California is making changes to its electric car rebate program to prioritize subsidies for low-income car buyers. The current clean car rebate project, which faces problems of limited funding and long waiting lists, will be replaced by a new program that provides subsidies exclusively to residents with low to the income is moderate.
The purpose of the change is to ensure that those struggling to afford electric vehicles have access to financial assistance to make the transition. The new program, called Clean Cars 4 All, will expand statewide next year and give income-eligible people up to $12,000 to trade in their old gas-powered cars for cleaner alternatives. In addition, those without an old car to sell may qualify for up to $7,500 in purchase grants.
While the existing rebate program has been instrumental in encouraging electric car adoption, with more than half a million rebates issued, the state now aims to target those who have yet to buy cleaner cars. . The change is part of California’s broader plan to increase the number of zero-emission vehicles on the road and reduce air pollution.
The changes received mixed reactions. Advocates believe the change will help democratize clean transportation and make electric cars more accessible. However, some car dealers have expressed concern that ending rebates for middle- to higher-income Californians will discourage people from buying electric cars. However, the state remains committed to making electric vehicles affordable for all income levels as it moves towards its ambitious goal of reaching 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035.
