Gov. Tom Corbett and the Department of Environmental Protection reminded residents Thursday $3,000 rebates are still available for the purchase of large-battery system plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery-electric vehicles (EVs).

“Since 2011, Gov. Corbett has invested $3.35 million in rebates for the purchase of electric vehicles, which has worked to support local jobs and clean the air,” DEP Acting Secretary Chris Abruzzo said.  “This current rebate was initially available only through June 30, but we’ve extended the deadline to give more residents an opportunity to make the switch to an alternative-fueled vehicle.”

The $3,000 rebate amount is now available through December 31, 2013, or until the 500 vehicle mark is reached, whichever occurs first.  Rebates of $3,500 were previously made available to the first 500 applicants.  When that milestone was reached in February, rebate amounts of $3,000 were made available for the next 500 qualified applicants. 

As of June 18, there were 350 rebates remaining in this amount.  Rebate amounts offered in the future will be reassessed at that time.

Large battery vehicles that have battery system capacity equal or greater than 10 kilo-watt hours (kWh)—including but not limited to models such as the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt—are eligible for the highest rebate amount. 

DEP also offers rebates of $1,000 for PHEV or EV vehicles with battery system capacity of less than 10 kWh, including but not limited to models such as the Toyota Prius plug-in and Ford C-Max Energi.

Rebates of $1,000 are offered for the purchase of natural gas, propane and hydrogen or fuel cell vehicles.  A $500 rebate is available for electric motorcycles and scooters.

DEP provides these rebates as incentives to assist Pennsylvania residents with the incremental cost of purchasing an alternative fuel vehicle. 

To qualify, the vehicle must be new, registered in Pennsylvania, and purchased no more than six months before the rebate application is submitted. Leased vehicles are not eligible for these rebates.

The rebates are funded by the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program, which is supported by a receipts tax on utilities.

Rebate applications and updated guidelines are available on DEP’s Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates webpage.  Information on rebate availability will be updated weekly.  

7/1/2013