More ‘Clean Vehicle’ Buyers’ Incentives Coming Mar. 29
San Diego, CA — Before the end of the month, both low and moderate-income drivers will be able to tap more rebates and other incentives for purchasing or leasing new vehicles that promote cleaner air.
Statewide beginning March 29, the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) is increasing incentive levels with the goal of making eligible zero-emission or plug-in hybrid light-duty vehicles accessible for more California drivers. “More ultra-clean and zero-emission vehicles on our roads mean cleaner air for all Californians,” explains Air Resources Board Chair Mary Nichols. The cost breaks come as part of California Climate Investments, which use proceeds from state cap-and-trade auctions on programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
For low and moderate-income consumers, CVRP rebates for all types of eligible light-duty passenger vehicles will increase by $1,500. Combining that with the current $7,500 federal tax credit for battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles adds up to savings of up to $11,500 for qualifying buyers.
To qualify for the increased CVRP rebates, applicants must have household incomes less than or equal to 300 percent of the federal poverty level, which for an individual is a gross annual income limit of $35,640; for a household of four, $72,900.
Higher income consumers are also eligible for CVRP rebates if their federal tax return-reported gross annual income falls under certain cap requirements, which are: less than $250,000 for single tax filers; $340,000 for head of household filers; and $500,000 for joint filers.
Applicants may be required to provide proof of income. Additionally, CVRP indicates that fuel-cell electric vehicles, which represent less than one percent of its applications, qualify for rebates of $5,000.
According to the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE), which administers the ARB program, over the past five years, CVRP has issued more than $291 million in rebates for more than 137,200 qualifying vehicles. For more details, which include a list of eligible vehicles, rebates and how to apply, click here.
