I got a call from a friend, who was in Austin, reading the tea leaves regarding the “Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program.” The news is not good. The mood in Austin leads him to believe the program will end, according to the original plan on June 26, 2015 at 5:00PM. For those unaware of the program, plug-in vehicle purchasers or lessees, in Texas, can get a rebate of up to $2,500 from the state government. I received a rebate check for $2,500 when we purchased our third Chevy Volt. Fittingly, the rebate check arrived on my birthday!
I’m still hoping the politicians see the value of the program. It is part of a strategy to improve air quality by supporting the purchase or lease of cleaner vehicles, both plug-in electric and CNG. Originally, the program was funded to the tune of $7.76 million and covered vehicles purchased or leased on or after May 13, 2014.
The sad thing is, many consumers are completely unaware of the program, as are many of the clean vehicle salespeople. If the program is allowed to come to an end, one major reason may be that, after 10-1/2 months less than half the allocated funds have been disbursed! The program may end, due to a seeming lack of interest! Out of the $7.76 million funding, $4.92 million has not been spent. That’s 63% of the money left in state coffers, and it’s a crying shame. Some interesting figures, including graphs showing funds dispersal by vehicle brand, are located here.
If you bought or leased a new plug-in electric or plug-in electric hybrid vehicle, in Texas, on or after May 13th of 2014, you still have time to claim your rebate. Program details, including the forms needed to file for the rebate, are here. If you’ve been on the fence about getting a plug-in vehicle in Texas, waiting a little longer to decide can cost you dearly.
Texas seems to be following a trend. Just today, Green Car Reports published an article about the Illinois clean car rebate program ending and a transportation funding bill that calls for an end to Georgia’s income tax credit program for clean car purchases.
Oh well, it was nice while it lasted…
