Washington wants rebate on EVs

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.