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GM Pushing for Tax Break on Chevrolet Volt (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=126517)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Chevrolet_Volt_-_DOE_PHEV_Grant.jpgAnita Lienert - Edmunds - May 27, 2008

WASHINGTON — Months before the Chevrolet Volt is expected to hit the market, General Motors is lobbying Congress to set up tax credits for "extended-range electric vehicles" such as the plug-in hybrid. However, a GM spokesman tells Inside Line that no action is expected on any tax breaks for the Volt until after the presidential election in November.

The speculation is that federal tax credits could shave anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000 off the Chevrolet Volt's sticker price. General Motors has not announced pricing on the Volt, but Automotive News on Monday cited unnamed sources who said a $40,000 sticker "is likely" on the Volt.

GM spokesman Greg Martin would not confirm whether or not the $40,000 price tag...http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=126517

I think they will have a hard time gaining momentum with the Volt at $40,000, with or without a tax break. The EV field opens up at that price point.

These were probably the same lobbyists who conveniently arranged for the Prius tax break to go away.

Harry

Excuse me - how is the Tesla not a green vehicle worthy of a tax credit? I can see the law now - covers all EREVs and EVs but not those that go 0-60 mph <6 sec, or cost over $60,000, or is built by a manufacturer that doesn't also make FSPs. Either way - currently the AMT would make any credit moot for the majority who will buy these 2 vehicles.

"months before" - I love that one. Who writes this crap. Years before is a better descriptor. Even if it is 2010 - that is still 24 months away. The crazy thing is that I know a fair amount of people who are ready to buy - because it is US made and will be 90+% powered by US energy, and is pretty quick. People who have the money - no question. Add in another terrorist attack originating from the Middle East - and it will really be a patriotic car.

Telsa Motors lacks the special green lubricating paper that helps laws get passed. It's a shame that a $55,000 Tahoe Hybrid gets a tax break, but the $100,000 Telsa does not.

Our government is for the people and by the people, but they never said who the people are. I have a feeling most of us are not people. LOL.

I would think we would offer the greatest tax break for EV, the lowest for "ordinary" hybrids, and PHEVs would vary between the lowest and the highest based on range. The question is, at what point should a PHEV get 100% break equiv to EV?