It has long been known that the state of California is at the forefront of government regulation of corporate responsibility for environmentally-friendly manufacturing. It is also well known that California has accumulated billions of dollars worth of debt since the new millennium. To reward automobile manufacturers who produce zero-emissions vehicles, California has implemented a tax relief system to eliminate some overhead costs. Attracting these new corporations will contribute to California’s green mission and help eliminate some debt.

“These vehicles can play a big part in helping California successfully implement its groundbreaking laws to fight climate change,” said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who chairs CAEATFA. “By offering this financial incentive, our goal is to ensure zero-emission vehicles realize their full potential in our state. In the bargain, we believe the policy will bolster our emerging green economy, create good-paying jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. I’m very pleased the policy helped convince Tesla to build its high-performance electric cars in California.”  -ecotality.com

Two of California’s most popular electric car automakers are Phoenix Motorcars (Ontario, CA) and Tesla Motors (San Carlos, CA). Phoenix will begin offering their Phoenix SUT and Phoenix SUV models late 2009 at soonest. Both models can travel at a top speed of 95 miles per hour (factory regulated) and have a driving range of about 100 miles. Tesla Motors are already chruning out their famed sporty performance Roadsters and have recently opened up their second dealership in Menlo Park, California (first opened in Los Angeles, CA).

Tesla Motors announced earlier this year that the auto manufacturer would be manufacturing their up and coming Model S sedan on California soil instead of Albuquerque, NM. The new California legislation aids Tesla and other zero-emissions auto makers by eliminating sales and use tax on any manufacturing equipment used for the vehicles. For instance, Tesla will be saving an estimated $7,000,000 to $9,000,000 on its $100 million production plant, which was a big factor in bringing the company to California.

Think North America, which plans to bring the Th!nk Ox ZEV to the United States in 2010 or 2011, has no immediate plans the begin seeking production opportunities in California. With their vehicles currently being produced in Norway, the Norwegian automaker stated that, “should demand reach a point where it makes sense, from a cost standpoint and a delivery standpoint, that they would explore the opportunity in the future to look at a manufacturing site somewhere in North America.”

Fisker Automotive is another California-based automaker looking into the new tax exemptions. Based in Irvine, California, Fisker will be releasing the location of production of their luxury plug-in hybrid sedans in the near future. The plan is to release the Karma model in 2009 and to break into European markets in 2010.

Looks like California’s green mission is well on its way to becoming a success. Let’s all take a moment to thank the Governator.