Winter Park is poised to secure up to $80,000 in federal tax credits for its existing electric buses and EV charging infrastructure, despite the recent federal law changes halting similar credits for future purchases. The Town Council has engaged TransTax Advisors to navigate the application process for these clean energy tax credits, which are accessible through the IRS’s Elective Pay Program established by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
The town will funnel any revenue from these credits into its transit fund, assisting in offsetting future operational costs, as supported by a 2% sales tax. Despite the termination of certain incentives for new electric vehicle acquisitions set by the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Winter Park remains eligible for credits due to prior investments in clean energy.
Future projects, including solar panel installations, may also qualify for federal tax credits if completed before December 2027. Meanwhile, constrained federal funding for zero-emission vehicles could shift Winter Park’s future vehicle purchases towards hybrids, while also considering potential risks related to battery performance in colder, high-altitude conditions.
