Some States Offer Electric Car Incentives

SEE ALSO: Expert Panel: American People Reject Obama's Goal for Electric Vehicles

Washington DC February 3, 2011; The AIADA newsletter reported that nearly half of the 50 states are offering or considering incentives to consumers who buy electric cars in a bid to jump-start the fledgling market.

According to USA Today, experts say the sweeteners, including rebates and access to less-congested carpool lanes, are key to making the vehicles more affordable and convenient as automakers roll out the first mainstream electric cars in nearly a century.

The benefits, combined with a federal tax credit up to $7,500, often put the vehicles in the price range of standard cars, says Brian Wynne of the Electric Drive Transportation Association.

Seventeen states already offer inducements for EVs, while five – Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas – are considering legislation. Automakers are responding. Nissan launched the Leaf in California, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, and Tennessee, all states with incentives. Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Utah let EV drivers use carpool lanes even with no passengers.

Nine states offer EV buyers tax credits or cash rebates of $1,500 to $6,000. Louisiana, Hawaii, and Washington provide tax credits or other discounts to cut the price of home charging stations, which can cost at least $1,200.

Click here for the full report on what states are doing to encourage EV use.