It seems this market is now developing perhaps subsidies are only available
to manufacturers at this present time bt correct me if I'm wrong.

ALL I can say is yes yes yes.. I am a mechanic leaning into electric and
alternative fuel projects. For the US GOV to give us this program, helps me
with my quality of life in this great country. As well as helping my auto
repair career. In other words thank you very much and great post.

'There was just introduced a new 'green' grants program for electric vehicles and the training required to product and maintain these vehicles.' Excellent! What I'm wondering though, as a eco-conscious mechanic, is this something that just kinda generally benefits society in the sense that it's easier for the typical car-owner to be greener... or is this something that can actually increase the quality of life for a tech. In other words, will this raise auto mechanic salarieshttp://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/auto-mechanic-salary-SRCH_KO0,13.htm - for those specially-trained individuals...? Message Edited by JamieD on 12-31-2009 09:28 AM

There was just introduced a new 'green' grants program for electric vehicles and the training required to product and maintain these vehicles. However, those grants were already approved for submitted projects before the anouncement was made and are only available in certain states. You might be able to contact some of these approved businesses to see if you can piggy back their grants. For more information - try http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204335,00.html?portlet=6 If this does not work out - speak to your local government. Many grants programs are allocated to local governments who in turn put that money out in their community. If you can ensure them that you will create jobs - they may grant you the funds you need. Last resort is a small business loan - many options for small businesses to get small amounts of funding to grow their businesses.

Hi larrysautoworks - To my knowledge there is not a specific program to train independent auto shop owners in the maintenance of electric or green vehicles - although it sounds like a great idea! However, if you're business was to employ green practices or contribute to these environmental causes you might be eligible for special financing or tax incentives. Check out Business.gov's Environmental Grants, Loans, and Incentives for possible opportunities. Good luck and please continue to share questions and feedback with the community!

There was just introduced a new 'green' grants program for electric vehicles and the training required to product and maintain these vehicles. However, those grants were already approved for submitted projects before the anouncement was made and are only available in certain states. You might be able to contact some of these approved businesses to see if you can piggy back their grants. For more information - try http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204335,00.html?portlet=6 If this does not work out - speak to your local government. Many grants programs are allocated to local governments who in turn put that money out in their community. If you can ensure them that you will create jobs - they may grant you the funds you need. Last resort is a small business loan - many options for small businesses to get small amounts of funding to grow their businesses.

Hi larrysautoworks - To my knowledge there is not a specific program to train independent auto shop owners in the maintenance of electric or green vehicles - although it sounds like a great idea! However, if you're business was to employ green practices or contribute to these environmental causes you might be eligible for special financing or tax incentives. Check out Business.gov's Environmental Grants, Loans, and Incentives for possible opportunities. Good luck and please continue to share questions and feedback with the community!