Renewable Tuesday: No EV Tax Credits, No Problem
3 minute readPublished: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 11:15 am
Renewable Energy Update: Shifting Landscape in EVs, Coal, and Solar
Recent developments highlight the evolving dynamics of the renewable energy sector, showcasing both progress and setbacks. Despite the expiration of federal tax credits for electric vehicles (EVs), the price of EVs has not increased as expected. Instead, consumers can find various incentives, including interest rate cuts, rebates, and lease deals, potentially offsetting the loss of tax credits.
In a significant move, New England's last coal-fired power plant has ceased operations, three years ahead of schedule. This closure paves the way for the site's transformation into a clean energy complex, including solar panels and battery storage systems. This shift underscores the growing momentum away from coal and towards renewable energy sources.
The text also addresses the current state of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). It notes that there are no commercial-grade SMRs currently in operation, with only research prototypes in China and Russia. The text argues that renewables and storage are more cost-effective, faster to deploy, and environmentally friendlier than nuclear power.
The article also touches on the complexities of corporate influence in the energy sector. A large-scale solar project in Nevada, backed by NextEra Energy, faced cancellation despite a financial contribution. This situation raises questions about the impact of political decisions on renewable energy projects.
In California, Governor Newsom vetoed three bills aimed at expanding the state's use of renewable energy technologies, including rooftop solar, backup batteries, and electric vehicles. The governor cited concerns that the bills would complicate existing efforts to meet clean energy and grid reliability goals. These decisions come as California residents face high utility costs, significantly above the national average.
BNN's Perspective: The renewable energy sector is experiencing a period of significant change. While the transition to clean energy faces challenges, including political hurdles and corporate influence, the momentum towards renewables remains strong. The closure of coal plants and the continued development of renewable energy technologies suggest a promising future for the sector. However, the high cost of energy in California highlights the need for careful policy decisions to ensure affordability and grid reliability.
Keywords: EVs, electric vehicles, tax credits, renewable energy, coal, solar, battery storage, SMRs, small modular reactors, NextEra Energy, California, Newsom, energy policy, clean energy, grid reliability, incentives, rebates, lease deals.