Washington state has introduced a new instant rebate program aimed at making electric vehicle (EV) ownership more accessible to lower-income residents. The Washington State Department of Commerce’s EV Instant Rebates Program, which took effect on Wednesday, offers significant incentives for EV purchases.
The program provides qualifying residents with a credit ranging from $5,000 to $9,000 for new EV purchases or $2,500 for used EVs. Funding for the initiative comes from a $45 million allocation from the state’s general fund, with the goal of issuing between 6,500 and 9,000 rebates. The program will run until June 2025 or until the funds are exhausted.
Households earning up to 300 percent below the federal poverty line, equivalent to $93,600 for a family of four, are eligible for the rebates. Approximately 37 percent of Washington residents are expected to qualify. Individuals with an income of up to $45,180 are also eligible.
Eligible vehicles must have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $90,000 or less. Motorcycles, scooters, golf carts, and other lower-speed vehicles, as well as plug-in hybrid EVs and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, do not qualify. The program includes sellers operating under both direct-to-consumer models, like Tesla, and traditional franchise dealerships. Used car dealers must have two or more locations in the state or sell EVs exclusively.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee, speaking at an event this week, emphasized the pioneering nature of the program, stating, “We know that the cost of EVs is coming down quite rapidly, but we don’t want to wait. We want to get as many Washingtonians as possible, regardless of their economic circumstances, to be able to experience the thrill of having an EV.”
Inslee, who personally drives a Chevy Bolt EV, also mentioned his frequent rides in the Washington State Patrol’s Mustang Mach-E units and the department’s Rivian R1S.
