New bill in the CA senate could offer big incentives for drivers to buy electric

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- When it comes to electric cars Andrew Flores is convinced it's one of the most economical purchases he's ever made.

"Average 101 miles per gallon; since this car can get from Visalia and to Fresno and back on electricity I pretty much don't have to use any gas at all."

The respiratory therapist isn't alone as more companies install charging stations. Flores said because of rebates many of his coworkers are bypassing the traditional pump for the electric kind.

"By the time they actually make payments their monthly payment is like $30 a month or something."

To entice low income drivers to buy electric, a new bill would increase current tax rebates by an additional several thousand dollars. Right now, the local air district offers $3,000 dollars back and Cassandra Melching said not many people use it.

"Probably for the mere fact that they don't know they exist."

One estimate suggests after the proposed rebates in the bill a $40,000 car would drop to $25,000. That money would come from an already established fund made up of registration fees.

The bill did face Republican opposition in the State Assembly but made it through. If the State Senate sends it to the Governor's desk it would help Mr. Brown reach his ambitious goal of 1.5 million clean cars on our roads in less than 10 years.