The timing for this year’s Orange County Auto Show in Anaheim couldn’t be better for what is considered one of the largest electric-vehicle markets in the nation, as the $7,500 tax credit to buy them is set to expire Sept. 30 .

Also ending this month is the federal Clean Air Vehicle decal program, which enabled EV and hybrid car owners to ride in the carpool lane with just a single occupant. The state has thrown a two-month lifeline to drivers to get used to the loss.

“A lot of people are aware that those tax credits are going away, and they’re going to be out making their purchases so they can benefit from the credits,” said John Sackrison, executive director of the Orange County Auto Dealers Association, which hosts the show. “I think we’re going to see a lot of buying activity bet

See Full Page