BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Charlie Baker is pumping another $2 million into a program designed to encourage Bay State residents to switch to electric vehicles.
The money will go to the state’s electric vehicle rebate program, administered by the Department of Energy Resources.
The program offers Massachusetts residents rebates of up to $2,500 if they choose to buy or lease electric vehicles.
So far, the program has provided rebates for more than 700 zero- and low-emission vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel-cell electric vehicles, and zero-emission motorcycles.
Zero and low-emission vehicles save drivers on fuel and maintenance, while emitting less carbon dioxide.
Money for the program comes from auction proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the nation’s first multi-state “cap-and-trade” program. Massachusetts participates in the initiative.
“The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and petroleum use by aiding the transition to cleaner, more efficient vehicles for Massachusetts residents,” said Secretary Matthew Beaton. “This program is valuable both economically and environmentally, saving drivers money and supporting the Commonwealth’s emissions reduction goals.
Zero and low-emission vehicles will save drivers money on fuel and maintenance costs, according to the DOER’s Fuel Economy side-by-side comparison. For example, a driver purchasing a compact BEV car can save $3,750 dollars on fuel over five years, compared to the same vehicle with a gasoline engine. The BEV also emits significantly less carbon dioxide.
“Massachusetts and our partners in the region are committed to developing a more robust electric vehicle network in New England,” said DOER Acting Commissioner Dan Burgess. “MOR-EV has expedited these efforts, lowering operating costs and benefitting our families’ health and the environment at the same time.”
“This rebate program represents a strong partnership between consumers and the Baker administration to make a cost-effective transition to greater energy independence and less carbon emissions,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “Because of this increase, that partnership will grow stronger and be more successful.”
“We look forward to continuing our efforts on behalf of our member dealers working with the Baker Administration on promoting the sale of ZEVs and EVs,” said Robert O’Koniewski, executive vice president of the Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers Association. “The MOR-EV program has been a success and our member dealers will continue to embrace their essential role in this ‘green’ initiative.”
“Electric vehicles have off-the-charts customer satisfaction ratings because they are fun to drive, and people love zooming right past the gas station,” said Gina Coplon-Newfield, director of Electric Vehicles Initiative for the Sierra Club. “We applaud this example of the Baker administration’s investment in cleaner cars, healthier air, and a safer planet.”
MOR-EV has also increased business for dealers that sell electric vehicles. The Nissan Leaf, Ford Focus EV and the Chevy Volt are the most popular vehicles being purchased or leased through this program. Any Massachusetts resident is eligible for the rebate.
For details on which vehicles are eligible and how you can apply for a rebate, visit MOR-EV.org. All applications must be submitted within three months of the purchase or lease of the vehicle.
