DNREC Extends Electric Vehicle Rebate Program

State Rebate and Federal Tax Credit Can Save Buyers Thousands of Dollars

Delawareans purchasing new electric vehicles will continue to get state rebates on qualifying makes and models with the extension of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program.

“Electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, with many manufacturers committing to transition their fleets to zero emission vehicles.” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Additionally, electric vehicle adoption is a key strategy for reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in our state, our country and the world.”

Since the program began in July 2015, it has provided more than $9 million in rebates to more than 4,000 electric vehicle purchasers. Since January 2023, the program has issued 391 rebates for a combined $923,500.

The Clean Vehicle Rebate Program provides rebates for the lease or purchase of qualifying electric vehicles. The program extension runs through April 30, 2024. In addition, there are a few enhancements to the program for vehicles purchased or leased on or after May 1, 2023:

  • A new application portal will make it easier for car shoppers to redeem the rebate at the dealership or up to 90 days after their purchase.
  • New price limits are based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), instead of total price, to ensure additions like trailer hitches won’t affect rebate eligibility.
  • A regularly updated list provides car shoppers a quick reference to the 30+ Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) eligible for the rebate.

The program includes:

  • $2,500 for BEVs with a base MSRP of $50,000 or less.
  • $1,000 for PHEVs with a base MSRP of $50,000 or less.

DNREC’s rebate program is in addition to federal tax credits that are available for many models of electric vehicles. With a cash rebate from the Delaware Clean Vehicle Rebate Program and a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, purchasers can save up to $10,000 on qualifying electric vehicles.

DNREC will also continue to offer rebates for Level 2 charging stations through the Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Rebate program. The program provides rebates for electric vehicle charging stations for public access, workplaces and for fleets. Enhanced rebate amounts are now available to incentivize the installation of charging stations at multi-family dwellings.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy uses science, education, policy development and incentives to address Delaware’s climate, energy and coastal challenges. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov or Jim Lee, JamesW.Lee@Delaware.gov

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Delaware Taps Fund to Replace Diesel-Guzzling School Buses

The Warehouse in Wilmington Upgrades to an Electric Bus

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has awarded $177,674 to The Warehouse, a teen-led co-working space and after-school center in Wilmington, to replace its diesel bus with an all-electric, zero emissions vehicle and purchase charging equipment.

The award is the latest investment of the Environmental Mitigation Trust that resulted from state’s plan to use $9.6 million from the negotiated settlement between Volkswagen and the federal government.

“Exhaust from vehicles is a major source of air pollution, and big diesel vehicles like buses are particularly big contributors,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin. “Replacing school buses helps us all breathe better, including children gathering near idling buses during school arrival or dismissal in non-COVID times. At the same time, programs like the one at The Warehouse will help students learn more about the technology driving the school buses and inspire future clean energy leaders in Delaware.”

The electric bus supports the nonprofit’s “Energize the Warehouse” initiative to provide local teens with hands-on opportunities to learn about clean energy, electric transportation, and sustainable farming and agriculture.

“The Energize the Warehouse initiative has been a success due to the collaborative efforts of many community partnerships and, through these efforts, The Warehouse will become a place where young people can learn about clean energy and electric transportation,” said CEO Logan Herring. “The V2G bus also serves to decrease transportation barriers for the teens we serve, which is a critical component for greater equity and increased access to opportunities.”

The new electric bus can connect back to the grid to achieve enhanced energy savings and energy conservation. The bus is expected to be delivered in early 2021.

The Delaware Department of Education has also leveraged the Environmental Mitigation Trust to replace 81 state-owned diesel school buses with new, cleaner- fueled school buses that operate on clean diesel or propane.

“Since 2016, districts have added 81 clean school buses throughout the state with another 34 that could potentially be added next academic year,” said DOE Secretary Susan Bunting. “While it’s still a small portion of Delaware’s total school bus fleet, we’re pleased to make this progress and to see initiatives such as this one expand.”

The plan for the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust is focused on actions that can produce the greatest air quality benefit in terms of nitrogen oxides emission reductions, reduce public exposure, and promote clean vehicle technologies. As funding opportunities are finalized and awarded, details on recipients, funding amounts, and project types will be listed on https://de.gov/vwmitigation.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The Division of Air Quality monitors and regulates all emissions to the air. For more information, visit the website and connect with DNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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