Provided by: Maine Climate Council |Published on: July 6, 2023
Articles/Websites Grades 9-12, ap-college
Synopsis
This article describes federal and state incentives and tax credits for some Maine residents who buy new and used electric vehicles (EVs) or plug-in hybrids.
Students will learn that these vehicles can save consumers money on fuel and maintenance costs, while lowering fossil fuel emissions overall.
This article gives students an opportunity to see the Inflation Reduction Act's adjustments to the electric vehicle incentives.
This article details the differing tax credits and incentives for new versus used EVs and plug-in hybrids, including a link to the list of vehicles that qualify.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should understand the difference between electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and fuel-powered vehicles.
Students should understand what fossil fuel emissions are, where they come from, and how they impact the planet.
Differentiation
This article could enhance a lesson on electric vehicles and how they can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This article could support a classroom discussion on what incentivized the federal government to create tax credits for purchasing EVs and how this policy will impact different groups within the country.
After reading the article, the teacher could lead a classroom discussion about other ways the American government can fight climate change and what political/social obstacles are holding the country back from fully addressing this issue.
This article could augment a classroom discussion about the EV charging station infrastructure that must be built to achieve the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Economics classes could use this resource to enhance a lesson about incentives, regulations, and tax credits as tools to address climate change.