LOCAL

Electric vehicle rebate extends another year. Here are the changes

Molly McVety
Delaware News Journal

Delaware’s rebate for electric vehicles has been extended another year.

As of May 1, the state’s Clean Transportation Incentive Program, which can be used for plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles, is now available until April 30, 2025. The previous rebate program was set to expire April 30, 2024.

According to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, the program has divvied out 5,500 rebates since 2015, adding up to around $12.8 million in total.

What are the rebate offers?

The current rebate program is slightly different than last year’s. Namely, vehicles that run on bi-fuel propane, dedicated propane or natural gas vehicles are not eligible for rebates. There are also nearly twice as many dealerships around the state that are participating in the program this time around.

The rebate is applicable to battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles purchased from a licensed dealership and usually most cost less than $40,000. Vehicles must also be no older than eight years of the current model year and must be registered in the state of Delaware.

Higher rebates will be made available for more affordably priced car models.

The state environmental website has a list of over three dozen vehicle makes and models to which the rebate can be applied, including Tesla, Audi, Ford, Hyundai and Kia.

An electric car charges at Porter Nissan in Newark in 2013. Northern Delaware in November was designated an electric vehicle corridor by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The current tiered rebates available:

  • $2,500 for new battery electric vehicles with a base MSRP of $40,000 or less
  • $1,500 for new battery electric vehicles with a base MSRP of between $40,000 and $50,000
  • $1,000 for new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with a base MSRP of $50,000 or less
  • $2,500 for used battery electric vehicles with a fair market purchase price below $40,000
  • $1,000 for used plug-in hybrid vehicles with a fair market purchase price below $40,000

Federal tax credits ranging up to $7,500 are also available for certain electric vehicle models.

New electric vehicles have a battery that is charged with special equipment and operate in all-electric mode. They can drive anywhere from 150 to 400 miles.

A plug-in hybrid vehicle can operate in all-electric mode for around 20 to 40 miles and then operate on gasoline until it is recharged.

How to apply

Steps to apply for a cash rebate with the state:

  1. Register as a "supplier" with the state of Delaware using the appropriate portal; you will need to keep the supplier ID number provided after this process. There are instructions available for this process.
  2. Apply for the rebate through the application portal online.
  3. Wait 8 to 10 weeks to receive your rebate.

The rebate may be considered taxable income by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and the Delaware Department of Revenue, so try and speak with a tax professional to determine what that means for you.

To claim the federal tax credit, file Form 8936 with your tax return. You'll need your vehicle identification number when filing.

Some car dealerships in the state will be participating in the rebate program and can handle the paperwork for you. This will result in $1,000 to $2,500 off your purchase of an electric or hybrid vehicle.

More dealerships around the state are participating in the program this year. Here is a full list:

  1. Burton CDJR of Smyrna, 19 S Dupont Blvd., Smyrna; 302-653-8521
  2. Willis Ford, 15 N Dupont Blvd., Smyrna; 302-653-5900
  3. Willis Chevrolet, 2707 S Dupont Blvd., Smyrna; 302-389-7003
  4. Winner Subaru & Volkswagen, 1387 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, 302-734-8200
  5. Burton CDJR of Newark, 244 E Cleveland Ave., Newark; 302-731-0100
  6. Carman of New Castle, 196 S. Dupont Highway, New Castle; 302-317-2467
  7. Delaware Motor Sales, Inc., 1606 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington; 302-656-3100
  8. Diver Chevrolet, 2101 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington; 302-472-1604
  9. Nucar Connection, 174 North Dupont Highway, New Castle; 302-322-2438
  10. Bayshore Ford Truck Sales, Inc., 4003 N. Dupont Hwy, New Castle; 302-656-3160
  11. Porter Ford, 600 Ogletown Road, Newark; 302-738-0800
  12. Carman Ford Lincoln, 193 S Dupont Highway, New Castle; 302-323-2300
  13. Martin Kia, 289 E. Cleveland Ave., Newark; 302-453-9900
  14. Matt Slap Subaru, 255 E. Cleveland Ave., Newark; 302-738-5200
  15. First State Motors, Inc., 22694 Dupont Blvd, Georgetown; 302-856-2521
  16. Burton Lewes Automall, 17861 Coastal Highway, Lewes; 302-487-0637
  17. Burton Chevrolet of Seaford, 24799 Sussex Highway, Seaford; 302-279-4172

Molly McVety covers community and environmental issues around Delaware. Contact her at mmcvety@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @mollymcvety.