By Kolby R. LaMarche

Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak and the Burlington Electric Department (BED) announced a significant increase in electric vehicle (EV) rebates on Tuesday. 

Joined by representatives from Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Peter Welch, Rep. Becca Balint, the Sierra Club Vermont, and fifth-graders from Champlain Elementary School. The initiative offsets the federal EV tax credit’s expiration on September 30, due to the recent federal reconciliation bill.

Effective October 1, BED will offer $5,000 rebates for new all-electric vehicle purchases or leases. Income-qualified customers will receive $5,700, up from $2,300 and $3,000, respectively. These rebates will run throughout 2026 or until funds are depleted.

Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak emphasized Burlington’s commitment to its Net Zero Energy goal. The city aims to ensure residents can transition to EVs despite federal policy reversals. 

Vermont’s congressional delegation criticized the federal rollback. Sen. Sanders called it a prioritization of fossil fuel profits over a habitable planet. Rep. Balint noted that Burlington’s drivers are reducing emissions and costs, reinforcing Vermont’s climate commitment.

Darren Springer, BED General Manager, highlighted the strategic planning behind the rebates. “These are our largest-ever rebates, keeping energy dollars local,” he said. 

Funds from Vermont’s Act 44 of ‘23 and Act 142 of ‘24 enable BED to support this electrification at no new cost to taxpayers, the department claimed.

BED’s programs also include resources to help residents access incentives:

• Energy Services Team offers free consultations for electrifying homes.
• Sustainability Team hosts weekly office hours at King Street Laundry.
• Net Zero Energy podcast educates on sustainable practices.
• Drive Electric Vermont details state and utility EV incentives.

Robb Kidd of the Sierra Club Vermont praised BED’s efforts to ensure cleaner transportation options and Champlain Elementary fifth-graders shared similar perspectives. Christina Moore, 10, expressed her desire for clean air and snowy Vermont winters.

Since 2017, 22.6% of BED’s EV rebates have supported income-qualified customers. Off-peak charging rates, as low as 75 cents per gallon equivalent, enhance affordability. BED’s charging infrastructure includes on-street Level 2 chargers and public Level 3 fast chargers.

Full rebate details are available at burlingtonelectric.com/rebates.