News Release — Vermont Energy Investment Corp.
June 15, 2016
Contact:
Alayna Howard
Vermont Energy Investment Corporation
802-540-7656
[email protected]
Drive Electric Vermont offers up to $1,000 on qualifying plug-in vehicles
June 15, 2016 – Burlington, VT – For those in the market for a new car this summer, now is the time to go electric. Drive Electric Vermont is offering an instant discount off the purchase or lease of a new plug-in vehicle. There are approximately 200 incentives available to Vermonters, so it pays to act fast!
“We’ve seen the popularity of electric cars grow over the past few years as more plug-in models have arrived,” said David Roberts, Coordinator of Drive Electric Vermont. “These incentives will promote local businesses and help Vermonters experience all the benefits of going electric for their next new car.”
Vehicles eligible for the incentives include both types of electric cars: 1) All-electric vehicles, which are powered solely by batteries, such as the Nissan LEAF, Volkswagen e-Golf, BMW i3 and Ford Focus Electric; and 2) Plug-in hybrid vehicles, which are powered by both a battery and gasoline, such as the Chevrolet Volt, Ford C-Max Energi, Audi A3 e-tron, Volvo XC90 T8, and Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid. Vehicles with larger batteries will qualify for a $1,000 point-of-sale incentive, while electric cars with smaller batteries, including most plug-in hybrid vehicles, will receive $750. These incentives are in addition to federal tax credits of up to $7,500 available for new plug-in electric vehicles.
Funding for the Drive Electric Vermont incentives was provided by a grant from the public benefit, non-profit corporation VLITE. Incentives will only be available at the participating electric car dealerships listed below. There are 15 different models of plug-in vehicles on the market in Vermont right now in a wide range of prices and options, with several new models expected to become available later this year.
Participating dealerships include:
Almartin Volvo, Shelburne
Audi South Burlington, South Burlington
Automaster BMW, Shelburne
Automaster Mercedes-Benz, Shelburne
Brattleboro Ford, Brattleboro
Cody Chevrolet, Montpelier
Freedom Nissan, South Burlington
Handy Chevrolet, St Albans
Lamoille Valley Ford, Hardwick
McMahon Chevrolet Buick, Morrisville
Midstate Chrysler Dodge, Barre
Midstate Hyundai of Vermont, Barre
Quality Mitsubishi, St Johnsbury
Rutland Volvo, Rutland
Shearer Chevrolet, South Burlington
Shearer Volkswagen, South Burlington
Twin State Ford, St. Johnsbury
“We are excited to partner with Drive Electric Vermont and local dealerships to promote plug-in vehicles this summer,” said Dick Marron, chair of the VLITE Board of Directors. “This effort to increase the number of electric cars on Vermont roads is a key part of our mission to support the state Comprehensive Energy Plan and increase the energy security of Vermonters.”
The benefits of driving an electric vehicle have already convinced many Vermonters to invest in the clean-tech transportation option. As of April 2016 over 1,100 plug-in passenger cars were registered across the State. It is less expensive to own a plug-in car than many gas-powered cars. With low maintenance costs, fueling equivalent to about $1.25 per gallon of gasoline, and financial incentives, going electric is a smart investment.
The majority of Vermonters drive less than 30 miles per day, which is well within the range of any all-electric vehicle currently on the market. Charging is as easy as plugging into a standard home outlet, upgrading to a dedicated home charging unit, or visiting one of over 130 workplace and public charging locations across Vermont. For people looking for more flexibility to take longer trips, plug-in hybrids are a good option. Plug-in hybrid cars run on electricity until the battery is drained and then switch over to using gasoline seamlessly, so electric range is not a concern.
Incentives are for Vermont residents. Businesses are not eligible. Incentives are only available at participating dealerships point-of-sale on electric vehicles purchased or leased on or after June 15, 2016. Visit www.driveelectricvt.com to learn more about electric vehicles in Vermont, including a map of public charging stations.
Drive Electric Vermont is a project of the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation in partnership with the State of Vermont, industry representatives, and a broad array of stakeholders advancing electric vehicle technology. More information atwww.driveelectricvt.com.