With new technology, infrastructure, rebates, and incentives, purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle (EV) is more affordable and easier than ever before. EVs are a great solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment! The transportation sector currently accounts for about 40% of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in Santa Barbara County and 50% of GHG emissions in California. In an effort to combat this issue Governor Newsom has adopted an executive order stating that by 2035 all new vehicles sold in California must be Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs). As we continue to combat climate change and transition from fossil fuels, one way residents can get involved is by switching to an EV.
Why Get an Electric Vehicle?
Cost savings – The average American spends about $2,000 on gas each year, while the average fuel savings of an EV owner is approximately $1,500 each year. EVs also have lower maintenance costs, as they don’t require oil and filter changes.
Technology development – As consumer demand increases, automakers have begun to offer more models and options resulting in lower EV costs. There are now over 40 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids on the market in California and over 95,000 public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) ports in the United States, with numbers continuing to rapidly grow as technology develops.
Environment – Fossil fuel cars create smog and pollute the air we breathe. Driving an EV is a great way to lower your carbon footprint, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and keep our air clean.
Can I Afford It?
Many California organizations have partnered to offer incentives with the goal of making clean vehicles accessible and affordable to all California residents. Record-low lease pricing, rebates and incentives can be combined to get new or used EVs for low or no cost, depending on the income of the driver.
California Clean Vehicle Assistance Program – California Climate Investments provides grants and affordable financing to help income-qualified Californians purchase or lease a new or used hybrid or electric vehicle.
California Clean Vehicle Rebate Program – California residents can get up to $7,000 for the purchase or lease of a new, eligible zero-emission or plug-in hybrid vehicle.
California Clean Fuel Reward – The California Air Resources Board, in partnership with Southern California Edison (SCE), offers up to $1,500 off the purchase or lease of an eligible new battery electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.
Federal Tax Credit – U.S. taxpayers can qualify for up to $7,500 as a credit on next year’s taxes with the purchase of an eligible battery electric vehicle.
Consumer Assistance Program – The Bureau of Automotive Repair offers eligible consumers vehicle retirement options of either $1,500 or $1,000 to retire or replace an older, high-polluting vehicle to help improve air quality.
Old Car Buyback Program – The Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District offers a similar incentive designed to take older vehicles off the road. The District will pay $1,000 for your older vehicle if it meets the program requirements.
SCE Nissan Leaf Deal – Nissan is offering SCE customers up to $6,000 cash back on a 2020 Nissan Leaf or Leaf Plus and up to $3,000 on 2021 models.
For more information on qualifying for these incentives please read here or watch videos here.