ElectricMotorcycleForum.com

When I bought my Zero DS last year rebates were not a factor in my decision. I'm getting ready to do my federal and state taxes and it doesn't look like buying an electric bike is of any advantage.

Federal: I'm retired and don't have squat for reportable income or tax liability. My retirement is funded with money I already paid taxes on. Since the federal incentive is in the form of a tax credit you don't benefit from a credit if you don't owe tax.

State of Vermont: Same as above.

Green Mountain Power (my electric company): They offer a dirt cheap installation of a J-1772 charging station but I really have no need as I can plug into 110 and be ready to go in the morning. I have a charge tank but would have to run 220 from my cellar out to the garage. They also offer a $600 cash rebate to new EV owners. I emailed them and got a call today.  Explained I had a Zero MC. This is all new to them. They had never considered a MC and called back twice more with questions. Evidently it created quite a stir in their offices. Ultimately the decision was made to not allow me the rebate. It's only for passenger cars. Zeros get zero.

I suspect that their attitude is that a MC is primarily used for fun while a car is for transportation. Never mind that the number of miles I drive my truck was cut in half. I ride every day except winter.

In any event, if my take on the Fed and state taxes thing is wrong please correct me.

Steve

So many helpful responses.

Yes, it was a free ClipperCreek station. From now on if I see an "OK to unplug" note I'll go ahead and do so and when finished reattach to the car.

I had considered the pay vs free scenario and if absolutely necessary I could restart the car's charging using my account. (Sema or Chargepoint). This would obviously be pricey for me considering the cost to charge a Zero compared to an EV car.

A funny thing happened the other day. I had just finished charging and was putting on my gloves and helmet. An EV car guy drove up and started bitching me out for parking my bike in an EV spot. I calmly pointed out that my bike was an EV like his car. He muttered something under his breath as I backed out of the spot.

Generally, however, the EV car owners and bikers are enthusiastic and full of questions. Many want to snap a photo.

I have a '18 Zero DS 7.2 with a charge tank. Charging at home and at an EV station all work fine.

The other day I stopped at a EV charge station top off before heading home. Battery at 50%. There was a Chevy Volt using the single port. The driver left a note saying "OK to unplug"'. I had enough charge left to make it home so I decided not to unplug him because I didn't know if that car had to be keyed on to start/restart a charge. My Zero does. Once started I can remove the key.

Can any/all electric cars be charged by simply reattaching the J1772 plug. I would have done this if I needed some charge to get home.

Thanks