Dear Chairman Hatch,
As you consider the contents of the forthcoming tax legislation, I urge you to preserve the Plug-In Electric Drive Vehicle Credit (commonly known as the Electric Vehicle, or EV Credit). I am concerned that the credit was not included in the initial tax legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. As the Senate Finance Committee considers its own proposals for restructuring of the tax code, I urge you to retain this important driver of economic growth and future competitiveness.
Electric vehicles are critical to both the current and future global competiveness of the American automotive sector. The EV credit is a key incentive in paving the way for customer acceptance of electric vehicles, which in turn moves us towards a more sustainable and competitive transportation future. In addition, because electric drivetrains are the preferred configuration for self-driving vehicles, the preservation of the EV credit will prove to be a critical economic incentive as we move toward the adoption of fully-automated vehicles.
The American middle class was shaped in the 20th century by the mass production of combustion engine automobiles. A new generation of jobs and families will be supported by electric vehicles. Eliminating important economic incentives for electric vehicles would be a step in the wrong direction.
Thank you for your consideration of this letter.