Between 2014 and 2018, the number of electric car drivers in Maine doubled, and it’s no surprise since these cars are saving people money, reducing air pollution, increasing energy independence, and they’re fun to drive.
Electric Vehicle Rebates
Now, for a limited time there’s a $2,000 rebate available for all-electric cars bought and registered in Maine! That’s on top of federal tax credits worth up to $7,500! With new models of plug-in cars coming out all the time, there has never been a better time to buy an electric car in Maine.
For plug-in hybrids (which run on electricity and have gas backup) the rebate is $1,000.
This is a personal tax credit and the exact amount depends on personal tax liability. People who owe very little in taxes may not be able to receive the full tax credit. However the full tax credit can be taken by companies that lease cars, so lease prices typically reflect the full tax credit value.
The legal settlement with Volkswagen has provided Maine millions of dollars to spend on reducing air pollution. Reducing pollution from our gas-powered cars and trucks by supporting electric vehicles (EV) is one of the most effective way to do so. Maine is doing that by supporting EV charger installations through Efficiency Maine grants as well as providing these rebates. Many electric cars are already in the same price range as other popular Maine vehicles, and the prices continue to decrease as the technology advances. These rebates, offered through Efficiency Maine, make them even more accessible.
In 2018, NRCM conducted the most comprehensive survey that’s been done of Maine electric car drivers. What we found is that between the driving experience, money saved on gas, reduced air pollution, and more, 92% of respondents would recommend their car to their colleagues, family, and friends.
Electric Cars are the Cleanest Cars Out There
Given Maine’s sources of electricity, electric vehicles here are a very low-emission alternative to our biggest source of carbon pollution, cars and trucks. That only improves as we continue to increase renewable power on the grid. Driving an electric car in Maine is the carbon pollution equivalent of driving a gas-powered car that gets more than 100 miles per gallon.
Whatever car you drive, the more we carpool, walk, bike, or use public transit, the less pollution we produce. We also get other health and societal benefits (like less highway costs), too.
If you’re curious about the full climate impact of manufacturing and operating an electric car in comparison to a fully gas-powered car, check out this report. The findings were that, start to finish, electric cars are better for the environment.
How Much does it Cost to Drive an Electric Vehicle in Maine?
(Department of Energy: www.energy.gov/maps/egallon)
On top of saving money on fuel, plug-in cars are much cheaper and easier to maintain, especially all-electric plug-ins. Think about it: no oil changes, no exhaust system, fuel lines, or even a transmission! Even the brakes wear out much more slowly because the cars recapture braking energy to put it into your battery instead of wearing down your brake pads.
What Electric Cars are Available at Dealers Near You?
Visit https://plugstar.com/cars to find out what makes and models of electric vehicles are available near you.
See the status of federal tax credits for different manufacturers at www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxevb.shtml. The federal tax credit for electric vehicles from Chevrolet, namely the Bolt, will be reduced for purchases after September 30, 2019 (from current $3,750 to $1,875). Most of the other rebates are not set to change anytime soon.
Wondering Where You'll Charge Up?
The vast majority (87%) of EV drivers charge at home overnight, in the same way many of us charge our cell phones. Those folks wake up with the equivalent of a full tank of gas! There are also public charging stations across the state, with more and more being installed all time. To learn more about the types of chargers and where they are, visit our page on electric vehicle charging in Maine.
Increased charging infrastructure and these rebates are being offered through Efficiency Maine and are applied right when you buy a car at a Maine dealership. Efficiency Maine's website has more information on eligible cars, finding a dealer, and more.
