Tesla Roadster Electric sports car*

If a new hybrid car is in your future you will no doubt be interested in checking out what Government Incentives are available for new Hybrid cars purchases. There are many 2009 hybrid cars that qualify for a government tax credit as well as a list for 2010.

IRS tax credits can go as high as $3,400 for a 2010 Ford Fusion or a 2010 Mercury Milan hybrid. Credits go down to $1,550 for vehicles like the 2009 Saturn Vue, 2009 Saturn Aura and 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. It’s also important to check the phase out period. These credits start phasing out after the manufacturer has sold over 60,000 eligible cars dropping to 50%, 25% and finally no credit.

You can find vehicles that qualify for IRS tax credits from a number of manufacturers including Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, and Toyota.

While not related directly to hybrid cars, the Senate passed a new bill today (H.R. 2346) to give incentives to get rid of your old car in favor of a more fuel efficient car even if the new car is not a hybrid. The “cash for clunkers” program will reward car buyers for choosing a new car that gets at least 4 miles per gallon better than their old car. For trucks, sport utility vehicles, and minivans a 2 mpg increase will get an incentive of $3500, if you get something that gets 5 or more mpg higher the incentive increases to $4,500. This program is outlined as part of the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act

Now, if your standard hybrid car is a little too tame for you, perhaps you would like to go with a pure electric sports car like the Tesla Model S from Tesla Motors. The Model S has a $49,000 MSRP and qualifies for a $7,500 US Federal tax credit. This car provides quite a kick with a 0-60 mph in 5.6 second track time. With all that power it can still go up to 300 miles on a 45 minute QuickCharge. And yes they do have a Northern California Dealer; it’s located in Menlo Park, California.

If you have a little more green in your pocket that you would like to spend on a green environment and 0-60 in 5.6 seconds is a little boring, you can also look into Telsa’s Roadster or Roadster Sport which are able to deliver that 0-60 in 3.9 and 3.7 seconds both at a bit higher price tag, around $101,500 after the government tax incentive.

In addition to the Tax credits for hybrid and full electric cars the Government also has incentive programs for Diesels providing energy tax credits. The selection is not as good as the hybrid tax credit and nether is the amount of the credit. Energy Tax Credits for Diesel run from $1,800 for the Mercedes-Benz GL 320 BlueTec and the 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d Activity Vehicle down to $900 for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 320 BlueTec and the 2009 BMW 335d sedan. Other manufacturers qualifying for Diesel Energy Tax Credits include Volkswagen and Audi.

One other tax credit thet may be of interest is for alternative fuel vehicles. At this time only the 2009 Honda Civic GX qualifies with a tax credit amount of $4,000. Alternative fuel vehicle use fuels like compressed natural gas.

Whatever your choice, if your looking to purchase a new “green” car, you might want to check www.fueleconomy.gov to see if there is a Energy tax credit that might take some of the strain off your wallet.

* Roadster image from Tesla