The future is here and the state of Washington is looking to capitalize. But, not all are on board. A $100 million proposal by Gov. Jay Inslee to dramatically expand incentives for Washington residents to purchase electric vehicles remains uncertain as legislators scrutinize it. There are aggressive ideas and incentives being proposed to help push it to reality.
Inslee could give rebates to customers who purchase electric vehicles.The program is part of Inslee’s package of climate policies that he recently outlined. It would provide up to $7,500 for new battery and fuel-cell electric vehicles. Used cars could get up to $5,000 in rebates, and zero-emission motorcycles and electric bikes could get up to $1,000. Drivers who earn low wages could get an additional $5,000 rebate if they purchase an electric car.
“If we’re going to invest that kind of money in electric vehicle rebates, we want to make sure that is helping people who would not otherwise want, or be able, to do this,” said Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, D-West Seattle, who chairs the House Environment & Energy Committee.
Some environmentalist see this as one of the many ways to clean air. Electric Cars do not emit the many toxins that are the results us using gas and diesel engines. The intent is to drastically speed up the transition to electric vehicles as the state tries to meet ambitious goals of slashing carbon emissions emitted by fossil fuels to net zero by 2040, and to include more low-income people in the transition.
Electric Cars are not cheap. The new eligible cars could cost up to $55,000 for sedans, and up to $80,000 for vans, trucks and SUVs. Incentivizing the purchase could make the difference for some. Inflation may be a factor however.
Matthew Metz, co-executive director of Coltura, a nonprofit pushing to move off fossil fuel cars, said that Inslee’s proposal is a big step in the right direction. But he said incentives should be reworked to target the biggest users of gasoline and fossil fuels.
