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 (MOR-EV) program has issued nearly $3.8 million for 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.
