California is making changes to its electric vehicle rebate program in an effort to prioritize subsidies for low-income residents. The state’s popular Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, which has been in place since 2010, will end this year due to a lack of funding. Instead, California will expand its “Clean Cars 4 All” program in 2024, which will provide grants to scrap and replace old gas stations with cleaner alternatives or for the purchase of new ones. electric vehicles.
The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project has been instrumental in helping Californians switch to electric vehicles and has awarded half a million rebates worth $1.2 billion since its inception. However, the program often faces problems due to lack of funding, leading to long waiting lists. By redirecting resources to low- to middle-income buyers, the state hopes to make electric cars more affordable for a wider segment of the population.
While some car dealers have expressed concern that ending the rebate for middle- and high-income buyers could dampen sales, others understand the need for a change in approach. California aims to make 100% of its vehicle sales zero-emission by 2035 and believes that providing subsidies to those who do not reach electric vehicles will help accelerate the adoption of clean transportation.
