Plug-in cars will be more expensive in W.Va.
CHARELSTON, W.Va. (AP) – Buying an environmentally friendly car in West Virginia will soon be up to $7,500 more expensive.
The West Virginia House voted unanimously Saturday to eliminate the state tax credit that encouraged the sale of solar, electric, plug-in hybrid and other alternative fuel vehicles.
The tax credit will remain for vehicles that run on natural gas, butane or propane.
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said the credits had become too expensive. The change is expected to save about $6 million in the next fiscal year.
Tomblin’s administration said the credits’ original purpose was to promote natural gas, which is produced in the state. Most of the electricity that powers plug-in cars is also produced in the state.
The bill also eliminates tax credits for building infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles.