Leading the charge.

• Author: Hartman, Kristy
• Position: TRENDS & TRANSITIONS - Hybrid and electric cars sold - Brief article

More electric and hybrid cars are sold in California than in any other state, but other states are catching up, thanks in large part to incentives. Last year, Americans bought more than 96,000 plug-in electric vehicles, an increase of almost 43,000 over 2012, according to the Electric Drive Transportation Association.

Helping boost those sales were financial incentives and benefits offered by at least 39 states and the District of Columbia, including free parking; exemptions on high-occupancy vehicle lanes, vehicle inspections and emissions tests; and fee or utility rate reductions. State rebates or tax credits range from $1,000 in Maryland to $6,000...