The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will be helping residents find discounts on electric vehicles (EVs) with the launch of its new “EV Purchasing Co-op Dealership Incentives” web page. The program is the first in Maryland where a local jurisdiction is partnering directly with local automobile dealerships to provide incentives and discounts for EV purchases.
The program will amplify limited-time promotions and discounts on battery-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The initiative is the cornerstone of the next phase of the County’s EV Purchasing Co-op and will make the benefits of EVs more accessible by helping residents reduce the cost of going electric.
Under the program, County-based dealers each month are invited to share the EV incentives they are currently offering. Deals will vary in value, will be available for a limited time and may not be available every month. DEP will list deals that offer specific cost savings for plug-in electric vehicles, EV charging or other EV services. Once they find an incentive deal on the DEP website, potential vehicle buyers can contact the dealerships directly to take advantage of the offers.
The program is already underway. The first incentive available is relayed from Ourisman Chevrolet in Rockville, offering “No haggle manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) on new Chevrolet Bolt EV and Chevrolet Bolt EUV models.” The offer allows buyers to avoid additional dealership markups, which could save thousands of dollars.
EV adoption is a key part of Montgomery County’s Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. Residents and businesses that transition to electric vehicles can save thousands of dollars on fuel and maintenance costs in the first five years of EV ownership and reduce tailpipe pollution to zero.
“I am proud that our County is taking the lead and is the first County in the State to partner with automotive dealers to incentivize elective vehicle adoption,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “The number of community members that have pledged to go electric as part of the EV Purchasing Co-op shows that there is significant demand for electric vehicles in Montgomery County. Now, with the introduction of EV Purchasing Co-op Dealership Incentives, we are delivering on our commitment to make electric vehicle ownership more accessible.”
To support dealerships as part of the initiative, the County will provide educational materials on EVs for dealership sales staff and prospective customers. The County also offers training to sales staff about the climate-related benefits of EVs and local incentives available to residents and businesses.
Dealerships participating in the Electrified Dealers Program will be identified on the County’s website to help consumers find dealers that are at the forefront of selling electric vehicles.
In addition to the dealership incentives, the EV Purchasing Co-op supports residents and businesses who are considering purchase of electric vehicles with:
- Education about EVs and EV charging.
- Information about incentives from the government, utilities and local businesses.
- Events to experience EVs firsthand.
Residents and businesses can join the EV Purchasing Co-op and pledge to make their next vehicle electric. Since launching the first phase of the Co-op in January 2022, more than 1,000 residents and businesses have made the pledge.
