Gaillard analyzes equity in statewide electric vehicle rebate programs

An October 2022 report by the Greenlining Institute and Towards Equitable Electric Mobility (TEEM) found significant room for improvement in existing state electric vehicle rebate programs to ensure they are equitable and able to reach low-and moderate income consumers.

Lead author Isa Gaillard analyzed electric vehicle rebate programs across the country on measures of equity such as income cap, upfront cost, and accessibility in order to offer examples of how rebate programs should prioritize the specific needs of these communities. 

Gaillard found that rather than simply focusing on market transformation & the acceleration of EV adoption, which do a poor job of delivering equity outcomes, state leaders and administrators must prioritize affordability and accessibility.

A few key takeaways include: 

1. Rebate programs should be able to be applied directly to the purchase or lease of a new or used EV.
2. EVs are expensive, so rebates should be much more than the $2,500 that many current programs offer.
3. Rebate program administrators should provide education and application support, so the rebates are actually accessible to the communities they are intended to support.

Learn more and download the report here.