Baker-Polito Administration Increases Funding for Electric Vehicle Rebate Program by $2 Million
BOSTON – Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner
Judith Judson announced today at the New England International Auto Show that the
Baker-Polito Administration is adding $2 million in funding to DOER’s electric
vehicle (EV) rebate program.
«Electric vehicles are a vital component of our Global Warming Solutions Act
commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector,» said
Governor Charlie Baker. «These rebates have proven to be important in buyers’
decisions to go electric and make clean transportation financially achievable for
more Massachusetts residents.»
«In addition to saving drivers money, zero emission vehicles reduce air pollution,
which improves the health of our communities and families,» said Lieutenant Governor
Karyn Polito. «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.»
Since June 2014, the Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric
Vehicles
1,606 vehicles, cutting the state’s greenhouse gas emissions output by an estimated
4,554 tons annually. MOR-EV provides rebates ranging from $750 to $2,500 based on
vehicle category and battery capacity.
Zero and low-emission vehicles 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 battery electric vehicle can save $3,750 dollars on fuel over
five years, compared to the same vehicle with a gasoline engine.
«The MOR-EV program’s success reflects Massachusetts drivers’ excitement about
electric vehicles and their commitment to reducing environmental impact,» said
Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. «By getting more electric
vehicles on the road, we can reduce emissions and reliance on foreign oil, boost use
of new technology and meet our commitment to a cleaner future for the Commonwealth.»
Today, at the New England International Auto Show, DOER Commissioner Judith Judson
announced that DOER and the Clean Cities Coalition will partner with the
Massachusetts Auto Dealers Association to provide training for new «EV Specialists»
for dealerships and provide recognition opportunities to Massachusetts dealers.
«Zero emission vehicles are a critical part of the clean transportation future and
we are committed to helping Massachusetts auto dealers educate their customers on
the benefits of driving zero emission vehicles,» said DOER Commissioner Judith
Judson.
According to the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE), the MOR-EV program
administrator, about 65 percent of MOR-EV rebates were for purchase or lease of
battery electric vehicles, while the remaining were for plug-in hybrid electric
vehicles. Nearly three-quarters of recent MOR-EV recipients who participated in a
survey indicated the MOR-EV rebate was an important factor in their decision to buy
an electric vehicle.
«The Town of Plymouth has been proactive in the last several years promoting
electric cars with plug-in stations throughout the community,» said State
Representative Mathew J. Muratore (R-Plymouth). «This is not only great for the
environment but also good news for our local economy and we thank the Baker-Polito
Administration for the funding and leadership in this area.»
«I applaud the Baker-Polito Administration for expanding on the Commonwealth’s
commitment to greening our transportation sector,» said State Representative
Jonathan Hecht (D-Watertown). As a result of programs like MOR-EV and effective
collaboration between the public and private sectors, electric vehicles are rapidly
becoming a practical option in Massachusetts.»
«Electric vehicles are not only beneficial to the environment, but they are
beneficial to your bank account,» said State Representative Brad Hill (R-Ipswich).
‘This electric vehicle rebate (MOR-EV) offered by the Department of Energy Resources
is a major incentive for the public to help do their part in protecting our
environment and promoting cleaner, healthier communities.»
«Transportation emissions are the biggest driver of climate change in Massachusetts,
yet marketing of electric vehicles by auto dealers isn’t where it should be,» said
State Senator Mike Barrett (D-Lexington). «This will help.»
This funding is financed by Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction
proceeds, and aims to help reduce reliance on foreign oil and meet Massachusetts’
goals under the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions in the transportation sector 7.6 percent by 2020.
For complete rebate program information and other details, go to
www.MOR-EV.org