Washington launches $9,000 EV rebate on purchase and lease

Washington has made its move to ramp up electric vehicle (EV) sales with a $9,000 rebate on new and used models. The state has started accepting applications on Thursday.

Announced initially in April this year, the program will continue through June 2025 or until the fund is exhausted. The state government is spending about $45 million which could cover an estimated 7,500 to 9,000 rebates.

Importantly, the fund comes directly from the general fund, not the Climate Commitment Act. You can combine this rebate with a Federal tax credit and take the savings to the highest. It is focused on supporting low-income households to buy or switch to an EV with a rebate between $2,500 and $9,000.

Tesla Supercharger (image Credit: Rivian)

Eligibility

If you live in WA and make 300 percent or below the federal poverty level in household income around $93,600 for a family of four or $45,180 per person annually are eligible for this rebate program.

However, you can only claim this rebate by purchasing a battery electric vehicle with an MSRP ceiling of $90,000 or less. On the other hand, hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell EVs, motorcycles, scooters, and other small vehicles are not eligible.

Here’s a breakdown of the rebate amount for both new and used EVs:

New EVs:

1. $5,000 for purchase or 2-year lease
2. $9,000 for 3 years or more lease

Used EVs

1. $2,500 for purchase or 2-year lease
2. $2,500 for 3 year or more lease

How to Sign Up

You don’t need to contact any state government office to get a rebate instead, you can go to your nearest dealer in Washington to know more about the program. These dealers must have two or more locations in WA or sell only EVs.

With point of sale (POS), the government reimburses automakers and dealers who provide rebates to eligible residents leasing or purchasing an EV. This way, the customer gets an instant reduction in purchase or lease price instead of waiting for year-end to file tax returns.

EV Growth

Washington has been recording new numbers in EV registration. In June, the state registered about 194,232 electric vehicles, double the sales in March 2022. Still, this figure is small compared to 8 million gas vehicles on the street.

(source)