While federal tax credits dominate the headlines, state legislators are working hard to enact new EV state incentives. These state incentives are helping consumers reduce the starting price by $1,500 to $5,000 with the help of tax credits or rebates. The post-purchase rebates provide car buyers with a check, as long as the buyer and the EV qualifies under the state’s requirements.

State incentives may be getting less attention due to the slow federal tax credit rollout and final language, but these state rebates could be a big reason for increased EV demand in 2023. Below are a sample of state incentives in 2023:

• Colorado – New! As of July 1, 2023, qualifying EVs are eligible for a $5,000 tax credit until 2025.
• New Jersey – Receive up to $4,000 via a rebate program, depending on battery pack size.
• Massachusetts – Receive up to $3,500 if the new EV is retained and registered in Massachusetts for at least 36 months.
• New York – The Drive Clean program provides up to $2,000 for purchasing or leasing a new electric vehicle, depending on battery pack size.
• Illinois – The rebate can go as high as $4,000 for all-electric vehicles. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are also eligible for a rebate of up to $2,000.

Many states fund post-purchase rebates quarterly, like New Jersey and Illinois, and consumers need to submit applications quickly before funds run out for that quarter. With this issue flying under the radar, be sure to inform your neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family about these healthy rebates!

In other news, the first phase of the Route Zero Relay ended in late June, and we want to thank all of the EVA chapters for their help in promoting the cross-country EV relay that raised awareness about the proposed clean air standards from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has received more than 130,000 comments on the clean air rule. Going forward, there will be other Route Zero related events across the country, so stay tuned! The Relay may be over, but #RouteZero continues on!

Elaine Borseth
President, Electric Vehicle Association