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Governor Signs Bill Making Electric Cars More Affordable In Virginia

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Jamelia Todd
10:32 pm

March 21, 2021

Governor Northam signed bill HB 1979 last week creating an electric vehicle rebate program for both new and used electric vehicles.

The program provides a $2,500 rebate after the purchase or lease of a new or used vehicle, while those below 3x the federal poverty level would get an additional $2,000 rebate for a new vehicle, or $500 for a used vehicle.

The bill also establishes an Electric Vehicle Rebate Program Advisory Council to oversee the Electric Vehicle Rebate Program and to make recommendations regarding its implementation and the Electric Vehicle Rebate Program Fund created by the bill. The Director of the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy is required to report annually to the Governor and the General Assembly regarding the program.

The move is intended to boost clean car sales and thereby reduce the levels of pollutants that the state’s passenger cars release into the environment. In 2018, 1.7 percent of vehicle sales in Virginia were electric vehicles. By comparison New York was at 1.6 percent, and California at 7.8 percent.

The program expires in January 2027 when it will likely be renewed.