State rebates drastically reduce or eliminate the cost of an electric car for low- and moderate-income drivers along the Central Coast
SANTA BARBARA, VENTURA, AND SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA — Electrify America awarded Ecology Action and its partners (Community Environmental Council (CEC), GreenPower, and Regenerción) funding to help residents secure electric vehicle (EV) rebates to get more clean driving, low-maintenance vehicles on the road over the next 16 months.T his equity-focused EV initiative highlights the very affordable ($100/month) – even FREE for some – used and leased EV options available here on the Central Coast and across California. The Central Coast EV Equity team will guide income-qualified residents through the rebate process with direct personal assistance, easy to follow website instructions, and other digital support. “Drivers making under $78,600 (family of four) may be able to lease an electric vehicle for free by stacking three rebates toward ultra-low-cost end-of-year leases. Higher income drivers can also get extremely low-cost leases,” said Michael Chiacos, CEC’s Director of Energy and Climate Programs. “Driving a 100 mpge+ electric vehicle is fun and available to all — not just the wealthy. It’s an amazing opportunity to slash gas expenses in half while significantly reducing air pollution.” He also noted that the devastating and pervasive wildfires, extreme extended heat waves, and COVID-19 constraints on public transit and shared mobility options make the need for climate action and greater sustainable transportation options more urgent than ever before. This initiative provides such a solution. Current record-low lease pricing combined with EV rebates and this funding creates low-cost, clean transportation opportunities. Low-income communities contain the lowest fraction of EV owners. From June 2018 to May 2020, the state issued 522 low- and moderate-income “standard” zero emission vehicle (ZEV) rebates in our region compared to 11,863 moderate- and high-income ZEV rebates. When compared to the hundreds of thousands of eligible families in our area — and the state targets for conversion — it is clear that inclusive assistance is needed quickly and authentically to prevent the access gap widening as the clean transportation transition gains momentum and grows. Used EVs also present an easy path to affordable clean driving as previously owned plug-ins range in cost from $4,000 to $10,000 and are eligible for some rebates. Here is one consumer’s experience: “I wanted an EV for years but didn’t think that I could afford one. But, not true… I found my 2012 Nissan Leaf for $4,800. The car has all the bells and whistles. It’s the best car I’ve ever had, and I love driving it!” said Patricia Damron, an EV owner who qualified for $800 in rebates.The initiative brings transportation equity to the Counties of San Benito, Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. Ecology Action and its partners were one of only six grants funded in California by Electrify America. Electrify America is investing $3 million to provide education and awareness programs for low-income and disadvantaged communities throughout California on the benefits of driving ZEVs and available cash incentives. Today’s announcement brings Electrify America’s total investment in California community-based programs to $5.7 million over the past two years, as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to promote ZEV adoption throughout the state. To find out about the numerous EV rebates available to Central Coast residents that make driving an EV very affordable — and some leases or used EVs free — visit www.ElectricDrive805.org/Free-EV-VE-Gratuito. |