Developed countries the world over have funded large programs to promote the electric vehicle industry from manufacture to charge points. Never before in the history of the electric car has there been so much support for the EV.
In fact there are so many programs, it is a challenge to keep track of all the details and amounts. Below is a chart showing some of the larger programs to date to give you an idea of the scope of the commitments. The list is not complete, but does show the size
of some of the larger investments.
Not all programs are listed, and some of the programs may be co-mingled with others. Program values are listed in US dollars for consistency.
The total program investment is around $45 Billion USD. These programs stretch over the 3 years or so, bringing the yearly average to around $15 billion USD per year.
The US Federal Government Dept. of Energy has been providing low cost loans and grants to hundreds of researchers, battery and EV manufacturers from thousands to billions of dollars. The total to date is somewhere around $27 billion USD.
China is second in world oil use and EV program funds. Half of Chinese oil goes to transport and resulting massive and pollution in cities.The nation wants 60,000 EVs on city streets by 2012. By 2020, the country plans to install some 10 million EV parking spots as part of an over arching $1.5 Trillion USD (yes with a T) alternative energy plan. Now, that's looking ahead. China's neighbor, Japan, provides low interest EV loans. The loans are to go to EV producers as well as clean energy (nuclear) energy facilities.
The EU is very progressive in vehicle efficiency regulation with cleaner air as the goal. Seventeen of 27 EU countries tax vehicle carbon output. Some 15 EU nations provide tax incentives for plug-in EVs.
The French government has been very assertive in promoting the electric vehicle. The country aims at 2 million EVs on its roads by 2020, and will provide $2.2 billion USD just for charging infrastructure to see it happen.
The EU countries listed below provide various levels of support for the electric vehicle. The UK is far ahead in developing inductive charging for instance. Denmark is providing $40,000 USD in buyer incentives - wow! Germany says it wants 1 million EVs on its byways and highways in the near future. Ireland posts similar goals for the Celtic homeland.
Electric Car Subsidies to Individuals
The list above shows amounts of EV subsidies to buyers. Not all of the subsidies are in cash; in fact, most aren't. The subsidy
may range from a tax credit in the USA, to free parking, registration, special lane use or cash.
Notice that only a minority of developed countries in the world offer EV subsidies. These countries are home to a great number of cars on the road. Still, some countries like Australia offer no subsidies at all. Australia does however offer a large oil subsidy that lowers the consumer cost of gasoline by a third. More on Oil Subsidies on the next page.
Electric Car Subsidies Ending in the USA
At the end of 2011, three key EV tax credits/subsidies ended. They are: the $1,000 home charging station installation credit, $4,000
HEV/BEV conversion credit, and the $2,500, 2.5 kWh two or three wheeled EV credit. The $7,500 EV purchase credit remains intact....for now.
New Subsidy in the USA
The California Air Resources board just approved a $27 million program to promote Clean Air and EVs. The money is mostly for zero emission and hybrid electric vehicle rebates. The California Energy Commission kicks in and additional 5 million clams. EVs like the Leaf can get $2,500 back, and the Volt returns $1,500. Details with photos here.
In 2011, US and individual State Governments paid out $150 million in electric vehicle subsidies.
The Federal Govt. Paid $135 million with the States totalling $15 million.
Nearly 9,200 Nissan Leaf electric cars alone got $72.5 million in payments.
In 2012, California begins an innovative EV subsidy program.
California will mandate that some
2% of annual car sales be zero emissions vehicles. By 2015 the percentage rises to 3%.
11 other states expect to follow suit. Totals for the 12 states are projected to be 60,000 by 2014 and 1.25 million by 2025.
To facilitate the goal, manufacturers
may claim credits for each EV produced for sale. Companies not in the EV business may purchase credits from EV companies. This benefits larger manufacturers, smaller ones like Tesla, while at the same time meeting the State mandated EV goals. We all get cleaner air.
EV sales in India crashed 50-75% after cash subsidies were slashed in April of 2012. Many EV business people have since closed shop.
EV sales in California will be most likely be going up. State agencies
are offering up to $2,500 in rebates.
For BEV, HEV, and FCV cars, trucks
and busses .
