Buyers of Chevy Volt eligible for state rebate

Tennessee is extending its $2,500 state rebate for buying an electric-powered car to the buyers of the Chevrolet Volt, provided the Volt owners agree to participate in a federally funded study of battery-powered vehicles.

The Department of Economic and Community Development Energy Division announced Tuesday that Chevy Volt buyers can get the extra rebate check from the state's $2.5 million program if they join a national study on electric vehicle use and power chargers.

The state rebate, which is in addition to the $7,500 federal tax rebate for buying an electric car, was previously available only to Nissan Leaf buyers who participated in the EV study.

Those who sign up for the study before June 30 will qualify by a free 240-volt networked charge station from ECOtality North America. ECOtality has received $114.8 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to deploy 14,000 chargers in six states.

"The state's $2,500 electric vehicle rebate provides an extra incentive to those who want to purchase a more energy efficient and environmentally friendly vehicle," Molly Cripps, director of the state's energy division, said in a statement. "We've had a great deal of interest from Tennessee consumers regarding the Volt, and I am pleased it is now eligible for rebates."

Volt owners who have already purchased and taken delivery of their vehicles are still eligible for the rebate if they are accepted into The EV Project. Consumers should contact the original selling dealer to inquire about retroactive rebates.