Electric cars

Good news for 2011! The Federal Tax Credit for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure has been extended through December 31, 2011. As a consumer, you can get a tax credit of 30%, up to $1,000, for an EV charging station. Tax credits, unlike tax deductions, are actually deducted directly from the taxes you owe, rather than from your income — so they amount to a lot more than tax deductions.

A few resources for more information:

• Plug-in America: A coalition of EV drivers and clean-energy advocates.
• Clean Vehicle Rebate Project: From the Center for Sustainable Energy
• Electric Vehicles — Get Plug-in Ready: PG&E page about plug-in options
• EVadvise: An independent authority on electric vehicles and charging station infrastructure