The state's rebate program was launched in 2015 to accelerate EV adoption, improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Delaware has given 4,207 electric vehicle rebates for $9.7 million since 2015, state data says.
The Clean Vehicle Rebate Program provides incentives for Delawareans and their businesses to buy or lease new battery electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles through the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program.
The program offers $2,500 for battery electric vehicles with a base manufacturer's suggested retail price of $50,000 or less and $1,000 for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with a base manufacturer's 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,” Natural Resources Secretary Shawn M. Garvin said in an April statement. “Additionally, electric vehicle adoption is a key strategy for reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in our state, our country and the world.”
The rebate program was launched in 2015 to accelerate electric vehicle adoption, improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program has provided more than $9 million in rebates to more than 4,000 EV purchasers. Since January 2023, the program has issued 391 rebates for a combined $923,500.
Delaware’s climate plan set a goal to reach 17,000 electric vehicle sales per year by 2030. State data says there are the following vehicles registered:
- 814,842 gas vehicles
- 35,367 diesel vehicles
- 23,395 electric and gas (hybrids)
- 7,597 electric vehicles
- 300 propane vehicles
Rebate data says 4,052 people received the rebate and, on average, were 49 years old. The program also subsidized the purchase of one electric Harley-Davidson motorcycle and two electric utility vehicles.
The vehicles purchased using rebates include 1,971 Teslas, 698 Fords, 436 Chevrolets, 226 Toyotas and 107 Hyundais.
The program subsidized the purchase of luxury cars, including 83 BMWs, 14 Audis, seven Jaguars I-Paces, six Mercedes-Benzes and three Porsches.
A portal allows car shoppers to redeem the rebate at the dealership or up to 90 days after purchase. The rebate program is in addition to a federal tax credit of up to $7,500.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control offers rebates for Level 2 charging stations through the Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Rebate program for public access, workplaces and fleets. Enhanced rebate amounts are available to incentivize installing charging stations at multi-family dwellings.
The vehicle rebate program is a cash return for vehicles purchased or leased after May 1.
As of May 1, there's a limit of two rebates per individual and six rebates for businesses, nonprofit organizations, governments, educational institutions and other eligible entities.
Abby Andrews