California Bill Aims To Democratize EVs Among Low, Mid-Income Residents
California’s low- and mid-income residents may soon be able to board the EV train with help from a bill now working its way through the state’s legislature.
The Los Angeles Times reports California Senate Bill 1275, sponsored by Sen. Kevin de Léon of Los Angeles, would mandate the California Air Resource Board to place an income cap on rebate and incentive eligibility, democratizing electric vehicles in so doing.
As it stands, four-fifths of residents currently receiving the credits have an average annual income of $100,000 or more:
A $2,500 rebate to purchase an electric vehicle is not likely to matter to someone earning over $300,000 a year, but it does make a big difference to someone earning $60k a year. Every community deserves clean air, regardless of wealth.
On top of the $7,500 federal credit, low- and mid-income residents — who would be favored over high-income residents under the bill — would receive $2,500 for buying an EV, $1,500 for ditching a high-polluting vehicle, and $3,000 or more (depending on air quality of residence) for buying a clean-air vehicle. A $3,000 credit toward public transit passes or car-sharing memberships would also be available for those who give up their vehicles with no intention of replacement.
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
More by Cameron Aubernon
Comments
Join the conversation
good popcorn - crunch crunch crunch
Nope. You guys aren't racist at all...not one bit. When I was a poor white person, I qualified for energy assistance and snap. Guess my swarthy Italian features threw them off, even though everything was handled over the phone and online. perhaps you aren't all that poor...what with owning multiple properties, living off the government teat, sorry not going to glamorize military retirement, and able to buy nex cars with cash and give multiple grandkids relatively new cars. If that is broke, you would probably shoot yourself in the face if you had to live the life that qualifies a person for those programs. P.S. Hate to burst your victimization bubble, but most aid recipients are white.
Eliminate the subsidy. Problem solved. If California has excess money to piss off, then rebate the taxpayers.
Families with $60k income in CA are not going to buy an EV. The issue is hype rather than substance.