The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources announced that the state’s electric vehicle rebate program, which has issued or reserved more than $23 million in rebates for over 11,000 cars since its launch in 2014, will be extended through June 30, 2019, according to a Dec. 6 press release.

• Starting next year, the program will support only eligible battery electric vehicles up to a $50,000 sales price with a $1,500 rebate to satisfy industry demand. Current rebate levels will be available through Dec. 31 and consumers must file applications within three months of vehicle purchase.
• The agency said that the extension is a “critical preliminary measure” in the state’s effort to mitigate climate change impacts. Massachusetts has enacted several transportation programs and policies to accelerate the adoption of fuel efficient vehicles. However, the state’s overall emissions have increased over the past two years and the transportation sector remains accountable for nearly 40 percent of that total.
• In January, Governor Baker, a Republican, created a commission to advice the administration on the future transportation needs including zero-emission vehicle deployment and enhancing the resilience of transportation infrastructure.
• The rebate program is funded by the regional carbon market auction proceeds and aims to reduce dependence on foreign oil and meet the state’s goal of cutting transportation emissions by 7.6 percent by 2020.