Senator Portantino Introduces ZEV Conversion Rebate Bill
For Immediate Release: February 2, 2023
Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400
Senator Portantino Introduces ZEV Conversion Rebate Bill
Sacramento, California – Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D-Burbank) introduced Senate Bill 301 today, which will create a financial rebate program to convert gas and diesel-powered motor vehicles into zero-emissions-vehicles (ZEVs). The legislation is designed to help working families in California obtain electric vehicles while assisting California in meeting its climate goals.
“It is essential that we continue to look for new methods and ideas to meet our strong climate goals,” said Senator Portantino. “SB 301 will make it much easier for many Californians who have the desire to go green but lack the financial capacity to do so. It will aide conversion by providing a financial rebate for Californians who choose to convert their gas-powered car into an electric vehicle but can’t afford to do so. Cutting edge energy efficiency should not be reserved only for those wealthy enough to afford it.”
The transportation sector is responsible for nearly 40% of greenhouse gas emissions in California. Within that sector, passenger vehicles are responsible for 70% of emissions, resulting in air pollution that most significantly impacts California’s working-class communities. In order to reduce these emissions, California needs alternative and creative ways to make ZEVs accessible for all Californians.
California has multiple programs, including the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP) and the Clean Cars for All Program, to promote the purchase of new ZEVs. However, even with a financial rebate to purchase a new electric vehicle, ZEVs are unaffordable for many working-class Californians, with the cost of a new electric vehicle averaging at $66,000.
ZEV conversions of gas-powered vehicles that started their life with an internal-combustion engine can be converted to a ZEV via an aftermarket package, alternatively, and can be completed for as little as $14,000.
SB 301 will offer Californians up to $2,000 to convert their gas-powered vehicle into a ZEV. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) will develop guidelines for the program, define eligible applicants, eligible replacement motors, parts and conversion types. Income limits are in place to ensure that financial rebates are reserved for those who cannot afford to purchase a new electric vehicle. SB 301 will additionally benefit automotive workers and small automotive repair and ZEV conversion businesses. As a result, ZEV conversion businesses can expand, creating new, green jobs across California.
"The aftermarket is a leader in innovation, and that includes in zero-emissions technologies,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "SB 301 creates opportunities for our California-based small businesses, their employees and consumers to build and have access to affordable zero-emissions vehicles."
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is sponsoring the legislation to incentivize consumers to convert their vehicles to cleaner engines, following a similar bill introduced last year that passed in the Assembly with zero opposition.
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