Baker-Polito Administration Announces $12 Million for
Electric Vehicle Rebates
Renews Commitment to Reducing Emissions and Fuel Usage with MOR-EV Incentives
BOSTON – December 9, 2016 – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced $12 million in funding for the Commonwealth’s electric vehicle rebate program, Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles (MOR-EV). The announcement builds upon the Department of Energy Resources’ (DOER) $2 million commitment in January and represents more than double the rebate funding over the lifetime of the MOR-EV program. Consumers can qualify for rebates ranging from $750-$2,500 on the purchase or lease of more than 25 qualifying new electric vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell electric vehicles.
“The adoption of electric vehicles is an important component of the Commonwealth’s plan for reducing emissions and meeting our Global Warming Solutions Acts goals,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “With the continued growth and consumer choice for electric vehicles, our administration is committed to working with all stakeholders to promote the host of positive benefits electric vehicles offer.”
“This investment in electric vehicles through the MOR-EV program will help continue our positive progress as we continue to build towards a clean transportation future,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Through DOER’s Green Communities Program, Massachusetts’ municipalities have taken a leading role in adopting electric and fuel-efficient vehicles, once again setting an example for the rest of the Commonwealth to follow.”
Since June 2014, the MOR-EV program has issued or reserved over $6 million for 2,931 vehicles, cutting the state’s greenhouse gas emissions output by an estimated 8,123 short tons annually. The Commonwealth recently adopted a fuel efficiency standard for the purchase of new state vehicles, requiring minimum fuel efficiency on newly purchased state vehicles. As part of DOER’s Green Communities Program application process, cities and towns must pledge to only purchase fuel-efficient vehicles. DOER is also in the process of developing an additional rebate program to promote electric vehicle adoption for low-income consumers.
“The intense interest in the MOR-EV rebate program is a testament to the progress the Commonwealth has made towards incorporating clean energy technologies into everyday life,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton. “The Baker-Polito Administration continues to demonstrate our commitment to reducing emissions and providing a clean, healthier environment for all Massachusetts’ residents through the integration of fuel-efficient and zero emissions vehicles.”
“Thousands of consumers have taken an important step towards reducing emissions across Massachusetts by embracing zero emission and fuel-efficient vehicles,” said DOER Commissioner Judith Judson. “By doubling the historic funding of the MOR-EV program, the Baker-Polito Administration is ensuring that the Commonwealth is poised to secure our clean transportation future as options for electric and fuel-efficient vehicle consumers continue to grow.”
In May, DOER awarded four grants for the purchase of electric school buses and chargers to Acton-Boxborough Regional School District, Amherst Public Schools, Cambridge Public Schools and Concord Public Schools. The grants were awarded through the Department of Energy Resources’ (DOER) new Vehicle-to-Grid Electric School Bus pilot program, which aims to reduce schools’ petroleum use and test the benefits of electric school bus technology.
“The MOR-EV program is a great incentive that anyone interested in purchasing an electric vehicle should consider,” said State Senator Don Humason (R-Westfield). “This significant investment into the successful program will contribute to the Baker Administration’s ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote clean energy in the Commonwealth.”
“Increasing the use of zero emissions vehicles would help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and I’m happy to hear that the administration is offering more rebates for such cars,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton). “I was happy to work with my Senate colleagues to pass a bill earlier this month that creates new incentives for people to buy zero emissions vehicles, and I wish to thank Secretary Beaton for his support of ZEVs through the rebates program. These initiatives will help the state achieve its stated goal of 300,000 zero emissions vehicles registered in Massachusetts by 2025, and are an important part of protecting our environment.”
“I commend the Baker-Polito Administration for its strong commitment to electric vehicles and the MOR-EV rebate program,” said State Representative Jonathan Hecht (D-Watertown). “Widespread use of electric vehicles is critical to meeting the Commonwealth's emission reduction laws. Through MOR-EV and private and public efforts to expand charging infrastructure, electric vehicles are quickly becoming an affordable, practical choice for Massachusetts residents.”
“The MOR-EV rebate program has been an invaluable addition to our Commonwealth, and I am incredibly thankful for the Baker-Polito Administration’s continued support and funding toward such an important environmental initiative,” said State Representative Brad Hill (R-Ipswich).
MOR-EV is administered on DOER’s behalf by the Center for Sustainable Energy. The 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.
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