Thinking of switching to an electric car? Now may be the time

Nissan and BMW are hoping to give car buyers and Delmarva Power customers a little extra incentive to switch to an electric vehicle.

In addition to the manufacturer incentives, Delmarva Power customers could qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits, as well of thousands of dollars in state rebates and tax incentives, the company announced Wednesday.

Nissan is offering a $3,000 rebate off the manufacturer's suggested retail price on the 2018 Leaf, which lists at just under $30,000. The cost break is available through June or while supplies last. To qualify for the savings, customers must bring a copy of a flyer, found at Delmarva Power's website, and show their electric bill to participating Nissan dealerships.

BMW, meanwhile, is offering $10,000 off the best negotiated purchase price of a new all-electric BMW i3 ($44,450) or BMW i3s ($47,650) through July. To redeem the offer, customers need to provide a power bill and a completed Delmarva Power customer information form — also found on the company's website — to their local dealership.

The offerings are part of Delmarva Power’s broader efforts to provide new and innovative services and options for customers across the company’s service area.

“We are seeing a growing interest from our customers in electric vehicles, clean technology and innovative transportation solutions,” said Gary Stockbridge, Delmarva Power region president, in a press release. "These rebates and incentives are another step forward as we work with partners across the region to expand needed charging infrastructure, provide affordable energy services for electric vehicles, and position Delaware and Maryland as leaders in this rapidly growing market.”

Delmarva Power is actively working to advance electric vehicle technology, the company says. In Delaware, it has proposed an innovative program to the Delaware Public Service Commission that will help prepare Delaware for the growth of EVs and provide customers with reduced electric rates, credits, rebates and other incentives to buy and own EVs.

While Nissan and BMW are offering rebates, there is still a federal tax credit program. The credits apply to the first 200,000 electric vehicles a manufacturer sells. After that, the $7,500 income-tax credit continues through the end of that calendar quarter.

It is then reduced by 50 percent every six months until it phases out completely.