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Electric-Car Makers Want Fed Jolt, Too

Troubled firms call for government aid, bigger tax credits for drivers

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 8, 2008 10:51 AM CST
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(Newser) – The electric-car industry is facing the same problems as Detroit’s needy giants—plus a few of its own, the Wall Street Journal reports. Like Big Three leaders, electric-car reps have been to Washington seeking government help; struggling industry leader Tesla Motors wants $400 million from the $25 billion energy fund that so-called “legacy” automakers are hoping to channel.

President-elect Obama wants a million plug-in vehicles on the road by 2015. The head of an industry association hopes the government will expand tax credits for electric-car buyers; back US-based battery programs, which are dominated by foreign firms; and buy electric vehicles for its own use. While the industry believes its time is coming, “the short term is tough,” he says.

Tesla workers assembly a Tesla Roadster at their showroom in Menlo Park, Calif., Sept. 16, 2008.
Tesla workers assembly a Tesla Roadster at their showroom in Menlo Park, Calif., Sept. 16, 2008.   (AP Photo)
The battery-powered Tesla Roadster costs more than $100,000, complicating the California company's case for needing federal aid.
The battery-powered Tesla Roadster costs more than $100,000, complicating the California company's case for needing federal aid.   (AP Photo)
Tesla Motors, whose Roadster is seen here being charged, wants a piece of the $25 billion set aside by the Energy Department to boost electric-car production.
Tesla Motors, whose Roadster is seen here being charged, wants a piece of the $25 billion set aside by the Energy Department to boost electric-car production.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Shannonals
Dec 9, 2008 8:25 PM CST
400Mil for electric cars, heck no
Zebraone
Dec 7, 2008 11:08 PM CST
Not on the hair of your chinney, chin, chin! $100,000 for a race car! Not on yer ASS!

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electric cars • auto industry • Big Three • Tesla Motors • tax credit • bailout • financial crisis • President Obama

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