Colorado Offers $42,000 off 2009 Tesla Roadster

If you thought the federal government's $7500 tax rebate on electric vehicles was substantial, Colorado is currently offering $42,083 in tax credits if you purchase a Tesla Roadster.

Colorado's current alternative fuel tax credits follow a stepped rebate based on the vehicle's emissions and its comparative cost to the competition. Colorado currently offers new green car buyers a percentage of the premium paid over non-hybrid vehicles. Tax credits follow a stepped scale, with zero-emissions and super-ultra-low emission vehicles receiving an 85 percent rebate -- which is how the 2009 Tesla Roadster ends up with a $42,083 rebate.

Residents of Colorado owe the large tax credit available to the difference in price between the Tesla Roadster and its gasoline-powered relative, the Lotus Elise. The difference (depending on the model) is some $49,000, with 85 percent of that returned to the customer come tax time.

If you're not in the market for a high-performance electric sports car, there are numerous cars on the list eligible for various amounts of money back. Another of the more interesting cars eligible for a large chunk of change back is the Lexus LS 600hL. The large-luxury hybrid is eligible for $20,392 in rebates.

Source: Colorado State Government