The secret of GM’s EV and hybrid advertising (in Texas, at least)

no signalAs I am sure you’re well aware, General Motors hit the 200,000 vehicle limit on the federal tax credit for all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles a few months back. As of April 1st (seems apropos…) buyers of these GM vehicles qualify for half the original $7,500 tax credit. Almost simultaneously, Texas paid out its last $2,500 rebate in their light-duty motor vehicle purchase or lease incentive program.

That’s kind of a kick in the gut, both for those wanting to buy and for those who sell these great vehicles!

Thankfully, we can all rejoice, because GM has made up for most of this loss in new incentives. During the month of May, any buyer can qualify for a point-of-sale incentive from GM, for $5,500!

On top of that, if you currently are leasing a GM vehicle, there’s another $1,500 available ($500 for those currently leasing non-GM vehicles). These incentives are even available to those who plan to to take advantage of the following GM pricing programs:

  • GM Employee (with the understandable exception of the non-GM leases)
  • GM Educator
  • GM College
  • GM Military
  • GM First Responder
  • GM Retiree Voucher

These programs can easily replace the loss in government incentives, but no one seems to know about them!!!

I could use your help. IF you’re in Texas, make sure your friends who are interested in plug-in vehicles know about the incentives making up for the loss of government incentives. Also, let them know about me 😉 If you’re not in Texas, check in with your local Chevy dealer to make sure those incentives are available to buyers in your area. Then…

Spread the word!!!!

Keep the revolution rolling!!!!

About the author

An accidental EVangelist: On my way to work at Apple one morning, my car was rear-ended (and totaled) by an SUV, driven by a guy playing with his smartphone.
This led me to get my first plug-in vehicle.
I started blogging about my experiences immediately.
A year later, in 2013, I was hired by the dealership as their "EVangelist."
I became a board member with the Texas Electric Transportation Resources Alliance (www.TxETRA.org) and perform public speaking in the DFW area regarding electric vehicles and environmental issues.
I also teach others how to sell plug-in vehicles or manage EV sales.
I'm on a mission.

Comments

  1. “During the month of April, any buyer can qualify for a point-of-sale incentive from GM, for $5,500!”

    April? You mean May?

  2. Interesting comment:

    “Most people that I have talked to about EVs still think that they all cost $80,000 and take 8 hours to charge on a road trip. For the most part, they are genuinely surprised when I tell them how fast charging works or that there are many to choose from with decent ranges for the $40k price range.”

    https://insideevs.com/news/349502/drivers-wont-buy-electric-too-expensive/

    A bit of good, informative advertising would go a long way.

  3. Hi Buzz, I’m an engineer at Oncor and my focus are EVs. Oncor is passionate about serving EV customers, building and strengthening our relationships, and being a trusted advisor in the EV community. We are currently performing studies to evaluate what we need to do to accommodate the growth in EVs. I would love to know if we can collaborate!

    1. How about Oncor installing charging stations at places like apartment and condo complexes to encourage people to buy EVs?

      1. As I understand it, Oncor cannot sell electricity to the end user. Part of TxETRA’s white paper on charging infrastructure in Texas, includes locating DC fast chargers near multi-family dwellings, especially in less affluent areas, in order to make sure the EV revolution is open to all.

        1. I was suggesting that Oncor install the equipment. Someone else could provide the electricity, hopefully at an economical rate.

          Re the less affluent areas: unfortunately, the less affluent cannot afford the EVs, at least until the used EV market develops. EVs are currently a luxury item.

  4. I hate when rebates are tied to the lease/loan of an existing car; it’s effectively a penalty for those of us that own a paid off one. We have GMC Acadia but because it’s paid off we aren’t considered “loyal”. I also have a 2015 Chevy Volt that is on a credit union loan that wouldn’t qualify. Oh well, I guess I’ll keep looking at other brands to replace them – that’s too bad because I’d love for you to get my business, Buzz.

  5. Rebates change every month. I would not give up on two of the best plug-in vehicles, just because there’s an additional incentive for which you do not qualify. 2018 Volts are 18% off. 2019 Bolt EV incentives are the most aggressive I’ve seen in a while.

  6. Other Nations Support Electric Cars. In The US, They’re Supposedly A Threat To Gas Tax Revenue.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2019/05/24/other-nations-support-electric-cars-in-the-us-theyre-supposedly-a-threat-to-gas-tax-revenue/

    “[I]n the US, the official strategy now seems to be to slow down or stop the spread of EVs. The federal government has shifted into reverse gear, moving to roll back previously agreed emissions and fuel economy standards. The reversal is gathering momentum at the state level as well, as Bloomberg reports. In 24 states, EVs are now subject to additional annual fees — typically in the form of higher registration costs that can be as much as $200 per year.”

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