Pennsylvania DEP Extends Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program

On Monday, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the extension of the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate program, which will continue to provide rebates of $1,000 for natural gas, propane, hydrogen or fuel-cell vehicles. OEM vehicles, manufacturer retrofits or certified conversions powered by CNG are also eligible for the $1,000 rebate. DEP provides these rebates as incentives to assist Pennsylvanians with the incremental cost of purchasing an alternative fuel vehicle. “Our commitment represents an impressive total investment of $4.35 million towards the deployment of electric vehicles in Pennsylvania since 2011,” said DEP Acting Secretary Dana Aunkst. A $2,000 rebate for plug-in electric and battery-electric vehicles was also extended until June 30, 2015, or until the 500 vehicle benchmark is reached.

To qualify, the vehicle must be registered in Pennsylvania, operated primarily in-state and be purchased no more than six months before the rebate application is submitted. The rebates are funded by the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program, which is supported by a gross receipts tax on utilities. Rebate applications and updated guidelines are available on DEP’s website, www.dep.state.pa.us. For more information, contact Lynda Rebarchak, DEP Southeast Regional Office, at 484.250.5820.