EVCarolina Announces First State Sales Tax Rebate for 100% Electric Cars

COLUMBIA, S.C., July 17, 2007 -- South Carolina State legislators passed landmark energy legislation in June 2007 that would provide sales tax rebates for alternative fueled and high efficiency vehicles, incentive payments to retailers for sale of biodiesel and ethanol, incentive payments and tax credits for the production of energy from biomass, and among other things a Grants and Low-interest Loan program designed to increase renewable energy use in the state.

"With all the talk from government and industry about 'going green' it's refreshing to see a state like South Carolina taking action on something that can make an impact today," said Steve Schneider, CEO for electric vehicle manufacturer ZAP (BULLETIN BOARD: ZAAP) .

Steven Isom, owner of EVCarolina, a ZAP Electric car dealership -- the only retailer of all electric vehicles in the state -- played a critical role in developing language that would expand an existing sales tax rebate for flex fuel vehicles. Isom worked diligently with state government staff and the South Carolina Biomass Council to include electric vehicles in the Energy Freedom and Rural Development Act.

"I started EVCarolina because it was the right thing to do for the state and promote energy efficiency and energy independence," said Steven Isom CEO of EVCarolina.

"We are very excited that electric vehicles were given an opportunity to shine in South Carolina!" said Erika Hartwig, the Renewable Energy Coordinator for the South Carolina Energy Office. "Electric vehicles are the only zero-emission vehicles available today on South Carolina roads. The South Carolina Energy Office believes state residents will take advantage of the sales tax rebate and use electricity instead of conventional fuels for their transportation needs."

State Senator Nikki G. Setzler commented that he "was glad to be a part of and primary sponsor of the legislation which provided rebates for alternative fueled vehicles and incentives for use of biodiesel and ethanol as well as tax credits for the production of energy from biomass. It is a major step by South Carolina to help reduce the dependence of South Carolina and the nation on foreign oil as well as encouraging clean and efficient alternatives in the future."