Thanks to a change in state rules that took effect last week, buying or leasing an electric vehicle just got easier for the commonwealth’s nearly 5 million licensed drivers.
Depending on your eligibility, you can now save up to $5,000, according to Massachusetts’ MOR-EV website. Throw in federal incentives, and that savings can climb to as much as $7,500, WBUR-FM in Boston reported. Here’s a quick primer on what you need to know.
Who qualifies for EV rebates?
For starters, you must be a Massachusetts resident.
Initial rebates of up to $3,500 are available for the purchase of new and used EVs. New vehicles must cost $55,000 or less.
Qualifying buyers who participate in certain state programs, or who meet income criteria, can get a rebate on a used EV that costs $40,000 or less, with a model year that’s at least two years old. The previous owner also must have received a rebate in the last three years. The vehicles also must be purchased at a licensed dealership, according to the state’s MOR-EV website.
You can check out the list of eligible vehicles here.
Massachusetts residents who participate in these qualifying programs also can apply for an additional $1,500 rebate, according to the state:
- Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)
- Prescription Drug Assistance
- Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA)
- Mass Save Income Eligible Programs
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance PROGRAM (LIHEAP)
- Massachusetts Health Connector
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- State Supplement Program
- Mass Health
- Massachusetts Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
- Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program (LIWAP)
- Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC)
- Section A8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP)
- Women, Infants, and Children Program Nutrition Program (WIC)
- Veterans Programs (Chapter 115 Benefits)
- Veterans Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Surviving Parent
- Veterans Affairs Non-Service-Connected Pension (VANSCP)
Buyers also can claim a rebate on the purchase of electric trucks that cost $80,000 or less. You can check out the list of eligible trucks here.
How to Apply
State residents who purchase or lease an eligible electric vehicle can hop online and create an account on the state’s portal, where they can submit their application and any supporting documentation. This has to happen within 90 days of the purchase or lease.
If you purchased or leased an eligible vehicle before Aug. 9, acquired your vehicle out of state, or got it from a non-participating dealer, you can only apply for your rebate through a post-purchase application, according to the state.
You also can apply through a participating dealership.
When can you expect payment?
The state mails out rebate checks within 90 days of approval, and you’ll get an email when your check hits the post. As is the case with most things in life, there could be delays beyond the normal processing time.
Any questions?
You can direct your inquiries to the Center for Sustainable Energy at 866-900-4223 or mor-ev@energycenter.org. Questions about qualifying trucks can be directed to mor-evtrucks@energycenter.org.
The state’s call center is available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with 24-hour voicemail access. Calls placed before 11 a.m. will be answered on the same business day. All calls after that will be answered on the next business day.
