Washington to launch electric vehicle rebate program for low-income residents

A Chevrolet Volt is seen charging at a ChargePoint charging station at a parking garage in Los Angeles, Oct. 17, 2018. Sixteen states across the country that have tied their vehicle emission standards to California’s now face weighty decisions on whether to follow that state’s strictest-in-the nation new rules and require that all new cars, pickups and SUVs be electric or hydrogen powered by 2035. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Washington is offering partial refunds to low-income residents who buy or lease electric vehicles.

On Tuesday, the Washington State Department of Commerce announced it would dole out $45 million in rebates starting in August.

The program offers a rebate of up to $5,000 for those who purchase a new electric vehicle, or who obtain a two-year lease. Those who obtain a lease of at least three years could receive up to $9,000.

Eligible residents include single-person households that earn up to $45,180 per year, or four-person households that earn up to $93,600.

With the Internal Revenue Service offering tax credits to drivers who purchase EVs or fuel cell vehicles, Washington is following federal efforts to promote alternative fuel vehicles and cut emissions in the U.S.

“Washington state is already a leader in EV adoption, but many more people interested in ditching the gas pump may think they can’t afford to do it,” Gov. Inslee said in a statement. “With these new rebates, we’re significantly lowering the entry point, opening the door to EVs for people of modest incomes as we continue paving the way to a clean transportation future for all.”

According to the Washington Commerce Department, the transportation sector is the state’s leading contributor to greenhouse gases. The agency estimates the rebate program could drop carbon dioxide emissions by 24,000 metric tons.

In Oregon, the Department of Environmental Quality re-opened the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program earlier this month. Applicants must purchase or lease an EV between now and June 4 to be eligible.

Both Oregon and Washington have committed to banning the sale of new, gas-powered vehicles by 2035.