Hello Current and Future LEAF Owners - 

We are one-third of the way through the 2015 Georgia General Assembly and one of the largest items on the schedule this year is a comprehensive transportation bill.  As you already know, HB 122 is floating out there to eliminate that GA ZEV Credit.  

Now, HB 220 has been introduced by Representative Ben Harbin (R122 - Evans) that would reduce the ZEV Credit from $5,000 to $3,000.  Lawmakers are meeting this week to work out all of the legislation associated with the transportation initiative, so it is important to let your lawmakers know you support HB220.  The vote is this Thursday!

Here is the list of Members of the Transportation Committee that are meeting this week and will be voting on Thursday:

Here are some specifics of the Bill and its benefits:

Specifics of Bill

• Provides a modified plug-in vehicle tax credit which expands eligible vehicles, reduces current tax credit, establishes a phase out, and includes budget cap

• Following federal model, creates tiered structure; $3,000 (>10.0 kWh) or $2,000 (4.0-9.9 kWh) from 7/1/2015 to 12/31/2017;

• Either $2,000 or $1,000 from  1/1/2018 to 12/31/2019 (same battery capacity)

• Beginning July 1, 2015, it modifies the current tax credit so that all plug-in electric vehicles are eligible; Under current law, only pure electric vehicles (BEVs) are eligible

• Reduces current $5,000 tax credit to maximum of $3,000 beginning on July 1, 2015; further reduces to $2,000 on January 1, 2018:

• Reduces tax credit limit from 20% of eligible vehicle cost  to 10%

• Establishes a cap of $30MM per year (Under current law, there was no limitation)

• Limitation that leases must be 36 months or longer to be eligible for credit

• Sunsets program on December 31, 2019

• Retains current Low Emission Vehicle Tax Credit ($2,500.00/eligible vehicle)

Direct Economic Benefits of HB 220

• Ensures domestic use of energy in Georgia and reduces dependence on foreign oil 

• According to the Georgia Dept of Economic Development, for every one percent of petroleum-based miles travelled in Georgia that is displaced by electric vehicles, approximately $210 million dollars will remain in Georgia annually

• Each pure electric vehicle purchased keeps $2,242* annually in the state of Georgia by fueling with electricity rather than petroleum-based products

• Maintains Georgia leadership in alternative fuel vehicle adoption which has created jobs for local utilities, electrical contractors  and other service providers

• Increases Personal Property Tax revenues. Electric vehicles are typically more expensive and bring higher Ad Valorem revenues – ranging from $1500 to $5000/vehicle

• Improves air quality - An eligible plug-in electric vehicle as compared to the gas version  can equate to 57- 64% CO2 reduction value. Best-selling electric vehicles emit virtually no CO2

Additional Benefits

• By broadening vehicle types, legislation enables every taxpayer in the State of Georgia in rural and urban areas to choose a plug-in vehicle that can meet their driving needs

• Helps attract/retain job talent and particularly millennials who support and recognize Georgia’s leadership in advancing these technologies

• Supports EPA air quality attainment goals. The three metropolitan areas, including Atlanta, Northwest Georgia, and Middle Georgia, have been designated as EPA non-attainment areas. 

Conclusion

• Modification of existing tax credit brings increased revenues and jobs to the State of Georgia

• Fiscally responsible approach to Georgia’s commitment to sustainability, innovation

Thank you again for your continued support of the Nissan LEAF!


Sincerely, 

Kelly Hoban
General Sales Manager
Capitol City Nissan