By Mike Finney

Delawareans purchasing new electric vehicles will continue to get state rebates on qualifying makes and models with the extension of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program.

The initiative will now run through April 30, 2024. In addition, there are a few enhancements for vehicles purchased or leased on or after May 1, 2023:

• A new application portal will make it easier to redeem the rebate at dealerships or up to 90 days after a purchase.
• New price limits are based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, instead of the total cost, to ensure additions like trailer hitches don’t affect rebate eligibility.
• A regularly updated list provides a quick reference to the 30-plus eligible vehicles.

The rebates include $2,500 for a battery electric vehicle with a suggested retail price of $50,000 or less and $1,000 for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle with a suggested retail price of $50,000 or less.

“Electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, with many manufacturers committing to transition their fleets to zero-emission vehicles.” said Shawn M. Garvin, the department’s secretary. “Additionally, electric vehicle adoption is a key strategy for reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in our state, our country and the world.”

Since the program began in July 2015, it has provided more than $9 million in rebates to more than 4,000 electric vehicle purchasers. Since January, it has issued 391 rebates for a combined $923,500.

DNREC’s effort is in addition to federal tax credits available for many models. With a cash rebate from the Delaware Clean Vehicle Rebate Program and a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, purchasers can save up to $10,000 on qualifying vehicles.

Rebates for Level 2 charging stations are also available through the state’s Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Rebate Program, which repays for charging stations for the public, workplaces and fleets. Plus, enhanced rebate amounts are now available to incentivize the installation of chargers at multifamily dwellings.