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Fed up with high gas prices? Some drivers in our region could receive up to $4,000 to lease or purchase an electric car

Higher rebates for electric vehicles have been introduced by SCE
Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
Higher rebates for electric vehicles have been introduced by SCE.

If you’re thinking of purchasing a used car, a new increased rebate program may make an electric vehicle a more affordable option.

Electric vehicle rebates are nothing new. But Southern California Edison have increased their previous $1,000 rebate program, and are now offering a $4,000 pre-owned EV rebate for income-qualified customers.

SCE had been offering a $1,000 rebate through the Pre-Owned EV Rebate program.

But have now quadrupled the rebate amount for those who either live in a state-designated, income-qualified household or who are enrolled in certain state or federal income assistance programs.

SCE’s Paul Griffo told KCLU, it could make the difference in barriers like affordability, for those considering an electric vehicle.

Rebates for new and used EVs have been available to SCE customers since 2017.

Earlier this year, the utility extended its program for used EVs to lend a hand to more cost-conscious customers seeking to go electric.

Federal and state government programs also offer rebates and other incentives to lower the cost of buying new electric cars.

The Pre-Owned EV Rebate program is available to first, second and third owners or lessors of pre-owned EVs.

By overcoming one of the key barriers to EV ownership — affordability — Griffo said that the program aims to stimulate EV adoption, a key component in helping the state meet its critical climate and air quality goals.

SCE customers can head to evrebates.sce.com- and enter their SCE service account number and current vehicle registration card number.

Up to three consecutive owners of a single EV are eligible for a rebate, and up to three EVs at each SCE customer address can receive rebates.

Those applying for the higher rebate amount will be asked to provide information proving that they qualify.

Customers can also shop for used EVs online and compare the price of owning them to similar gas-powered cars at cars.sce.com.

The site shows how EVs can save on fuel, maintenance and other costs. Charging an electric car at home is equal to paying less than $2 per gallon of gasoline.

The Pre-Owned Rebate is funded by the California Air Resources Board’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard Program, which helps combat climate change by encouraging the use of clean fuels, like electricity, in vehicles.

Caroline joined KCLU in October 2020. She won LA Press Club's Audio Journalist of the Year Award in 2022 and 2023.

Since joining the station she's won 7 Golden Mike Awards, 4 Los Angeles Press Club Awards and 2 National Arts & Entertainment Awards.

She started her broadcasting career in the UK, in both radio and television for BBC News, 95.8 Capital FM and Sky News and was awarded the Prince Philip Medal for her services to radio and journalism in 2007.

She has lived in California for ten years and is both an American and British citizen - and a very proud mom to her daughter, Elsie.