State EV Initiatives

In line with the state's movement to spread the use and the utilization of environmental-friendly vehicles that do not emit hazardous gas and chemicals, and their goal to promote sustainability and fuel-efficiency in the automotive market, the state has offered specific incentives to electronic vehicle (EV) drivers and users in order to encourage the public to convert from their conventional gas-run cars to electronic cars.

Electronic hybrid cars are what various automotive experts and environmentalists consider as the great solution to the growing environmental problems that fuel-run vehicles have caused through their hazardous gas emissions. In an environment where people use electronic vehicles, not only does pollution stop, but the state is also able to save up on limited fuel supply. EVs are run by sustainable electronic energy.

There are already a good number of states that have officially listed legal state incentives to EV users, few of which are California, Arizona, Virginia, and Washington. These states have issues special benefits on tax reduction and exemption, loans and grants, and utility incentives to the EV owners that have legally registered and tested their vehicle in the US Environmental Protection Agency and their local transportation boards.

In the state of Arizona, people that install EV charging stations in their homes are given up to $75 income tax credit. Plus, the annual tax for registered electronic vehicles is considerably lower that license tax on conventional fuel-run vehicles. Not only that but Electronic vehicles are allowed to take the HOV (High Occupancy Vehicles) lane regardless of the number of passengers inside it, as long as the EV displays the AFV special plate or sticker from the Arizona Department of Transportation authorizes.

There are also specified parking slots and special charging stations for electronic vehicles in Arizona. Non-EVs that will be caught taking these slots will automatically be fined.

In California, rebates in buying or leasing electronic vehicles are available to the public through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project by the state. They offer up to $5,000 rebates on light-duty emission vehicles, and almost $20,000 rebates on zero emission vehicles. Electronic Vehicles are also allowed to take the HOV (high-occupancy vehicle) lanes only if the car is being driven alone.

Companies in California like Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric, and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power also offer discounts on charging rates for electronic vehicles.

In Virginia, on the other hand, their Alternative Fuels Removing Fund offers loans and grants to municipalities and establishments that support the AFV and the EV cause. Businesses involved in AFV and their workers will also receive income tax credits. EV cars are also allowed to take the HOV lanes regardless of the number of passengers on board.

Washington also offers tax exemptions from the state vehicle sales and use tax to vehicles that use alternative fuels, and vehicles that are run by electricity. The state's Department of Commerce and Transportation is also in the midst of establishing the US' first "Electric Highway"—a network of charging locations set up in one specific route along Interstate 5.

These are only few of the various State incentives for EVs in the US. And with the growing popularity of more and more mass-produced electronic vehicles, it won't be surprising if the number of states supporting the cause and providing state incentives for EVs rises throughout the year.