California - EV Rebates - Who should issue rebates, Utilities or Car Mfgrs?

[SMAlset]

interesting article I came upon on Bloomberg this morning about car manufacturers including Tesla and Ford trying to change how California EV rebates are issued. The car manufacturers would like to see them issued directly from the manufacturer when you buy the car instead of the current method of buyers having to apply to the utility and wait for their check. Still an undecided issue: "At Friday’s meeting, ARB will vote on whether the staff should change direction on this and other issues during a formal rulemaking. A final vote is scheduled for September."

Tesla’s Foe in Fight Over Electric Vehicle Rebate: Utilities

Personally I think buyers would rather avoid the hassle and time involved in filling out forms and waiting for money and would rather have the money deducted right on the spot when they buy their car if I'm understanding how the manufacturers are proposing it be handled. I'm sure the utilities would love to sit on the rebate money and likely earn interest on it in the meantime--just my guess how that works for them. Also by letting the manufacturers be able to issue the rebate funds at time of purchase, it eliminates the middle man, which I think in this case is the utility companies, always a more efficient way to process things.

 

[miimura]

I think it's reasonable to have the $2,500 CVRP rebate applied at point of sale. The only sticky point is the income qualification. They would have to have some way to do that without revealing personal data to dealership personnel.

The utility rebates based on the Low Carbon Fuel Standard are a lot more difficult to do because it depends on who you electric provider is. What if you live in Santa Clara, Palo Alto, or some other place that has a municipal utility? You should not get the money from PG&E. Also, SDG&E pays a smaller amount every year while PG&E and SCE only pay once per owner per VIN. The state would have to restructure the program in a big way to make it more uniform.

 

[Uncle Paul]

EV Rebates in California are currently all handled differently:

The Federal rebate needs to be claimed when you file your taxes for the eligible year. Up to $7,500 depending on your income and tax liability. In 2017 they extended an additonal 30% credit for installation of a personal charging station at your residence (might happen again this year.

State $2,500 is sent to you in a check, after you file the proper paperwork (or email work)

San Diego Gas & Electric give you a credit on your electric bill.

SGE sends you a $450 check after getting funding and your paper work. Takes a couple months.

BMW has a deal with SGE customers. Dealership deducts $10,000 right off your price when buying a new i3.

Low emission vehicle stickers are handled by the State. (you send them $22 and they send you a sticker. Different colors for different levels of clean)

 

[H-H-H]

Just to add to this thread, Santa Clara's utility company, Silicon Valley Power, has now started offering a $750 rebate for an EV charger installation, but the "requirements" currently state the charger needs to have a J1772 plug.

Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebate | Silicon Valley Power

I called to ask them if Tesla's Wall Charger would qualify, but they said they'd need to look into it. The person admitted I wasn't the first to call and ask.

 

[BluestarE3]

EV Rebates in California are currently all handled differently:

The Federal rebate needs to be claimed when you file your taxes for the eligible year. Up to $7,500 depending on your income and tax liability. In 2017 they extended an additonal 30% credit for installation of a personal charging station at your residence (might happen again this year.

State $2,500 is sent to you in a check, after you file the proper paperwork (or email work)

San Diego Gas & Electric give you a credit on your electric bill.

SGE sends you a $450 check after getting funding and your paper work. Takes a couple months.

BMW has a deal with SGE customers. Dealership deducts $10,000 right off your price when buying a new i3.

Low emission vehicle stickers are handled by the State. (you send them $22 and they send you a sticker. Different colors for different levels of clean)

And PG&E sends you a check that bounces.