California Center for Sustainable Energy

CCSE to administer statewide clean vehicle program

The state has chosen CCSE as project administrators for a new zero-emission and plug-in hybrid vehicle rebate program set to launch in spring 2010. Details about eligible vehicles, rebate amounts, online applications and supporting documents will be available on the CCSE website in February.

The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project is funded by the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Resources Board ( ARB). A total of $5 million was appropriated from the ARB’s Air Quality Improvement Program for the rebates to promote the use and production of alternative fuel vehicles. The program was created by Assembly Bill 118 that was signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in October 2007 and that funds air quality improvement projects through 2015.

Rebates of up to $5,000 per vehicle will be available for individuals and business owners who purchase or lease new eligible zero-emission or plug-in light-duty vehicles until the funding runs out. Certain zero-emission commercial vehicles are eligible for rebates up to $20,000.

Vehicles can be cars, trucks, commercial medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, motorcycles or neighborhood electric vehicles as long as they are new and meet certain qualifying requirements. Vehicles must be purchased or leased after official launch of the program in early 2010.

It is anticipated that funds will be insufficient to provide rebates to all eligible vehicle purchasers over the duration of the three-year program. Rebates will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

CCSE also was administrator of ARB’s two-year, $2.6 million Fueling Alternatives vehicle rebate program that ended in June 2009. Rebates were given for 948 purchases from low-range electric vehicles to high-end electric sports cars.

According to the ARB, vehicles account for well over half the emissions that contribute to ozone and particulate matter air pollution in California. Zero emission and near-zero emission vehicles are a key element of California's plan for attaining health-based air quality standards, and they also reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Several automobile manufacturers have new alternative fuel vehicles in the pipeline for market, including the Nissan Leaf and the Coda.

“Projected improvements in conventional vehicle technology are not sufficient to meet current air quality standards or the goals of California legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Irene Stillings, CCSE executive director. “Every alternative fuel vehicle that replaces a gas vehicle on the roadway helps clear the air for all of us.”

You can get updated information about the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project at the ARB website.  For information on all clean vehicle models available, visit www.DriveClean.ca.gov.

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