California has made the decision to end its popular electric vehicle rebate program, the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, which has been in operation since 2010. This shift in focus seeks to help low-income car buyers in the state and address the disparity in electric vehicle ownership, which is mostly among families with higher incomes in the last 13 years.
The intention behind this change is not to eliminate options for one group of drivers at the expense of another, but to help those who have not yet purchased cleaner cars. Electric vehicles cost an average of $53,000, making them out of reach for many low-income individuals and families.
Under the new program, starting in 2024, eligible Californians will receive up to $12,000 to replace their old cars with cleaner cars. While some car dealers have expressed concern that ending the rebate for middle- and high-income drivers could discourage people from buying electric cars, the California Air Resources Board argues that it won’t. will happen. They believe that electric vehicles are becoming popular with a particular group of Californians.
Overall, California’s decision to shift its focus and provide assistance to low-income car buyers is aimed at making electric vehicles more accessible and equitable for all residents of the state.
