By Shirley Johnson-Foell, Sonoma Group Climate and Energy Chair
Dreams do come true! I am a dreamer, putting a BMW i3 on my wish list two years ago, and am now leasing one. Things clicked and it happened with sweet timing much like Chopra’s synchrodestiny.
I chose the BMW because I’ve been driving a 328i for the past 12 years. I will miss my trusted car mechanic; there is not a lot of service for EVs!
The charging on this machine is handy because I have three options: Level 1 charger: 120 volts (around 16 hours to full charge); a home-installed Level 2 charger: 240 volts (4 hours for full charge); and the Fast DC (1 hour to full charge).
Another great thing is the charge point card I got with the vehicle, which allows me to get free charging at participating stations. It’s a whole new world looking for charging stations, but so far, so good. My BMW i3 is the “ultimate driving machine!”
This car has all the characteristics that I would tout back in 2008 in my thesis on alternative fuels: carbon fiber body, and electric engine with motor for extended range. Thanks to the Sonoma Clean Power for putting some more incentives for two cars, Nissan Leaf and the BMW i3.
Here is the savings breakdown for buying or leasing one of these two EVs:
PURCHASE OPTION | 2017 BMW i3 | 2016 Nissan LEAF |
Time of purchase savings Manufacturer purchase credit | $8,500 | $10,000 |
Dealer purchase credit for Sonoma Clean Power (SCP) customers | $2,000 | $0 |
SCP customer incentive | $2,500 | $2,500 |
SCP customer low-income bonus | $2,500 | $2,500 |
TOTAL SAVINGS RANGE: | $8,500-$15,500 | $10,000-$15,000 |
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LEASE OPTION | 2017 BMW i3 | 2016 Nissan LEAF |
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Time of purchase savings Manufacturer purchase credit | Base $7,500 | S (w/ Quick Charge) $11,625 | SV $11.250 | SL $10,875 |
Dealer purchase credit for Sonoma Clean Power (SCP) customers | $2,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
SCP customer incentive | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
SCP customer low-income bonus | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
TOTAL SAVINGS RANGE: | $7,500-$15,500 | $11,625-$20,625 | $11,250-20,250 | $10,875-19,875 |
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POST-PURCHASE/LEASE REBATES & TAX CREDITS |
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California rebate | $2,500 |
California rebate bonus for low-moderate income residents | $2,000 |
Federal tax credit (up to) | $7,500 |
Northern Sonoma County 3-2-1 Go Green! | $3,000 |
Northern Sonoma County 3-2-1 Go Green! Low-income rebate | $1,000 |
Be sure to check with your dealer on rebate availability. You can also visit cleanvehiclerebate.org for income limits for the low-income rebates.
