Electric cars: Hawaii expands rebate fund
Electric cars so popular that state adds $350,000 to its rebate fund and extends deadline. Hawaii offers up to $4,500 to buyers of electric cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
In this file photo, Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie, state and Mitsubishi officials, and new Mitsubishi owners commemorate the first retail customer delivery in the US of the 100-percent electric Mitsubishi i in December. Electric cars are so popular in the state that it has just added $350,000 to its rebate fund.
Luci Pemoni/AP images for Mitsubishi/File
HONOLULU
Hawaii is adding more money to an聽electric聽vehicle聽rebate program and extending the deadline for the rebates.
State officials said Tuesday that because of an increase in demand for聽electric cars, $350,000 is being added for rebates on new聽electric聽or plug-in hybrid聽electric聽vehicles聽and chargers.
The deadline for the rebates is being extended from March 31 to Nov. 1.
Energy officials say expanding the EV Ready Rebate Program provides a long-term solution as Hawaii works toward reaching energy independence.
Since March 2011, 618 rebates have been approved for 372聽vehicles聽and 246 chargers. Hawaii residents can apply for rebates of up to $4,500 on聽electric聽vehicle聽purchases and up to $500 for chargers. In addition, federal tax incentives of up to $7,500 are also available.