportunities for vehicles and charging/fueling equipment, manufacturer rebates and federal funding opportunities and tax incentives also may be available.

For more information about funding available through Delaware’s Clean Transportation Incentive Program, visit de.gov/cleantransportation.

Fueling the Future Conference and Ride-and-Drive Event
Interested transportation professionals and state partners can learn about and experience alternative fuel vehicles firsthand at Fueling the Future: Clean Transportation for a Greener Delaware, a one-day conference and ride-and-drive event on Tuesday, May 24 at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino. Expert panels will discuss the mechanics and benefits of alternative fuel vehicles for businesses, fleets, shipping and other transportation needs. In the afternoon ride-and-drive component, attendees will have the opportunity to drive alternative fuel vehicles, and ride in alternative fuel commercial vehicles.

To register, visit de.gov/fuelingthefuture. Registration is open through Wednesday, May 11.

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. 140


Delaware Division of Energy & Climate reminds applicants of Feb. 29 deadline for Alternative Fueling Infrastructure Grants

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate is accepting proposals for the Delaware Alternative Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program, through Feb. 29. Funding is available for projects that expand the availability of alternative fueling stations in Delaware, thereby encouraging Delawareans and state-based fleets to increase their use of alternative-fueled vehicles, including but not exclusive to electric, propane, natural gas and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

“Across Delaware, there has been growing enthusiasm for the use of alternative-fueled vehicles, which provide many economic, environmental and public health benefits for our state,” said Climate Section Administrator Susan Love, Division of Energy & Climate. “The Delaware Alternative Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program aims to support and spur the progress of alternative fueling projects in Delaware, so Delaware drivers and fleets can feel comfortable and confident in their choice to drive alternative-fueled vehicles.”

Delaware Alternative Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program
Grant funding will be awarded on a competitive basis. Any Delaware-based business, county, municipality, state agency, academic institution or non-governmental organization is invited to apply. Applications are due no later than 4:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29, 2016.

Approximately $1.4 million in grants (with the maximum for each award $500,000) is available to offset the costs of equipment associated with the installation of private or public alternative-fueling infrastructure, including but not limited to:

  • DC “fast” electric vehicle charging stations
  • Natural gas fueling stations
  • Propane fueling stations
  • Hydrogen fueling stations

The grant opportunity is part of the Delaware Clean Transportation Incentive Program, which encourages the use of alternative-fueled vehicles and provides a foundation for developing the infrastructure to support them. Through this program, Delawareans and Delaware businesses have the option to find a fuel and a vehicle that best meets their needs, while growing Delaware’s clean energy economy.

Additional Clean Transportation Incentive Programs
Complementing this grant program, rebates are still available under the Delaware Clean Transportation Incentive Program for purchasers of electric, plug-in hybrid electric, propane, and natural gas vehicles, electric vehicle charging stations and natural gas-powered heavy duty trucks.

Funding for the Delaware Clean Transportation Incentive Program and its Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Grant program is made possible by Delaware’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

For more information about the Alternative Fueling Infrastructure Grants, including the request for proposals and application form, please visit www.de.gov/cleantransportation or the Delaware Alternative Fueling Infrastructure Grants webpage.

For further questions, contact Kathy Harris at 302-735-3480, or email DNREC.Transportation@delaware.gov.

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

Vol. 46, No. 7