All the big automakers (Toyota, Ford, Nissan, GM, Chrysler-Fiat, Honda) have cars that qualify for the federal tax credit.
“This is exactly what happened when the feds bailed out the failing GM/Chrysler, etc.”
I can't say that I'm a fan of the bailout, either. Mostly because the big difference between a bailout and bankruptcy was that the unions got bailed out. Though I like the fact that the new GM ended up domestically owned, unlike the way Chrysler ended up. Maybe there would have been a way to do that through the bankruptcy courts, but I'm not sure.
“Finally, I notice there are state incentives in California to buy a Leaf. I would put that into the category of a state's prerogative. If the citizenry of the state has no problem paying for that kind of thing, then let ‘em. The federal involvement is what I oppose. Such crony capitalism crushes competition and steals from the taxpayer.”
Many conservatives make the mistake of assigning the $7,500 tax credit to democrats or some sort of cronyism. The truth is that the tax credit was signed into law by none other than George W. Bush. He was the one who said in his State of the Union address, “America is addicted to oil,” and, “We will increase our research in better batteries for hybrid and electric cars, and in pollution-free cars that run on hydrogen.”
Like you said, the citizenry should decide. I would bet that if you went beyond the bounds of Free Republic, a poll of Americans would show support of subsidies to help the adoption of electric cars. However, you won't find many Republican politicians in that camp these days, what with the avalanche of Koch campaign money being spread around.
Many people oppose the rebate on principle, but I think it serves a public interest. Besides reducing urban pollution, it would have huge geopolitical benefits if the United States and Europe transitioned to EVs. No more oil wars and our biggest national rivals would be in the poorhouse.
The tax credit was part of the 2009 porkulus package. It might have been an idea germinated by Pres. Bush, I don’t recall, but he didn’t enact it.
http://www.pluginamerica.org/incentives
“$2,500 to $7,500 tax credit, depending on size of battery (4 kWh to 16 kWh), for electric-drive vehicles (EVs and PHEVs) sold after December 31, 2008. This is the best and biggest new incentive brought on by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (stimulus bill), and applies to at least 200,000 units per vehicle manufacturer before it begins phasing out.”
The majority of our oil no longer is Middle Eastern Canada and Latin America give us the majority now. We do work hard for places that others are interested in, such as the Russians and Chinese. Both are very interested in the Middle East. Still a good idea, to reduce energy wasted through. Even a hybrid cuts wasted fuel from issues such as traffic jams.
I don't care about the source of the subsidy. It should end.
And as far as the "citizenry" deciding, I am all for it--as long as it remains Constitutional. Constitutionally, this matter belongs to the states. The feds have nothing to do with it.
Cheers.