Baker Pumping $2M More Into Mass. Electric Car Program

BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Charlie Baker is pumping an additional $2 million into a program designed to encourage Bay State residents to switch to electric vehicles.

The money will go to the state's electric vehicle rebate program, administered by the Department of Energy Resources.

Under the program, Massachusetts residents are offered rebates of up to $2,500 if they choose to buy or lease electric vehicles.

So far, the program has provided rebates for more than 700 zero and low-emission vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and fuel-cell electric vehicles, and zero-emission motorcycles.

Zero and low-emission vehicles save drivers on fuel and maintenance, while emitting less carbon dioxide.

Money for the program comes from auction proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the nation's first multi-state "cap-and-trade" program. Massachusetts participates in the initiative.