Austin Energy Electric Vehicle Home Charging Rebate

Mmm.  The use of electric vehicles is so wonderful the government has to pay people (with other people's money) to buy them. 

I'd never thought of them from that perspective before Dorie...you're right though, plugging them in at home would increase electricity costs in the home which I suspect would negate the cost benefit of going electric.  Would love to see someone doing this already chime in so we can hear first hand the benefits/results.

  We are not quite so progressive here...I am sure we will see franchises for charging stations soon !  Charge 'er up rather than 'fill 'er up !

Where I live in NY we talk a lot about charging stations and electric cars, but I don't think we'll be doing anything soon.  At least the government gives a rebate.

It will be interesting to see how the value of homes changes overtime for those which adopt this technology by adding a charging station as well as how the increased demand for electricity is met.

Dorie, So we understand these electric cars use energy stored in its rechargeable batteries, which are recharged by common household electricity. Interesting to see how the electric cars will change the car market and if the rebate will cover the charge the electric bills!

Good morning, Dorie....I don't know if I can get myself to participate in that.....I like the vehicles I drive with their big engines!!

That's green Austin for you .. fun the cartoon had green car & lady too.  Not too crazy about more taxpayer money being allocated out and I am reminded of how many purchased golf carts for free with that money so their kids can ride up and down the sidewalks like a toy car.  But green studies have merit and hopefully this one will yield positive results.

Really not looking forward to paying more money to the electric company here -- they're already through the roof and I'm already disgusted with the gas prices.  Horse and Buggy are starting to look pretty good . . .

I agree with Barbara.  When I purchased my Toyota 4Runner, I told the salesman I wanted a V8.  He was surprised because, as he said, most folks want a 6 cilinder vehicle.  I told him "I want power".  When I have buyers in my vehicle, or even when alone, I want to be able to merge onto the beltway, get out of a snow pile, accelerate with ease on the highway, etc.  For me, it's a matter of safety.

This is the future...

Dorie, those rebates have to spur things along in this budding area to go more green.

Dorie, I have to agree with Barabara and Lenn--I want that power for safety and feel like it's likely an even exchange for the 'power' that it will cost to charge that little electric car that I will NEVER purchase.  My family and my clients' safety is more important to me than being able to say "I'm green!"

Dorie,

I say Bravo to this.  At least it's a start in the right direction, especially with the continuing uncertainty in the Middle East.  However, I wish our country would use nuclear power, because it's far superior to energy conversation and safety nowadays... g

When will we see charging stations as standard features in new homes?  I wonder what a charging station costs.

 Life is good when there are flowers to photograph.

Way back in the mid-1990s, California passed a law requiring a 2% of the vehicles sold in California be electric vehicles. That percentage climbed to 5% in 2001 and 10% in 2003. I think that’s what drove the electric vehicle research. As soon as they make one with lithium batteries, I might buy one. These normal batteries just don’t go far enough.