California Center for Sustainable Energy

CCSE disbursed funds to stimulate purchases of new, clean technology vehicles

Californians who took advantage of state rebates for buying clean technology vehicles report a very high level of satisfaction with their purchases and the incentive program, according to a survey evaluating the California Air Resources Board’s Fueling Alternatives Rebate Program.

 

The program officially ended April 30, 2009 after awarding nearly $2.6 million to state residents and businesses who bought or leased 948 zero or near zero emission vehicles between February 2008 and April 2009. CCSE administered the statewide program for the ARB, providing rebates of up to $5,000 per vehicle using electric, compressed natural gas or fuel cell technology. Such vehicles are a key element of California's plan for attaining health-based air quality standards set by the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act requiring a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.

The idea of the program was to test if offsetting the cost of new technology cars would push the market and gain greater public acceptance of alternative fuel vehicles ( AFVs) over gas-powered, while encouraging manufacturers to make more AFVs.

Sixty percent of the purchasers contacted responded to an online survey about their experiences with the program, satisfaction with their vehicle and other general information. They results show a very high approval level with overall vehicle satisfaction at 95 percent, reliability at 94 percent and performance at 87 percent. The only downside was a 60 percent satisfaction level with available fueling options, largely from owners of natural gas and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles who are faced with limited locations for refueling.

CCSE’s administration of the program ranked high with 90 percent of participants reporting satisfied or very satisfied with the timeliness of response, professionalism and customer service. Nearly half mentioned Mary Venables, the program administer, by name as having played a key role in their satisfaction.

“Fifty percent reported they would have not made the purchase without the rebate, indicating the program has had a direct impact on expanding the market for AFVs,” Venables said. “Over 80 percent said they have interest in purchasing another AFV in the future. This is particularly important as repeat purchases of AFVs compound the positive impact state rebates have on the long-term market growth.”

Purchases under the program were concentrated in major metropolitan areas surrounding Los Angeles and San Francisco, with the largest numbers in L.A., Orange and San Diego counties. Nearly two-thirds of the rebates (622) went to purchasers of the compressed natural gas Honda Civic GX, with the next highest number (116) going to buyers of Global Electric Motorcars line of neighborhood electric vehicles. Close behind were Vectrix electric motorcycles (74) and the high-performance electric Tesla Roadster (63). Six lessees of the only hydrogen-powered fuel cell car eligible, the Honda FCX Clarity, also received rebates.

The environmental benefits of the program were assessed by calculating the displaced gasoline use and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. More than 515,000 gallons of gas per year will be saved by the AFVs purchased under the program. Assuming the owner would have driven a gas-powered vehicle and taking into consideration the emissions associated with each type of AFV, including natural gas consumption, electrical generation and hydrogen production, the vehicles resulted in a nearly 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions per year over gas use. This estimate assumes no one in the program charged their electric vehicle with self-generated solar or fuel cell power.

The bottom line is that a third of California’s CO₂ emissions come from gasoline vehicles. Projected improvements in conventional vehicle technology are not sufficient to meet air quality standards called for by California legislation that sets goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Every alternative fuel vehicle that replaces a gas vehicle on the roadway helps clear the air for all of us, Venables said.

Rebates for zero emission vehicles in California are on hold until officials finalize the details of AB 118, the Air Quality Improvement Program, which will authorize additional incentive funds for zero-emission and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Approximately $5 million is targeted for car and motorcycle incentives that should become available by the end of the year. For now, consumers can still take advantage of federal tax credits for hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles.

REBATE COUNTDOWN
Vehicle Category	Amount of Rebates Distributed	Funding Remaining for Category
Alternative Fuel Vehicles: Compressed Natural Gas ( CNG)	$1,954,986	$000,000
Electric Vehicles: Full-Function Electric Vehicles (Battery Electric or Fuel Cell) City Electric Vehicles Neighborhood Electric Vehicles ( NEVs) Zero-Emission Vehicles ( ZEV)	$643,850	$000,000
Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles ( PHEV)	$000,000	$000,000
Total Distributed:	$2,598,836

 

Final Fund Outlay

Type of Vehicle	# of Vehicles	Total Rebate Amount
Tesla Roadster	63	$315,000
Vectrix MaxiScooter	74	$11,000
Honda FCX Clarity	6	$30,000
GEM e2	27	$25,650
GEM e4	61	$76,250
GEM eL	4	$5,050
GEM eS	4	$4,400
GEM eL-XD	20	$26,000
Miles EV	26	$39,000
ZENN	3	$4,500
ZAP	7	$7,000
Honda Civic GX	622	$1,861,986
Ford Crown Victoria CNG	25	$75,000
Lincoln Towncar CNG	6	$18,000
TOTALS	948	$2,598,836

 

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 28 July 2009 07:52 )