Taxpayers Giving Bonuses to Electric Car Buyers

Uncle Sam is delivering thousands of dollars to the buyers of the first all-electric car – the Nissan Leaf – thanks to American taxpayers, according to The New York Times. Buyers are receiving all kinds of perks for buying the “green” car that include tax credits, rebate checks, personalized home visits, government giveaways and even customer service calls from top corporate executives. It starts with a $7,500 federal tax credit and a $3,000 home-charging unit courtesy of the U.S. Energy Department.

“It just keeps getting better and better,’’ said Justin McNaughton who also is receiving a $2,500 cash rebate from his home state of Tennessee. “My wife thinks it’s funny because at the end of the day, we’re just buying a car.’’

But, the Nashville attorney added, “You kind of feel like you’re one of the chosen people.’’ It’s all part of the government’s strategy to wean Americans from gasoline – even if it means spending thousands of dollars per electric car owner. So far, about 20,000 Americans have reserve a Leaf that is expected to arrive at dealerships in December.