Tennessee offers $2.5 million tax rebate program to support the LEAF
The state of Tennessee is making available a $2,500 rebate on the first 1,000 electric vehicles sold in the state. While this offer does not apply exclusively to the LEAF, the LEAF is expected to be the primary beneficiary due to its expected greater availability than competitive electric vehicles such as the Chevrolet Volt.
Funding for the rebate program is coming from the state’s petroleum violation escrow account. These funds can only be used on federally approved energy programs as they are collected from oil companies by the Federal Government. The possibility exists for the program to expand as there is more than $7 million remaining in the fund.
On hand to support the announcement was U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn. “Electric cars are the way to go,” Alexander said. “It’s the single best way to reduce our dependence on oil, especially foreign oil. After the Gulf spill, everyone is very aware of this.” Senator Alexander currently drives a hybrid Toyota Prius in Washington and is planning on replacing it with a fully electric Nissan LEAF.