California consumers are applying for clean vehicle incentives at a record pace, reports the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which says electric vehicle (EV) rebates in California were 50% higher in 2018 than they were in 2017.
Electric and plug-in hybrid electric cars are now 7.8% of all new car sales in California, according to CARB.
“The state’s rebate program has proven to be a great success, and it is gratifying to see California’s vision for transforming to a zero-emissions fleet becoming a reality. ZEVs are a powerful weapon in our efforts to improve air quality and fight climate change,” says Richard Corey, CARB’s executive director.
“As a result of this success, we are working with stakeholders on adjustments to the program,” Corey continues. “Our goal is to keep the sales momentum up and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to continue the exciting increase in the number of EVs on our roads and highways.”
CARB says the “unexpected success” of the rebate program, known as the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP), and its potential impact on funding, was discussed at a CVRP Workgroup meeting in Sacramento on March 22.
The CVRP is one of several CARB incentive programs designed to reduce air pollution and protect public health. The project promotes clean vehicle adoption by offering rebates for the purchase or lease of new, eligible zero-emission vehicles. Since the program began in March 2010, the Center for Sustainable Energy, which administers the program, has issued more than 277,000 rebates totaling $620 million for plug-in, electric and hydrogen fuel cell cars and motorcycles.
