Each model year brings more options for “greener” driving, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and all-electric vehicles. Browse the websites below to inform yourself of the vehicle options and special offers in Massachusetts. And take a look at the driving tips to see how you can maximize the efficiency of your vehicle.
EV Discount Program
The non-profit Green Energy Consumers Alliance, (formerly Mass Energy Consumers Alliance), has organized “Drive Green,” an electric vehicle discount program which includes plug-in hybrids and all-electric cars.
Anyone is eligible to sign up for deals. Once you sign up, you have the option to test-drive cars of your choosing and are able to receive a discount to purchase or lease a top EV model at a participating dealer.
Their website also offers general information about electric vehicles.
See Green Needham’s blog post “Driving Green webinar — How to obtain discounts when purchasing electric vehicles.”
Efficient Driving Tips
Fueleconomy.gov efficient driving tips include:
Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) “can lower your gas mileage by roughly 15% to 30% at highway speeds and 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.”
Observe the speed limit: “While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 50 mph.”
Remove excess weight and avoid hauling cargo on the roof: Or at least remove the external cargo container when not using it.
Avoid excessive idling: “It only takes about 10 seconds worth of fuel to restart your vehicle.”
Resources
