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The Economist Takes Note of the EV Tax Credit Fight in Georgia

This week’s issue of The Economist contains a short article on the electric vehicle tax incentives fight in Georgia written by Atlanta correspondent Miranda Johnson. She came across the story by literally falling all over the Nissan LEAFs prowling the streets of metro Atlanta.  Here’s the link to Miranda’s article:

http://www.economist.com/news/united-states/21646758-georgias-breaks-electric-vehicles-may-be-too-good-last-sparks-fly

Stay tuned for the post script as the Georgia Assembly completes its 2015-2016 legislative session on April 2nd.  Right now, the current $5,000 ZEV tax credit has been approved for elimination by both the House and Senate, while adding a $200/ year/EV road usage fee.

Will Georgia soon be known as the most hostile state to EVs in the US?  Let’s hope not! If you live in Georgia, it’s not too late to contact Governor Nathan Deal and Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle (LEAF driver) and voice your opinion. Each of their webpages has a contact form:

Governor Nathan Deal:  https://gov.georgia.gov/webform/contact-governor-domestic-form

Lt. Governor Casey Cagle: http://ltgov.georgia.gov/contact-lt-governor


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Adding 30,000 EVs to Georgia Roads adds $914 Million in economic benefit over next 3 years!

An independent economic analysis undertaken by the Atlanta Electric Vehicle Development Coalition shows that adding 30,000 new EVs (BEV and PHEV) to Georgia roads versus only 12,750 if the $5,000 tax credit is eliminated over the 2016-2018 Fiscal Years the would benefit the Georgia state economy by $914.3 million as follows:

1). $845 million in incremental sales revenues:  Using a constant $47,000 EV selling price  generates $1.5 Billion in sales revenues for 30,000 new EVs vs. only $600 million if just 12,750 new EVs are sold with the elimination of the $5000 ZEV tax credit. Deduct another $75 million for the $2,500 EV tax credit/10,000 per year/3 year tax incentive lifeand the net is $845 million in higher auto dealer sales for EVs with a $2,500 capped EV tax credit.

2). $63 million in incremental Ad Valorem tax collection:  the EV higher sales price and higher EV sales (30,000 vs 12,750) yields almost $63 million more in Ad Valorem tax which goes right into the State Coffers.  The per vehicle Ad Valorem alone exceeds the tax credit ($3,650 vs. $2,500) adding $1,160/EV in net Ad Valorem!

3). Road Use Fees would be $6.3 million higher. If the current House version of the Transportation Bill passes and a $200 road use fee is enacted and Georgia’s EV fleet grows to 36,600 vehicles, the state generates $19.7 million. Should the Georgia Senate see a more reasonable approach and step up the Road Use Fee over the next three years to $100/$150/$200, and 30,000 new EVs are added to Georgia’s roads (56,350 total), that generates $26 million or +$6.3 million more.

This study was reviewed March 17th with Georgia State Senator Brandon Beach (District 21), Senate Transportation Committee, Secretary and Chair, Senate Science and Technology Committee. Senator Beach represents Alpharetta GA, the Technology Center of Georgia and is CEO of the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

As the Georgia 2015-16 Legislative session counts down to its planned April 2nd conclusion, let’s hope the Senate and House can agree on an EV Tax Credit that makes sense for Georgia!


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HB 393 Passes: Tesla Direct Sale in Georgia – No Other EV Bill Passes House. On to Senate!

During the 2015-16 Georgia Assembly Day 30 “Cross Over Day” the House voted for HB 393 (Chuck Martin R-Alpharetta) 170-3 to permit Tesla to sell its Premium Electric Motor Cars to Georgians without restriction.  Current State Dealer Franchise laws permit up to 150 ‘custom’ made vehicles to be sold directly in Georgia.  Under HB 393 which now goes to the Georgia Senate for vote during the final 10 days of the legislative year, Tesla sales would no longer be capped and up to five stores could be opened in Georgia.  Today there are stores in Marietta and Decatur.

No other EV Tax Credit legislation passed out of the House (see prior posts on HB 122, 176, 200 and 220) with the exception of the inclusion of HB 122 language in the House approved HB 170 Transportation funding bill which includes elimination of the $5,000 ZEV tax credit and imposes a $200/year road use fee for all EV registered in Georgia.  That fee is the equivalent of the gasoline tax paid by a full-size SUV during the course of a year!

The focal point of the Senate will be their version of the Transportation Bill and what impact, if any, their input has on the EV tax credit and road use fees included in the House Bill.  10 days and counting – check back for an update on the EV tax credit.

P.S. – Legislators Ride and Drive event was held on March 11th – two weeks late. Lots of electrified vehicles – including the new KIA SOUL EV to drive – but no Legislators to drive them – too close to Day 30 to come across the street from the Gold Dome to check out what’s making Georgia the #2 state (2.3% of vehicles registered in 2014) in the US.


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EV Tax Credits Update March 1, 2015: HB 122 Back in Consideration! EV Ride & Drive March 4th.

March 1, 2015

While nothing has been officially reported out of the Georgia State Assembly, House Ways and Means Committee, we have learned that HB 122 was revoted on within the Income Tax Sub committee and PASSED.  It joins HB 200 and HB 220 for full House Ways and Means Committee consideration and vote which could come as early as next week. HB 122 language (eliminate $5000 ZEV tax credit) is still in HB 170 (Transportation Committee) which has reached the House floor and remains intact in that legislation, along with the $200/year EV road use fee.

On Wednesday, March 4th, automotive OEMs will host a EV/PHEV ‘ride and drive’ event at Liberty Plaza at the Georgia State Capitol to demonstrate to House and Senate Representatives the technology and value of electric vehicles. BMW, Ford, GM, Nissan and KIA (bringing the first ever SOUL-EV to Georgia) will be on hand with vehicles.

If you want to have your voice heard to retain the EV Tax Credit, please visit www.gavevcredit.com.

Watch for an update following this week’s House Ways and Means Committee hearing.  News on HB 170 and 393 will be updated as new information becomes available.

February 22, 2015

Another busy week at the Georgia State Assembly.  HB 200 and HB 220 advance to the House Ways and Means Full Committee next week.  HB 170 (Transportation Bill) contains language in the now defeated HB 122 and a new Bill (HB 393- Martin) was introduced into the Motor Vehicle committee to allow direct sale of automobiles in Georgia.  This will permit Tesla to sell its cars directly in Georgia if automotive franchise laws were changed per this Bill.

Here’s a link to the story written by EV Club of the South President Michael Beinenson outlining what happened last week. http://insideevs.com/lawmakers-love-electric-cars-georgia-5-bills-pending/

For more information on HB 220, please visit www.gavevcredit.com

February 17, 2015

Begining at 2:00 PM on Wednesday February 18th, the Georgia State Assembly House of Representatives will take up four Bills which focus on the electric vehicle via the Income Tax sub-committee of the House Ways and Means Committee:

HB 122 – proposes the repeal of the current $5,000 ZEV and $2,500 LEV tax by July 1, 2015. DEFEATED

HB 176 – proposes including all high mileage vehicles including gas hybrids and 47 mpg vehicles in a $2,000 tax credit along with a $10 million budget cap and in perpetuity the tax credit to (currently unavailable) hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. DEFEATED

HB 200 – proposes broadening the definition of the existing electric vehicle charging station tax credit to include retail and commercial buildings at a maximum of $2,500/station along with an annual $750,000 budget cap. PASSED SUB COMMITTEE

HB 220 – proposes the reduction in the ZEV tax credit, inclusion of PHEVs, a $30 million budget cap and a sunset period. PASSED SUB COMMITTEE.

Check back for an update on the outcome of this intense debate!


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UPDATED: Four Bills in Georgia House of Representatives Addressing Electric Vehicle Tax Credit

Everyone who has even a passing familiarity with the $5,000 ZEV Georgia State Income Tax Credit knew the pressure would be on to: a). kill it.  b). save it or c). transform it.  Well it looks like all three are going to be debated at the State Capitol during the 2015 Georgia State Legislative Session.

HB 220 sponsored by Ben Harbin (R- Evans) seeks to reduce the tax credit, broaden it to  plug in hybrids, set an annual cap and sunset the tax credit by 2019.  http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20152016/HB/220.

http://m.onlineathens.com/breaking-news/2015-02-11/state-lawmaker-favors-phase-out-electric-car-tax-credit#gsc.tab=0

HB 122 which calls for an immediate repeal of the tax credit effective July 1, 2015, sponsored by Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta) http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20152016/HB/122

HB 176 sponsored by Tommy Benton (R-Jefferson) which seeks to broaden the tax credit to include gas-hybrids, high mileage cars and future hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles. Annual cap is $10 million and $2,000 credit only applies to Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicles in 2017 and beyond. http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20152016/HB/176

Here’s a handy PDF which summarizes and compares the three Bills being processed by the House Ways and Means Sub-committee as early as this week:  Comparison of Electric Vehicle Georgia Assembly Bills

In addition the House Transportation Committee passed HB 170 bill which includes the language from HB 122 (eliminate EV Tax Credit) as part of the transportation funding proposal in addition to assessing EV drivers a $200.00/year road use fee.  http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20152016/HB/170

Next week all three Bills in the Ways and Means Committee are expected to be addressed.  Check back to see what is happening with these Bills.


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Check out our Electric Vehicle Resources Page!

The world of electric vehicles can be overwhelming. We’ve got a Resources page dedicated helping you quickly and easily learn more about EVs and ownership in Atlanta and Georgia> https://atlantaevdc.com/resources-2/. Consumer Reports covers both vehicle and home charging reviews.  Check out Georgia Power’s incredible money saving PEV rate plan, and read about the current Federal and State of Georgia Income Tax Credits. Take a look!


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The Electric Car Revolution: Why Electric Cars are Likely to Dominate in the Next Decade

Zach Shahan, publisher of Cleantechnica and EVObession explains why Electric Cars will dominate the next decade and shares some terrific cost of ownership comparisons, in line with data the Editors of this blog have posted recently. Electric vehicles sales passed 500,000 units in the US this month.  The EV revolution is on!

Follow Zach at @cleantechnica, @evobsession and @ZShahan3 for the latest information on Clean Energy and Electric Vehicles.


Source: Fix.com


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Why Georgia’s Low Emission Income Tax Credits Should Include Plug-Ins and Hybrids

Atlanta is the #2 city for EVs and Georgia is tied for fourth among U.S. states in EV registrations. A key component of the state’s success are its income tax credits for zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs) and low emissions vehicles (LEVs). Unfortunately, these tax credits do not apply to hybrid electric plug-in or to gas- hybrids despite their low carbon emissions and lower five year costs than traditional internal combustion engine cars. By including plug-ins and hybrids to complement the current ZEV and LEV income tax credits, Georgia’s State Legislature can help significantly reduce the state’s CO2 emissions and improve the air quality in Georgia, and help grow the state’s economy. Skeptical? Read More.


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Electric Vehicle Tax Credits – Georgia

Now that you are excited about buying or leasing an Electric Vehicle, you will need to understand the types of tax credits which apply to the vehicle, especially here in Georgia. And before you start counting the tax credits, be sure to consult with your own personal tax advisor or contact one of the tax preparation firms for advice.  The EV tax landscape at the Federal level (200,000 manufacturer vehicle limit than phase down) and in the State of Georgia (2014 HB257 tried to eliminate the EV tax credit) are changing so it is ‘buyer beware’.

But here is some general information you should know about how the income tax credits work if you purchase or lease an EV/PHEV in Georgia;

1).  Up to $7,500 Federal Income Tax Credit – If you purchase a qualifying EV/PHEV, the Federal Government offers a one time (one tax year) credit of up to $7,500.00 to offset income tax liability.  Each qualifying vehicle has a designated tax credit amount based on its battery capacity (e.g. 16 kWh for Chevrolet VOLT supports the full $7,500 income tax credit). http://www.irs.gov/uac/Energy-Incentives-for-Individuals-in-the-American-Recovery-and-Reinvestment-Act for full details. Most of the fully electric vehicles (BMW i3, LEAF, VOLT, Tesla) qualify for the full $7,500.  The Honda Accord Plug-In($3,626)  and the Ford C-Max and Fusion Energi models ($4,007) are significantly lower.  IRS data as of June 24, 2014.

If you lease the EV/PHEV, the finance or leasing company takes the Federal Tax Credit and should provide the benefit of that credit to you through the lease payment  (the calculation of which is already very complicated so ask the dealer to walk you through the lease payment worksheet).  You do not get to claim the tax credit on your own taxes.  So take time to understand what you are getting when you lease an EV!

2).  Up to $5,000 State Income Tax Credit – if you purchase a qualifying ZERO EMISSION VEHICLE.  Note the difference here.  Not an EV or a PHEV but a ZEV.  In Georgia that covers the Nissan LEAF, Tesla Model S and the BMW i3.  It does not apply to any vehicle which also has a gasoline powered engine or generator (Chevrolet VOLT, Ford C-Max and BMW i3 with range extender). Again if you lease a vehicle in Georgia, the ZEV tax credit goes to the finance or leasing company.  Be sure you understand how that tax credit gets included in the calculation of your lease payment!

State of Georgia Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Tax Credit

An income tax credit is available to individuals who purchase or lease a new ZEV. The amount of the tax credit is 20% of the vehicle cost, up to $5,000. For the purpose of this credit, a ZEV is defined as a motor vehicle that has zero tailpipe and evaporative emissions, including a pure electric vehicle. Low-speed vehicles do not qualify for this credit. Any portion of the credit not used in the year the ZEV is purchased or leased may be carried over for up to five years. For more information, see the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Alternative Fuels and Tax Credits website.

Be aware that the 2015 Georgia Legislative Session will very likely amend/reduce the ZEV tax credit!  So if you and your accountant agree that you can use the Georgia Tax Credit, consider making your lease or purchase as soon as possible in 2014.

The Federal and State of Georgia Income Tax Credits can be used on the same qualifying vehicle.  So the maximum tax credit you can use is $12,500.00!