Dinniman: Rebates Available for Alternative Fuel Vehicles

WEST CHESTER (December 14) – State Senator Andy Dinniman announced today that state rebates are available to assist Pennsylvanians with the cost of purchasing an alternative fuel vehicle.

“It is important that we continue to work to encourage energy conservation and efficiency, as well as the increased use of alternative and renewable energy resources in transportation,” Dinniman said. “These rebates can make a difference in helping offset the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles.”

The rebates, which are funded by the Department of Environmental Protection’s Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program, are available to consumers for the purchase of new plug-in hybrid, plug-in electric, natural gas, propane and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The rebates are as follows:

· $2,000 for large-battery vehicles, such as the Nissan Leaf, Ford Focus, Chevy Volt, and similar models from BMW and Tesla. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles must have battery systems capacities equal or greater than 10 kWh.

· $1,000 for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery-electric vehicles with battery system capacities less than 10 kWh. Some examples include the Toyota Prius plug-in, Ford C-Max Energi, Ford Fusion, and Honda Accord.

· $1,000 for natural gas, propane, hydrogen or fuel-cell vehicles, such as the compressed natural gas (CNG) powered Honda Civic or any new CNG powered car or pickup truck. CNG original equipment, manufacturer retrofits, or certified conversions to CNG or propane are also eligible for the $1,000 rebate.

· $500 for electric motorcycles, scooters, ATVs or other low-speed electric vehicle if registered in Pennsylvania.

The rebates are available to Pennsylvania residents only for the purchase of new alternative fuel vehicles. Leased vehicles and used vehicles are not eligible for rebates. To qualify, the vehicle must be registered in Pennsylvania and operated primarily in state. Vehicles must have an odometer reading of less than 500 miles at the time of purchase, and consumers must submit applications within six months of the date of purchase.

Dinniman also encouraged residents who have recently purchased an alternative fuel vehicle to apply now as rebate funds are limited.

“These rebates are available on a first come, first served basis while funds last,” Dinniman said. “So, act now because the funds won’t last forever.”

There are only a limited number of rebates available at the $2,000 level. The rebate program will be reassessed upon payment of the first 250 rebates at $2,000 or June 30, 2016, whichever occurs first.

For information on the types of eligible vehicles and to apply for a rebate click here.

6