Coalition Calls For Higher EV Tax Credits

A story in The Wall Street Journal says that a coalition of auto makers, battery manufacturers, utility operators and shipping companies are calling on Congress to offer larger tax credits to purchasers of battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs).

            Known as “cash for volts,” the proposed program is part of a plan by the Electrification Coalition to put 100 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030. The 13-member coalition includes Nissan Motor Corp. and FedEx Corp.

            The group proposes that residents in test cities who buy so-called “pure” electric vehicles be granted tax credits “significantly higher” than the $7,500 that’s now available. The coalition hopes that the tax credits would offset the high initial costs of pure EVs.

            “Auto industry officials worry that unless there is a significant increase in gasoline prices, most consumers won’t see the value of expensive electric vehicles that have ranges between refueling stops of 100 miles or less,” the story says.