Deal Of The Day: $42k Off A Tesla Roadster?

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

That’s right. Buy a $110,000 Tesla Roadster, and according to the Denver Post, the state of Colorado will give you $42,000 in tax breaks. That’s 85 percent of the premium over a Lotus Elise. Colorado’s alt-fuel and zero-emissions tax credit system gives between 50 percent and 85 percent of the premium over a comparable gas-burning car, but as a zero-emissions vehicle only the Tesla can claim the full 85 percent discount. “Most of them are (Toyota) Priuses and hybrid vehicles,” say CO revenue department spokesfolks. Still, the colossal incentive on the two-seat Roadster was enough for the state legislature to limit discounts to no more than $6,000. But that limit doesn’t go into effect until January. Between now and then though, there’s practically no reason to buy an Elise in Colorado… unless you want to be able to fill up at a gas station. [Hat Tip: Freedmike]


Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Bunter1 Bunter1 on Oct 23, 2009

    I'll take the Elise at even money. Thanks anyway. Bunter

  • Talkstoanimals Talkstoanimals on Oct 23, 2009
    The Tesla-buying demographic needs all the help they can get. Silicon Valley and tech stocks are humming along pretty good, without a penny of TARP. Even better! People with soaring (paper) net worth need a $42k tax break too. Nice to see the government helping these poor souls get a leg-up.
  • Via Nocturna Via Nocturna on Oct 23, 2009

    Little known fact: the Tesla is actually a dual-fuel vehicle, running on both electricity and hundred-dollar bills. The motor initially runs in Benjamin-powered mode while at the dealership to conserve battery life, switching permanently to electric power upon delivery.

  • Anonymous Anonymous on Oct 24, 2009

    Nuts!

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