Uncommon Knowledge
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Delaware has extended a $2,500 rebate for another year, so electric vehicle buyers will benefit moving into 2025.
The state’s Clean Transportation Incentive Program will now be available until April 30, 2025, after it was supposed to expire on April 30 of this year.
The money is reserved for those who purchase either a plug-in hybrid or battery electric vehicle. Since it was first unveiled in 2015, the program has sent out roughly 5,500 rebates for a total of $12.8 million.
There are a few changes in store for this year’s rebate, however.
For this year, vehicles that use bi-fuel propane, dedicated propane or natural gas are no longer eligible for the cash. Only battery electric and plug-in hybrid cars from licensed dealerships will qualify now.
“While some states are cutting back on their electric car incentives, it’s a positive sign to see some states like Delaware extending these rebates for another year,” Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek.
“There is a significant change, though… This is a smarter approach to targeting financial incentives for electric vehicles with rebates. By scaling back the type of vehicle accepted, it ensures that those who still have yet to purchase an electric automobile and qualify for a refund can.”
Some of the top vehicle companies are included under the rebate, from Tesla, Audi, Ford, Hyundai and Kia and more.
However, there will also be more participating dealerships within Delaware that will allow customers to grab the rebate after purchase.
The majority of eligible vehicles are priced at under $40,000, but cars must be made within eight years of the current model year and registered in the state of Delaware.
If you choose to get a lower-cost car model, you could also qualify for a higher rebate amount.
The maximum available is $2,500 for a new battery electric vehicle with a base manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $40,000 or less.
A smaller amount of $1,500 is available for those buying new battery electric vehicle with a retail price between $40,000 and $50,000. Meanwhile, those purchasing new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with a retail price of $50,000 or less or used plug-in hybrid vehicles with a fair market purchase price below $40,000 can also get $1,000.
Delaware’s rebate program comes in addition to a federal program that allows tax credits up to $7,500 for specific electric vehicle models.
In order to apply for the Delaware rebate, you’ll need to register as a “supplier” with the state using the online portal and then use your supplier ID on the online application. Once you apply, you can expect the cash within eight to 10 weeks.
Just keep in mind, if you approved for the rebate, you might have to report it as taxable income to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as well as the Delaware Department of Revenue.
“It is important to know that any rebate may be deemed taxable income so please talk to your financial professional about the ramifications regarding your personal situation,” Kevin Thompson, a finance expert and the founder/CEO of 9i Capital Group, told Newsweek.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
31,000 LED lights and Christmas carols invite holiday cheer
Middletown resident Manny Duarte talks about the annual 31,000 LED lights display he mounts in his front yard to celebrate the Christmas season.
Benjamin Chambers, Delaware News Journal
From walks to drive-thrus, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a holiday light show this season.
Various shows and events are taking place throughout Delaware and across the Philadelphia region this year.
Here are nine holiday light shows to check out:
Spectators of the holiday light show at Longwood Gardens are in for a special treat this year as “A Longwood Christmas” kicks off amid the opening of “Longwood Reimagined.”
The expansion features new spaces like the West Conservatory, which will offer new areas to deck out for the holidays.
Longwood Gardens, located near Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, launched its holiday light display on Friday, Nov. 22, and it will run daily through Jan. 12. To make a reservation, visit the sprawling garden’s website.
Address: 1001 Longwood Road, near Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Website: longwoodgardens.org
Holidays at the Winterthur Museum on Route 52 features twinkling lights adorning the woodlands, a large-scale gingerbread house and an 18-room dollhouse, according to the museum’s website.
The holiday display will be open to the public starting Saturday, Nov. 23, and will run through Sunday, Jan. 5.
You can purchase tickets online or by calling the museum at 800-448-3883.
Address: 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Delaware
Website: winterthur.org/
Get a glimpse of Hagley Museum and Library around the holidays with a holiday home and garden tour.
The site features a gingerbread house contest, Santa day, holiday night tours and more.
The holiday experience at Hagley runs from Sunday, Nov. 29 through Wednesday, Jan. 1. Purchase tickets online to schedule your holiday tour.
Address: 200 Hagley Creek Road, Greenville, Delaware
Website: hagley.org/
The Wilmington Riverfront during the evening hours of Friday, Dec. 6, will host a drone holiday light show.
The free holiday light show will take place on the Riverwalk. For more information about the event, visit the Riverfront’s website.
Address: Michael S Purzycki Riverwalk in Wilmington, Delaware
Website: riverfrontwilm.com/event/drone-light-show
If you are willing to take a drive for a holiday light display, look no further than Yardley, Pennsylvania’s Shady Brook Farm.
You can drive through the holiday show yourself or take a wagon ride through. The holiday festivities begin Saturday, Nov. 23 and run through Jan. 5, 2025. Ticket prices are per vehicle and vary depending on the day of your visit.
The farm also features Santa’s Village with gifts, treats, firepits and a Candy Cane Lane walk-through.
Address: 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, Pennsylvania
Website: shadybrookfarm.com
The Dover Motor Speedway will once again host its drive-thru holiday light show this year.
Tickets are priced per carload at $35 per car and $60 per bus or limo.
Address: 1229 Persimmon Tree Lane, Dover, Delaware
Website: giftoflights.ticketspice.com/gift-of-lights-dover
Since 1972, the Brandywine Railroad has displayed model trains, including locomotives, passenger and freight trains, and trolleys as part of its annual holiday display.
The display also features interactive options like “push buttons and foot pedals” so visitors can engage with the train setup.
The holiday display began on Saturday, Nov. 16, and runs through Jan. 5. For more information visit the Brandywine Museum of Arts’ website.
Address: 1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania
Website: brandywine.org/museum
Take a festive ride on 100-year-old heated coaches through the Red Clay Valley to see homes decorated for the holidays.
The Wilmington & Western Railroad hosts one-hour evening train rides during the month of December. To purchase train tickets, visit the venue’s website.
For a visit from Santa Claus, be sure to reserve train tickets for the Santa Claus Express.
Address: 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Prices Corner, Delaware
Website: wwrr.com/ride/events/holiday-lights
Experience the holidays at the Nemours Estate by touring the 77-room mansion, chauffer’s garage and gardens adorned in twinkling lights.
The estate also will feature live music performances throughout the season.
The festivities at the Nemours Estate began Tuesday, Nov. 19 and will extend through Sunday, Dec. 29. Purchase tickets on the estate’s website and reserve your visit.
Address: 1600 Rockland Road, Rockland, Delaware
Website: nemoursestate.org
Got a tip? Contact Amanda Fries at afries@delawareonline.com. Follow her on X at @mandy_fries.
N. Scott Trimble
High School football 2024 Class D playoffs: Dolgeville vs. Delaware Academy
GEORGETOWN, Del. – The Delaware Springboard Villages announced Friday, that they would be breaking ground on a new community center. Co-founder of the organization, Jeffrey Ronald thinks this new center will bring more unity into the neighborhood.
“Breaking ground on this community center is not just for the participants of the Springboard Village. It’s for the broader Georgetown community where they will have access to job training, life skills like financial planning, communication skills, and healthcare.”
The state-of-the-art facility will feature computer labs, a telehealth conference room, staff offices, and a commercial kitchen. These resources will help guests toward self-sufficiency.
Executive Director, of Springboard Delaware, Judson Malone thinks this can be life-changing for those in need.
“It gives them a completely new perspective, and it is incredible when people come from the woods. It’s almost transformational, their whole outlook changes, and so the community center is going to build on that.”
According to Springboard Delaware, nearly 25% of guests have gained full employment. Around one-third have transitioned to permanent housing. Ronald is excited about the future of the Springboard Villages.
Governor-elect, Matt Meyer supports the organization. Ronald believes this will only grow stronger. “Matt Meyer who spearheaded the Hope Center, has been to the Springboard Village. He has kindly declared, and we think wisely declared, that he wants to replicate this model across the entire state. Hoping to help disadvantaged Delawareans build a better life.”
The villages are located on the property of the First State Community Action Agency behind their Georgetown headquarters. It houses up to 40 individuals.
It is the expectation they come in with a plan to find full employment.
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