Yes, there are government incentives that specifically favor purchasing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) over traditional hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).
Federal Incentives:
- The U.S. federal government offers a tax credit ranging from $3,700 to $7,500 on many all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, which is not generally available for traditional HEVs. This federal tax credit is often calculated as a percentage of the vehicle’s sale price or based on the battery capacity, which benefits PHEVs due to their larger battery sizes compared to HEVs.
- For example, some PHEVs may qualify for a tax credit of up to $4,000 or a credit equal to 30% of the sale price, which traditional HEVs typically do not receive.
State Incentives:
- Some states provide additional rebates for plug-in hybrids that are larger than those for regular hybrids. For instance, Pennsylvania offers a $1,500 rebate for new plug-in hybrid cars and trucks, while battery electric vehicles receive $2,000. These incentives contrast with traditional HEVs that generally receive little to no similar rebates.
- Additional income-based bonuses exist in some states (e.g., Pennsylvania) for low-income buyers purchasing plug-in hybrids, offering further financial benefits.
Summary:
- Federal and many state incentives tend to prioritize PHEVs and all-electric vehicles over traditional HEVs.
- These incentives include significant federal tax credits that can be thousands of dollars and state-level rebates, which HEVs usually do not qualify for.
- The size of the incentive often depends on the battery capacity or the electric range of the vehicle, favoring PHEVs with their capacity to drive some distance on electric power alone.
Thus, if you are deciding between a PHEV and a traditional HEV, government incentives provide a financial advantage to PHEVs, making them more attractive from a cost perspective.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/are-there-any-government-incentives-for-purchasing-phevs-over-hevs/
