New Bill Proposes $2,000 to Californians to Convert Gasoline Cars to Electric

The new bill proposes to give California residents a $2,000 rebate for converting their gas car to electric. However, automotive experts wonder if conversions can happen as cheaply as the bill’s supporters claim.

Senate Bill 301, introduced by Senator Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge), requires the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to establish the Zero Emissions Aftermarket Conversion Project (ZACP). Under the ZACP, California residents will be able to receive a rebate of up to $2,000 for converting an eligible gas-powered vehicle into a zero-emissions vehicle. The program will receive $2 million annually from the Clean Vehicle Discount Project and any unused funds at the end of the year will be returned to the project. If passed, SB 301 will also set guidelines for the program and create criteria for those who wish to receive a discount.

SB 301 is the latest bill to spur the growth of electric vehicles in California following Governor Gavin Newsom’s September 2020 executive order banning the sale of all new gas-powered vehicles in California starting in 2035. Previous state legislation and decisions have contributed to the growth of zero emission vehicles by significantly increasing the number of electric vehicle charging stations across the state before the construction of new gas stations stops. Prior to SB 301, however, little attention was paid to vehicle conversions.

Senator Portantino drafted the bill to not only help California achieve its upcoming climate goals and help create jobs in the auto and electric vehicle industries, but also provide Californians with a cheaper option to purchase an electric vehicle. In a statement last week, the senator said a new electric car costs an average of $66,000, and a car conversion could cost as little as $14,000.

“It is imperative that we continue to look for new methods and ideas to achieve our ambitious climate goals,” Senator Portantino said last week. “SB 301 will make life much easier for many Californians who want to go green but don’t have the financial means to do so. It will help conversions by providing a financial rebate to Californians who choose to convert their gas car to an electric car but cannot afford it. Cutting-edge energy efficiency should not be left only to those who are wealthy enough to afford it.”

“California has several programs, including the Clean Car Rebate Program (CVRP) and the Clean Car for All Program, to encourage the purchase of new ZEVs. However, even with the financial discount to buy a new electric vehicle, ZEVs are out of reach for many working-class Californians, as the cost of a new electric vehicle averages $66,000. The ZEV conversion of gas-powered vehicles that started life with an internal combustion engine can alternatively be converted to ZEV through an aftermarket package and can be completed for as little as $14,000.”

Special Equipment Market Association (SEMA) President Mike Spagnola added: “The aftermarket is a leader in innovation, including zero-emission technologies. SB 301 creates opportunities for our California small businesses, their employees and consumers to build and have access to affordable zero emission vehicles.”

Automotive Experts Question Figures Presented in SB 301

While the bill has received some support, a growing number of automotive experts are discovering that the big price gap presented by the senator is actually much, much narrower, with some used electric car options at about the same price point he set.

“The senator is obviously using the numbers that look best when stating a higher-end new car price versus a conversion price, which leaves out a lot of things,” said Eric Clark, an automotive consultant in Northern Virginia. , Wednesday Globe. “Parts and labor for the electrical conversion actually cost closer to $20,000, depending on the vehicle. If you know what you’re doing, you can buy a kit for around $8,000, but that’s not a guarantee, and if you do something wrong, the costs can skyrocket. Honestly it depends. But $14,000. He chose the cheapest mechanical option out there in California.”

“As for the price of $66,000 for a new electric car. In fact, there are many options in the sub-$40,000 range, and not just a smaller variety. And he’s also ignoring the booming used car market, many of which are under $30,000 and $25,000. In California, some are close to the $14,000 per conversion figure he listed there.

“A much better argument would be an offer, since electric vehicles, like hybrids, have been extremely difficult to obtain over the past year or two. But even so, auto companies are ramping up production significantly to the point where the cost of electric vehicles will drop so much that such conversion programs won’t be all that useful. A better idea would be to focus more on used electric vehicles to help people on a bigger budget.”

SB 301 is currently awaiting consideration in the Senate.

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