Tax Credits Not Enough Help to Buy an EV? Try Wine!

(Editor’s Note: There are no familial ties to the writer of this story … unfortunately.)

With each passing day, more and more potential new vehicle buyers are adding electric vehicles to their wish lists. However, let’s be honest, EVs are pricey!

The Inflation Reduction Act offers as much as $7,500 in tax credits on select battery-electric models built in the U.S. And while a more than $7K discount is nice, the average price for a new EV is more than $60,000, which still requires big cash — or loan.

Fortunately, there is something available to buyers more enticing than a tax credit — wine. Well, a winery, to be more precise: Rodney Strong Vineyards. The Sonoma, California-based vineyard is offering one person $60,000 toward the purchase of a new electric vehicle. 

More than a tax credit and wine tastes better too!

California wines getting better

It’s not likely a surprise to anyone that a sweepstakes for a free EV would come from California, which is the largest market for battery electrics in the U.S. However, in the past, automobile and alcohol companies haven’t really mixed much.

However, the vineyard is moved by another, well, an additional reason to entice people to its website or promotional displays in stores to see how they might win an EV.

“Sustainability is an everyday practice for us and drives how we choose to live our lives at Rodney Strong Vineyards,” said Erica Odden, vice president of Marketing. “EVs are quickly becoming a key part of a sustainable California. As one of California’s first certified sustainable wineries and vineyards, we want to lead the way by supporting the movement to go electric with an engaging program for our consumers.” 

Using a take on an old advertising slogan, Rodney Strong Vineyards isn’t just an EV advocate, it’s using the product. The company uses electric forklifts in the winery and vehicles in the vineyard as part of its long-standing priority to reduce its environmental impact. 

It became the first carbon-neutral winery in Sonoma County back in 2003. The company uses sustainable farming practices as well as a solar power array provide more than 50% of its electrical needs. In short, it makes sense they’d hold a sweepstakes for an EV.

“As we look to the future, we will continue to be as sustainable as possible here in Sonoma County and create opportunities for our consumers to participate,” Odden added. “By doing so, we not only improve the quality of life in the community around us, we support a culture focused on longevity for our future.” 

Do I have to like wine?

No. Nor do you have to like EVs, but it does seem to run against the spirit of the contest. As is the case with a sweepstakes, no purchase is necessary to participate. Entrants must be 21 years old — shocker! — to participate. They need to do so by June 30 and the winner will be announced July 5. To get the rules, the company’s set up a website. 

If you win, the winery will not hand you keys to your new Tesla Model 3, Ford Mustang Mach-E or Mercedes-Benz EQS. What it will do is send you a check in within a few months of winning. If your luck is running hot, perhaps the EV of your choice will then qualify for the federal tax credits too!

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• Source: https://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2023/05/tax-credits-not-enough-help-to-buy-an-ev-try-wine/