Frequently Asked Questions

The Delaware Clean Vehicle Rebate Program is a cash rebate that is separate from the federal tax credit. Applicants have 90 days from the purchase or lease of an eligible vehicle to obtain a Delaware Supplier ID and apply for the rebate. It may take several days to receive your Supplier ID, and only eligible vehicles will qualify for the rebate. Check out our FAQs for more information about the Delaware Clean Vehicle Program, eligibility criteria and the application process.

 

Program Changes

The DECVRP continues to offer rebates for new battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles and introduces rebates for used BEVs and PHEVs.

New BEVs with a base MSRP below $40,000 qualify for the full rebate of $2,500 while BEVs with a base MSRP between $40,000 and $50,000 qualify for a reduced rebate of $1,500.

PHEVs with a base MSRP below $50,000 qualify for a $1,000 rebate.

Eligible used BEVs qualify for a $2,500 rebate while eligible used PHEVs qualify for a $1,000 rebate. The used vehicle rebate is available to Delaware residents only, businesses and other non-individuals are not eligible to apply.

A summary of all rebates is shown below:

New Electric Vehicles Base MSRP Below $40,000 MSRP $40,000 - $50,000
Battery Electric $2,500 $1,500
Plug-in Hybrid $1,000 $1,000
Used Electric Vehicles Fair Purchase Price* Below $40,000  
Battery Electric $2,500  
Plug-in Hybrid $1,000  
*The average national purchase price for a specific used vehicle model and year, as determined by Kelley Blue Book.

The DECVRP rebate amounts are based on the base MSRP for new vehicles and the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for used vehicles at the time of program approval, set on May 1, 2024. While prices may change after this date, the DECVRP rebate amounts will remain fixed until the program is reevaluated in 2025.

Eligible vehicles and the corresponding rebate amounts can be found on the Eligible Vehicle list.

 

Application Questions

The typical timeline for payments is within 8-10 weeks after your application is approved. Delays beyond normal processing times may occur. Rebates will be issued based on the information put in the supplier portal; incorrect information provided during the application submission process or information that is not up to date with the State of Delaware Division of Accounting may delay the payment timeline.

For assistance, or if you have additional questions, please contact us here.

To receive a rebate, an applicant MUST register online as a “supplier,” using the Division of Accounting eSupplier Portal, and include the Supplier ID number on the application. Applications missing this number will not be accepted. Rebates will be issued based on the information put in the supplier portal. If you do not have a business and purchased your vehicle as an individual, please enter your personal information when prompted. Find more information in the New Supplier Registration Guide or view this instructional video.

Before applying, make sure that your information (address, last name due to marital changes, etc.) is up to date with the State of Delaware Division of Accounting. Please note that incorrect information provided during the application submission process or information that is not up to date with the State of Delaware Division of Accounting may delay the payment timeline.

Please see the New Supplier Registration Guide or this instructional video. If you are still unsure or have issues, contact the Supplier Maintenance Team at 302-526-5600 or FSF_Supplier_Maintenance@delaware.gov.

Applications cannot be accepted without all required supporting documents and signatures. The sales invoice (for a purchase) -OR- a lease agreement (for a lease) for your vehicle is required. It is up to the applicant to ensure completeness of the application.

If you did not receive the rebate when purchasing or leasing at a participating dealership, you have 90 days post purchase or lease to submit your application. Participating dealerships must submit rebate reimbursement applications within 30 days of the vehicle transaction date.

 

Eligibility Questions

MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price and is the price point that the manufacturer of the car recommends that a dealership charges for that vehicle model. The DECVRP utilizes the base MSRP of a vehicle to determine eligibility. The base MSRP does not include optional or added features, equipment, delivery fees, and extended warranties. Base MSRP is confirmed by the Original Equipment Manufacturer's website.

The DECVRP rebate amounts are based on the base MSRP for new vehicles and the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for used vehicles at the time of program approval, set on May 1, 2024. While prices may change after this date, the DECVRP rebate amounts will remain fixed until the program is reevaluated in 2025.

The base MSRP reflects the standard trim option for an eligible vehicle. Vehicle eligibility for our program is based on the base MSRP being under $50,000, which means any trim can be chosen for any eligible vehicle.

The intent of the DECVRP Rebate is to help residents of Delaware get cost relief when purchasing a new clean vehicle. This rebate helps to make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible to residents of Delaware who want to buy electric vehicles but have financial limitations or hesitations.

New vehicles purchased or leased prior to May 1, 2024 may still be eligible to receive a rebate. The rebate must be applied for within 90 days of the purchase or lease date. Applications must be submitted no later than July 30, 2024.

Yes, you must lease the vehicle for a minimum of 36 months to qualify for the program.

All eligible vehicles and corresponding rebate amounts can be found on the Eligible Vehicle list. Program eligibility is determined by the program administrator using the following criteria:

New Vehicle Rebate

Rebates are available for the purchase or lease of eligible new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) with a base MSRP of $50,000 or less. Eligibility is determined by the program administrator and displayed on the eligible vehicle list.

Used Vehicle Rebate

Rebates are available for the purchase or lease of eligible used battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) with a fair purchase price of $40,000 or less and may not be a model year more than eight (8) years older than the current calendar year. Eligibility is determined by the program administrator and displayed on the eligible vehicle list.

If you believe a vehicle should qualify for the program, please contact DriveElectricDE@energycenter.org.

To ensure equal distribution of program funds among Delaware residents and other eligible entities, DNREC will limit the number of rebates available as of May 1, 2023. Individuals are not eligible to receive more than two (2) rebates through the lifetime of the program. Businesses, non-profit organizations, governments, educational institutions and other eligible entities may not receive more than six (6) rebates over the lifetime of the program.

Yes. Vehicles purchased outside of Delaware are eligible for a rebate if the purchaser is a Delaware resident or Delaware-based business and the vehicle is registered in Delaware. Rebates for out-of-state purchases or leases must be claimed by the applicant within 90 days of the purchase or lease.

Active-duty military members stationed in Delaware with a temporary Delaware residential address, but with permanent residency in another state are eligible to apply and may use a proof of service letter/proof of assignment letter in lieu of other proof of residence documentation.

Yes, hybrid plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs) are eligible for a rebate of up to $1,000. Browse the eligible vehicle list for all PHEVs that qualify for a rebate.

New Vehicles

The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) must reach out to DECVRP for eligibility consideration.

For OEMs and dealerships – Adding a vehicle to the DECVRP eligible vehicle list requires models to:

  • Have a base MSRP of $50,000 or less.
  • be one of the following vehicle types:
    • Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) - Vehicles that are powered by high-capacity batteries that are charged using an external power source. Battery Electric Vehicles do not have a gasoline or diesel internal combustion engine.
    • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) - Vehicles that use batteries that are charged by an external power source in conjunction with a gasoline or diesel internal combustion engine.

For both newly eligible vehicles and new model years, please email DriveElectricDE@energycenter.org with the vehicle identification number (VIN) decipherment and a marketing photo of the vehicle. For a full list of vehicle eligibility requirements, please review the Implementation Manual.

Used Vehicles

The program administrator regularly reviews the used vehicle market and adds eligible models based on the following criteria:

  • Have a fair purchase price* of less than $40,000.
    • *The average national purchase price for a specific used vehicle model and year, as determined by Kelley Blue Book.
  • Be a model year no older than 8 years from the current model year. For example, in 2024 the oldest eligible model year is 2016.
  • Be one of the following vehicle types:
    • Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) – Vehicles that are powered by high-capacity batteries that are charged using an external power source. Battery electric vehicles do not have a gasoline or diesel internal combustion engine.
    • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) – Vehicles that use batteries that are charged by an external power source in conjunction with a gasoline or diesel internal combustion engine.

If you believe your vehicle meets eligibility requirements but is not listed as an eligible vehicle above, please contact DriveElectricDE@energycenter.org.

Yes, used vehicles purchased from licensed online dealerships such as CarMax or Carvana are eligible for a rebate, provided the vehicle is included on the eligible vehicle list. Please note that private sales do not qualify for a rebate.

Make sure the exact make and model of the vehicle you intend to purchase is listed on the eligible vehicle list.

No. Electric motorcycles are not eligible for a rebate under the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program.

Yes. If there is a federal tax credit available for your vehicle, applicants can apply for both. This program is not associated with the federal tax credit that is available for electric vehicles. Applicants have 90 days from the date of purchase or lease to apply for the Delaware Clean Vehicle Rebate Program. The applicant is responsible for understanding the requirements and applying for the federal tax credit program. Questions regarding the federal tax credit should be directed to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or to a tax professional. The IRS website provides details on how to qualify and apply for the federal tax credit. For questions related to the taxability of the federal tax credit as well as the Delaware Clean Vehicle rebate, please consult with a tax professional.

 

Dealer Questions

Dealers can apply to be a participating dealership anytime. Before starting the enrollment process, please review the step-by-step instructions on the Dealer Overview page.

To apply for reimbursement, you will need to collect, complete and submit the following information for each applicant:

  • Proof of temporary or permanent Delaware vehicle registration
  • Copy of the sales or lease contract
  • Proof of Delaware residency (e.g., Delaware driver license or other form of approved documentation) 

Participating dealers will be reimbursed through the program upon approval of the application. Payments will be issued based on the information put in the Delaware supplier portal.

 

General Questions

Battery electric vehicles run on electricity only. They are propelled by one or more electric motors powered by rechargeable battery packs. These cars “refuel” by plugging into the wall or a charging station. Examples of battery electric vehicles include the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt and Tesla Model 3.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles can be charged by plugging into an electrical outlet or charging station, but also have an engine or generator that is fueled by gasoline. Examples of plug-in hybrids include the Hyundai Tucson PHEV, the Chrysler Pacifica and the Toyota Prius PRIME.

There are many excellent sites with information on these alternatively fueled vehicles. Following is a list of some starting points for your research about alternatively fueled vehicles:

If you have any additional or specific questions, please email DriveElectricDE@energycenter.org.

There are several apps that you can download on your cell phone to find EV charging stations, such as PlugShare (Android or iPhone) or ChargePoint (Android or iPhone).