by Guy Page
Gas or diesel-powered cars and trucks damaged by flooding – drivable or not – will be eligible for up to $11,000 in trade value for an electric-powered vehicle, Gov. Phil Scott announced yesterday.
The $11K is a bundle of state incentives only. Federal and other incentives also are available. “We hope these incentive changes will make a difference in curbing the worst effects of climate change,” an administration official said.
The program expands the scope of the state’s already considerable current EV incentives to include trading a flood-damaged vehicle. Effective yesterday, the Vermont Agency of Transportation is offering a package of enhanced incentives for income-eligible Vermonters:
- The Replace Your Ride Program, which provides up to $5,000 for swapping a gas- or diesel-powered vehicle for cleaner transportation options, will increase program eligibility to include flood-damaged vehicles, whether drivable or not. Vehicles will still have to meet other program guidelines.
- The Incentive Program for New Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs), which currently provides up to $5,000 for a new purchased or leased PEV, will provide an additional $1,000 incentive (up to $6,000 total) to Vermonters replacing a flood-damaged vehicle.
- The MileageSmart Program, the state’s high-efficiency used vehicle program which provides up to 25% of a vehicle’s price, will automatically provide a full $5,000 incentive to Vermonters replacing a flood-damaged vehicle.
- Program participants may use these programs to bundle different state incentives, for up to $11,000 off the price of a new PEV and up to $10,000 off the price of a used PEV, as well as with other local utility rebates and federal tax credits.
“As we continue responding to this summer’s weather events, we remain focused on transitioning to an electric future, including in the transportation sector,” said Scott. “My team has been focused on making EVs a priority for years, and we will continue to take the lead on these efforts.” During the past year, the Administration worked to expand the impact of its vehicle incentive programs by increasing income eligibility, the number of participating households, vehicle eligibility, the number of PEV models available, and affordability with higher incentive amounts.
“As our Agency works relentlessly to restore the state’s infrastructure and improve mobility throughout, we also recognize the devastating personal losses sustained by Vermonters during the recent flooding,” said Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn. “We hope these incentive changes will make a difference in curbing the worst effects of climate change and a big difference in the lives of residents still struggling to get back on their feet.”
Occupants of flooded EVS are reportedly safe from the danger of electric shock, due to design precautions against exposing electric components to water.
Much of the content of this news article was sourced from a press release from Gov. Phil Scott’s office.