Driving Green webinar – How to obtain discounts when purchasing electric vehicles

Electric vehicles may be more affordable than you think! In addition to federal and state incentives, a special discount program for battery electric and hybrid electric vehicles (“EVs”), is being offered through Mass Energy, a nonprofit consumer alliance promoting low carbon energy solutions. Their “Drive Green” group discount program was the subject of an informative Mass Energy webinar presented on March 20, 2018.

Transportation generates 36% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the US – far larger than the amount generated by the residential, commercial or industrial sectors. So, EVs are the next big frontier in greenhouse gas reduction, offering an important and affordable way to lower one’s carbon footprint.  There is a federal tax credit and a state rebate which will lower the cost of purchasing an EV.

The webinar showed how EVs are increasingly practical and desirable – with maintenance that is less expensive than gasoline-fueled cars and new models featuring longer driving ranges. And there are more charging stations than ever — 520 in Massachusetts, with many in the Boston metropolitan area, and more stations are on the way.

A highlight of the webinar is that Mass Energy has negotiated a group discount which provides substantial savings when purchasing an EV from a participating dealer.  Anyone is eligible for the program.  How do you participate?  Visit Mass Energy’s Drive Green wevb site to learn about the current federal and state incentives, sign up for test drives, and compare the cars. At the time of this writing, there were 17 vehicles with “Drive Green” lease and purchase deals, including the applicable MOR-EV State Rebate. Please note that you do have to request the MOR-EV rebate after you purchase the vehicle, and it takes a few weeks to arrive.

Vehicle options through the Drive Green program include hybrid and electric hatchbacks, coupes, convertibles, SUVs, and even a minivan. Multiple dealerships are participating for most vehicles, so you can compare deals and decide which one is best for you. When purchasing a vehicle, you simply request the Driving Green price from the dealership. The price list is updated every month, so be sure to check back for the latest deals before heading to a dealership.

The discount, in combination with a federal tax credit and state rebate, contributes to realizing substantial savings.  The webinar provided an example – a Chevrolet Bolt LT with a selling price of over $37,000 at a Boston-area dealership that is eligible to receive a $6,000 Mass Energy Driving Green discount.  This discount, in combination with federal and state incentives, brings the final price down to $21,495! The same car is available for as low as $195 per month on a 36-month, 10,000 mile per year lease.

For more information, visit Mass Energy’s website at:  www.massenergy.org .  Mass Energy has regular events at which you can view the cars and get information.