Categorized | Business, Energy

State extends electric vehicle rebate to November 1, 2012

MEDIA RELEASE

HONOLULU – With the increase in demand for electrical vehicles, the state of Hawai’i is re-charging its highly successful EV Ready Rebate Program with an additional $350,000 for rebates on new electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and chargers. The state has also extended the deadline for the rebates from March 31 to Nov. 1, 2012.

“Expanding the EV Ready Rebate Program not only helps consumers today, it provides a long-term solution as we work towards reaching energy independence,” said Mark Glick, Energy Program Administrator for the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism’s State Energy Office. “The widespread adoption of EVs is critical if we are to reach the Hawai’i Clean Energy Initiative goal of displacing 385 million gallons of oil for ground transportation fuel by 2030. With the cost of gas persisting above $4 per gallon, these vehicles offer a cost-effective, long-term solution.”

Since March 2011, a total of 618 rebates have been approved for 372 electric vehicles and 246 chargers, leaving the state rebate program with about $37,000. The new funding will increase the available total to $387,000.

Through the Hawai’i Electric Vehicle (EV) Ready Program, state residents can apply for rebates of up to $4,500 on purchases of electric vehicles and up to $500 for electric vehicles chargers. In addition to the state EV rebates, federal tax incentives of up to $7,500 (the Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle credit) are also available for highway-capable vehicles. This provides for the potential of up to $12,500 in rebates and tax credits for each electric car buyer.

The state rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will run through the Nov. 1 deadline or while funds last, whichever comes first. Rebate forms can be obtained from DBEDT’s State Energy Office Web site at www.energy.hawaii.gov.

The EV Ready Program is funded by Federal stimulus funds administered by DBEDT. By April 2012, approximately 220 charging stations, at roughly 100 sites across all counties, will be installed as part of the EV Ready Grant Program. Some chargers will
have the capacity to charge more than one vehicle at a time. A listing of publicly available EV charging stations in Hawai’i can be found on the Hawai’i Charging Station Database, which is available on DBEDT’s State Energy Office Web site.

DBEDT’s Hawai’i Electric Vehicle EV Ready Program has also provided $2.6 million in grants for the systematic installation of electric vehicle chargers across the state; public education and outreach including an EV Ready Guidebook; introduction of EVs to rental car and county fleets; car-sharing services within the hospitality industry; and an online permitting system for charger installations at single-family residences on O’ahu.

The State of Hawai’i’s economic enterprise is to pursue energy independence by building a clean energy economy and reaching 70 percent clean energy by 2030. The DBEDT State Energy Office’s mission is to act as a catalyst for efficiency measures, renewable energy resources, transportation initiatives, green jobs, and investments in Hawai’i’s economy. For more information, visit www.energy.hawaii.gov

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