The Dept of Energy Resources announced grants of $10 million (pdf) may be available, via the stimulus bill, to cover the difference between hybrids and the gas-only cars (found via Boston Herald). Both new and 'retrofitted' vehicles such as hybrids, electric, fuel cell, CNG, plug-in hybrids, and diesels with 2009 MY are eligible.
To apply, submit a letter by May 18. Commercial applications (pdf) and municipal applications (pdf) differ, so make sure to fill in the right one. Those who obtain the grants have to buy the vehicles within a certain time frame and keep them for at least three years.
The 'incremental costs' covered by the grants are based on the vehicle type. A light duty hybrid is only eligible for up to $2,000, while a light duty fuel cell vehicle the limit is up to $500,000. And if you want to take up 10% of the budget in one bit, a medium/heavy duty hybrid could cover up to $1,000,000.
The first thing that came to mind for me was hybrid police cars. I would bet that a lot of towns across the Commonwealth are attempting to buy new police vehicles, and would love to upgrade to a hybrid to save on fuel costs. Another possibility is a hybrid bus or even work trucks could get covered (think of the new hybrid Sierra or Silverado).
If they act fast, this could be a real opportunity for local cities and towns, as well as businesses.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Massachusetts Businesses May Get Grants to Buy Hybrids
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