Chevrolet Volt extended-range EV

The Chevrolet Volt extended-range EV has a base MSRP of $41,000. For most Americans who buy one, this can be reduced by $7,500 thanks to a federal tax rebate. Additionally, some buyers will be able to take advantage of state or local government incentives that will drop the after-rebate price below $33,500, like the 2,500 Detroiters who can get free installers and a $40 flat monthly rate from DTE Energy. The people with the absolute cheapest entry point for a new Volt, though, could be those in Lansing, Michigan.

That's because the local utility, Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL), will offer incentives that match the $7,500 from the feds. According to the Lansing State Journal, the incentive is, "a $7,500 cash rebate to the first 25 buyers of the Volt in BWL's service area and install high-speed charging stations for those who make the list." The financial assistance comes from a $750,000 grant from the federal government that is meant to promote electric vehicles in mid-Michigan. BWL will also buy two Volts for its own use with the money.
The bad news? This amazing deal is limited to the just 25 people, and it doesn't seem to include any other plug-in vehicle (why no Nissan Leaf love?). If you're only helping 25 people, why not just buy some Volts to give away? In any case, it's a pretty sweet deal, and we would be surprised if other local governments are working on similar programs with their own federal grant money. Now, if you'll excuse us, we need to go make a phone call.