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Environment

San Diego Takes Charge Of New EV Rebate Program

A woman charges her electric vehicle in Balboa Park, June 27, 2017.
Matthew Bowler
A woman charges her electric vehicle in Balboa Park, June 27, 2017.

San Diego is testing a new approach that could make it easier to buy fully electric or hybrid cars and trucks.

A new electric vehicle rebate plan being tested in San Diego could significantly boost sales of electrically powered vehicles in the county and then the rest of the state.

The San Diego based Center for Sustainable Energy is rolling out a new rebate program where consumers can sign up before they purchase a car.

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Once signed up, consumers can go to an authorized dealer and get their clean vehicle rebate when they buy the vehicle.

They could go a long way toward helping California hit some lofty electric vehicle targets.

RELATED: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Double In San Diego

“We want to get a million by 2020. 1.5 million by 2025 and 5 million by 2030. It is programs like these that are going to help people make those connections and really understand that there’s no reason not to be doing that,” said Ron Roberts, San Diego County supervisor.

The city of San Diego’s chief sustainability officer called the pilot project an opportunity for the region to shine.

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“San Diego and San Diegans have a culture of innovation and embracing new technology and also appreciate the environment and our beautiful quality of life. This rebate program encompasses all of those things,” said Cody Hooven.

If the rebate program works here, it will be expanded to the rest of the state.

Californian’s have collected more than $480 million in rebates for more than 200,000 electric vehicles since 2009.

San Diego Takes Charge Of New EV Rebate Program
San Diego is testing a new approach that could make it easier to buy fully electric or hybrid cars and trucks