California Assemblyman Phil Ting has proposed a bill that he hopes will help the state stay on track with its goals to fight climate change and help more Californians take advantage of the state’s rebate program for electric vehicles.
AB 1046 would triple the rebate that California drivers get for purchasing a full-battery electric vehicle from the current flat $2,500 to up to $7,500 and reduce rebates over time, the idea being that EVs will become more popular as time goes on and that the gradual reduction in the rebate will incentivize consumers to go electric now instead of waiting several years. It also directs the state Air Resources Board to come up with a plan to continuously fund the rebate expansion. Under the current program, funding for EV rebates runs out every fiscal year and new monies have to be appropriated by the legislature, which means if you miss out on your rebate this year, you have to get on a waiting list to take advantage of the following year’s rebate pot.
If you’ve been on the fence about getting an EV, what has been the impediment? Lack of selection? Purchase or maintenance cost? Lack of knowledge? Charging stations? What would get you to buy an EV?
Guests:
Phil Ting, California Assembly member (D-San Francisco) representing the 19th Assembly District, which encompasses western San Francisco and northern San Mateo County and author of AB 1046
James Moore, professor of engineering and public policy at USC
David Rapson, associate professor of economics and co-director of the Davis Energy Economics Program (DEEP) at UC Davis