Thank you, Rep. Barbara McLachlan for voting down House Bill 47, which would have repealed electric vehicle tax credits in Colorado.
The benefits of EVs are many. Fuel cost is less than half that of petroleum cars. EVs use 100 percent American produced electric power with rates set by public utilities commissions. Gas prices are subject to swings in an international market. EVs require little maintenance and are cheaper to own over a vehicle’s lifetime.
Tesla, an American company, led the research and development to make EVs the best choice for performance and energy efficiency, but Asian companies, encouraged by the support of their governments, are quickly gaining market share. Nissan and Chevrolet lead the American lower-cost EV market with models priced in the low- to mid-30s, before the tax credits. The Chevy Bolt has a 238 mile range comparable to Tesla’s, but at a much lower price point.
The tax credits make it possible for working people to try this new technology. Colorado’s tax credit will phase out in 2021. That is appropriate to allow time to give EVs a chance while the public charging infrastructure gets built up.
Rural Coloradans often have long commutes out of necessity. The EV tax credit allows us to save a lot of money on fuel and maintenance and enjoy the conveniences of never having to get an oil change and getting all the power you need by plugging your car in at home overnight.
Sarah Kelly
Durango
