Washington wants rebate on EVs
SMYRNA, TENNESSEE - U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told a group of Nissan executives and workers that the Obama administration wants consumers to be able to get a tax rebate at dealerships when they buy electric cars.
The federal government currently offers a $7,500 tax credit on the purchase of electric vehicles, but that can't be taken until buyers file their income taxes.
LaHood said he expects the change to be a part of any tax bill that is passed in the next year and a half.
He made the remarks during a tour of Nissan North America Inc.'s lithium-ion battery plant in Smyrna. The plant should be complete in late 2012 and will be able to produce 200,000 batteries a year for the all-electric Nissan Leaf.
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Alberta sets new electricity usage record during deep freeze
CALGARY - Albertans are cranking up their thermostats and blasting heat into their homes at overwhelmingly high rates as the deep freeze continues.
It’s so cold that the province set a new all-time record Tuesday evening for electricity usage.
According to the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), 11,729 MW of power was used around 7 p.m. Tuesday, passing the previous record set in January of last year by 31 MW.
Temperatures reached a low of -29 C in Calgary on Tuesday while Edmonton saw a low of -30 C, according to Environment Canada. Wind chill made it feel closer to -40.
“That increase —…
