Braintree Group Encouraging Residents to Switch to Electric Vehicles

From Braintree Electric and Light Department and Braintree Drives Electric:

Braintree, MA—Powered by Braintree Electric Light Department (BELD), Braintree Drives Electric (BDE) is a new initiative designed to highlight the benefits and economic incentives of driving electric vehicles (EVs)—and to help Braintree residents get behind the wheel to experience an EV first hand.

According to BDE Community Outreach Manager Madeleine Barr, plug­in EVs are fast, fun, affordable and efficient. “Compared to gasoline-powered cars, maintenance is simpler and cheaper with electric vehicles,” she said. “Charging your EV battery in Braintree is equivalent to approximately $1.30 per gallon of gasoline. Plus EVs offer a fun, convenient drive with smartphone integration and nearly silent operation.”

Barr added that a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 and a Massachusetts state rebate of up to $2,500 reduce the cost to lease or buy an EV, making it significantly less than a similarly priced gasoline­powered vehicle. Program participants can receive up to 175 free miles per month from BELD for charging their EV overnight and using an approved home smart charger. Braintree businesses are encouraged to take advantage of other incentives to install charging stations, increasing the number of available charging locations throughout town.

BELD has hired leading energy services firm Sagewell to design and implement the program, which offers Braintree residents free test drives that start and end at residents’ homes or workplaces. Participating local dealerships (Quirk Chevrolet and Quirk Volkswagen of Braintree, Quirk Ford and Quirk Nissan of Quincy,and South Shore BMW of Rockland) have provided pre­negotiated, no­haggle 36­month lease deals, some of which have monthly payments below $200 with all upfront costs reimbursed through the state’s rebate program.

“Electric vehicles give Braintree residents an additional way to take advantage of BELD’s low electric rates while also taking a significant positive action for the environment,” BELD General Manager Bill Bottiggi said.

To schedule a test drive or to hear more about the program, visit BraintreeDrivesElectric.com, email BraintreeDrivesElectric@beld.com or call 781.303.4994.