California Center for Sustainable Energy

CCSE awarded the first rebate check issued from $15 million allocated by California Air Resources Board ( ARB) for clean vehicles during fiscal year 2011-12 to Kim Adelman of Poway at a ceremony held Nov. 15.

San Diego County Supervisor Ronald Roberts, a member of the ARB, helped to present the check and cut a ribbon that officially opened four electric vehicle charging stations at CCSE in Kearny Mesa. Adelman received $2,500 for purchasing a 2011 Nissan LEAF.

"Clean transportation plays a critical role in meeting our state’s long-term air quality goals, and we know that California’s tough vehicle standards draw infrastructure investments and continue to drive innovation,” Roberts said. “This is one reason why California leads the nation in the clean transportation race."

Now in its third-year of funding, the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project promotes the purchase of zero-emission or plug-in hybrid passenger vehicles. During the past two years, $11.1 million, including $2 million provided by the California Energy Commission, funded approximately 2,000 rebates. During the current fiscal year, the ARB allocated an additional $15 million to the CVRP, which will fund 6,000 to 8,000 rebates, depending on the mix of vehicles.

The program incentives are available for electric, plug-in hybrid electric, fuel cell vehicles and electric motorcycles. Rebates are dependent on vehicle type, model year and fuel technology and range from $900 to $2,500.

The CVRP is part of statewide efforts to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the use of cleaner transportation, according to David Almeida, CCSE’s CVRP program manager.

"Funding for the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project for this year represents a three-fold increase compared to last year," Almeida said. "This significant investment will help California residents make the switch to cleaner, more efficient vehicles, creating cleaner air for all of us."

The rebate project is part of ARB’s Air Quality Improvement Program, established by AB 118 (2007, Nunez), to reduce smog and diesel particulate pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Funding for these programs is generated from revenues from smog abatement and vehicle and vessel registration fees.

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