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(Indiana News Service) Electric vehicles are considered one solution for a cleaner environment and Indiana has just over 26,000 EVs already on the road.

Energy officials are hoping tax credits will help more drivers make the switch. The U.S. Treasury Department is taking comments through mid-November on a proposed tax credit for electric vehicle owners. It would clarify who can get a tax credit of up to 30 percent of the cost of installing EV charging stations and other "clean fuel" infrastructure.

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Sam Carpenter, executive director of the Hoosier Environmental Council, said if someone has a charger in their garage, they are in good shape but he knows it is not the reality for all motorists and he pointed out one state agency is doing something about it.

"Recently, INDOT announced an $100 million investment for charging in 39 sites, as part of the federally funded National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure, the NEVI program," Carpenter explained. "That's going to do a lot to create more charger availability."

The Treasury Department guidance said more EVs would lower transportation costs and increase energy security by making cleaner vehicles more affordable. Carpenter noted another bonus from the program is the Justice 40 Initiative. Disadvantaged and marginalized communities will receive 40 percent of the benefits of federal climate, clean energy, affordable housing and other investments.

Drivers thinking about buying an electric vehicle are eyeing the price tag, plus insurance and maintenance costs. The IRS proposal could mean a tax credit of up to $1,000 dollars for individuals, and nearly $100,000 for businesses.

"I think it's a good thing," Carpenter stated. "There is considerable savings for consumers in their maintenance and fuel costs over the 15-year life span. One of the things with Hoosier Environmental Council that we're excited about is the clean air impacts, the air quality that's going to improve and of course, that also reduces greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change."

The U.S. Department of Energy lists 10 additional tax incentives by Indiana utility companies for EV chargers.