California's electric vehicle rebates slash greenhouse gas emissions by over 3 tons per car in first year.
This study looked at how electric vehicles in California impact greenhouse gas emissions. By analyzing data from over 269,000 participants in the state's rebate program, researchers found that these EVs reduced emissions by 855 thousand metric tons of CO2-equivalent in the first year of use. Most of these reductions came from individuals who were heavily influenced by the rebate to buy or lease an EV. The study also calculated that for every metric ton of emissions reduced, the state provided $76 in rebates. Overall, the findings show that using program data can significantly improve our understanding of the environmental benefits of electric vehicles.