California Renews Electric Car Incentive But Slashes Rebate

SACRAMENTO (KCBS) - The rebates available to Californians who buy hybrid or all-electric vehicles will be smaller, but state officials hope the latest incarnation of the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project will reach more motorists.

The $7 million that funded the original rebate program was used up by June 20, and there is already a waiting list for the incentive that takes its place.

"When the funding runs out, it runs out. It is on a first-come, first-served basis," said Mary Fricke, spokeswoman for the California Air Resources Board.

KCBS' Mike Colgan Reports:

Originally electric car purchases such as a Nissan Leaf or a Tesla Roadster were eligible for a $5,000 rebate. That amount has been reduced to $2,500.

Under both versions of the program, buyers of the Toyota Prius and other hybrid models could apply for lower rebate amounts.

Fricke said the Air Resources Board authorized $21 million this time because of the popularity of the program. California has issued more than $11 million in rebates since the program started in 2009.

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