Washington State is offering new rebates of up to $9,000 for low-income drivers to lease or buy electric vehicles, aiming to make them more affordable and accessible.
Washington State Offers Big Rebates to Help Low-Income Families Get Electric Cars
According to KNKX, in Washington State, there’s a fresh push to make electric cars more accessible for low-income drivers. The state is offering up to $9,000 off for those who lease a fully electric vehicle and up to $5,000 off for those buying a new one. This initiative managed through selected car dealerships, aims to reduce the cost barrier and help more families enjoy the benefits of driving electric.
Mike Fong, Washington Commerce Director, said many people want electric cars, but the cost is a big problem. This new program focuses on affordable leasing to help more people get electric cars. Governor Jay Inslee said this effort, along with more charging stations and local battery factories, is part of the state’s plan to fight climate change and make electric cars available to more people.
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Concerns Arise Over Washington’s EV Leasing Program for Low-Income Drivers, But Optimism Remains
Some people, like the Seattle Electric Vehicle Association (SEVA), worry that the program’s focus on leasing instead of buying might not be best for low-income buyers. SEVA President Jay Donnaway thinks it might help dealerships more than buyers. However, Donnaway is still hopeful that the program will let many people get affordable electric cars for their daily needs. The rebates are available until next June, with enough money for up to 8,000 cars.