The California Air Resources Board has done a tremendous amount to accelerate the adoption of electrified vehicles. One of its objectives is to ensure that low- and moderate-income consumers can also enjoy the benefits of plugging in. To that end, California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) is implementing new rules that will tie eligibility for state purchase rebates to income levels.

CVRP rebates for low- and moderate-income California residents are being increased by $1,500, effective this month. When combined with the $7,500 federal tax credit, the rebates provide savings of up to $11,500. To qualify for the extra goodies, an applicant must have household income of no more than $35,640 for an individual, or $72,900 for a family of four.

Higher-income consumers will no longer be eligible for CVRP rebates if their gross annual income exceeds $250,000 for single tax filers, $340,000 for head of household filers and $500,000 for joint filers.

“This increase in incentives for lower-income families will help to ensure that more California drivers, especially those living in communities most impacted by air pollution, can benefit from driving and owning the cleanest vehicles,” Air Resources Board Chair Mary D. Nichols said.

Source: CARB via Green Car Congress