Considering buying an electric vehicle (EV), or just want to better understand what it’s like to own and drive one?

Transportation accounts for 43% of Wellesley’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The Town of Wellesley has set an ambitious climate goal of achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2050 and interim goals of a 50% reduction by 2030 and 75% reduction by 2040. Driving an EV is one way you can reduce your environmental impact and help our community reach these goals.

Learn more about electric vehicles at three upcoming events to help you become an informed buyer:

Thursday September 30, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Energy New England Drives Electric Learn about new EV choices available this year and get your questions answered by EV experts at this National Drive Electric Week virtual event. Sign-up here.

Thursday September 30, 7:30 p.m. EVs, PHEVs, Hybrids: Car Options for Today Sharon Kirby, a Wellesley resident and EV owner, will share her firsthand perspective on EVs and answer attendee questions at this Sustainable Wellesley virtual event. Sign-up here.

Saturday October 2, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Wellesley EV Showcase (part of Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend) View different makes and models of EVs in-person and chat with Wellesley residents about their experiences owning and driving EVs. This event takes place at the Cameron Street parking lot in Wellesley. Sign-up here.

EVs are fun to drive and more affordable than ever, thanks to a $7,500 federal tax credit, a $2,500 Massachusetts state rebate, and a Green Energy Consumer Alliance Drive Green discount. And the savings continue, because an EV owner can save up to $1,000 per year on fuel and maintenance costs when compared to a traditional gas powered vehicle.

“We can all help combat climate change by choosing an EV the next time we buy or lease a new or used car," said Dr. Marybeth Martello, Wellesley’s Sustainability Director. "The U.S., along with more than 140 other nations, the state of Massachusetts, and Wellesley are actively working to curtail greenhouse gas emissions. We all can make a difference.”

ABOUT
These EV events and information are offered at no cost to all residents through a partnership between:

Sustainable Wellesley, an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that engages residents, businesses and the town of Wellesley to take sustainable actions to protect our climate; reduce pollution of air, land and water; preserve biodiversity; minimize waste; and ensure environmental justice.

The Wellesley Climate Action Committee which engages our community and establishes goals, actions, metrics, and implementation blueprints for building resilience and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Wellesley Drives Electric, a program offered by the Municipal Light Plant to inform Wellesley residents about the benefits of driving an electric car and the electric utility bill savings available by charging an EV at home overnight. 

Contact Terry Connolly, Wellesley Municipal Light Plant for more detail at 781-489-7766 or at  tconnolly@wellesleyma.gov.

With so many decisions that tie into climate action, there is no time better than NOW to take part in Wellesley town government as a Town Meeting member.  These position have a big impact, with not a lot of time commitment.

There are vacant Town Meeting seats in Precincts C, D, and E. The Town is seeking individuals from those precincts to fill these open positions. 

Special Elections for these positions will take place the week of October 4, 2021. 

New Town Meeting members will participate in the Special Town Meeting that starts on October 25, 2021. 

Residents may nominate themselves or have someone else nominate them. 

Nominations for Precinct C are due on September 30 at 5:00 p.m. Nominations for Precincts D and E are due on September 28 at 5:00 p.m. 

Nominees MUST be registered voters in the specific precinct they want to represent.  Email us at info@sustainablewellelsey.com with any questions.​

Did you know that furnaces typically last about 15-20 years and boilers start aging out around 25-30 years?
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When you sign up for a no cost Home Energy Assessment, you can learn how your home consumes and loses energy and how efficient your current heating and cooling systems are in your home. During a Home Energy Assessment, ask your energy specialist about the latest rebates for upgrading to a more energy-efficient HVAC system. The sponsors of the Mass Save® program provide 0% financing for $25,000, up to 7 years, for energy efficiency upgrades.

Sign up for a no-cost Home Energy Assessment to ensure your system lasts all winter. As an added bonus, scheduling here provides Sustainable Wellesley with a donation for every completed - NO COST -Home Energy Assessment.

​Be one of the eligible Massachusetts residents can save energy and money this coming winter.

Looking for a fun and family-friendly outdoor activity? Take a leisurely bike ride or walk along a 2.8-mile garden tour around Wellesley that highlights pollinator gardens in Town. The self-guided tour will take you past gardens at the Wellesley Post Office, Town Hall, the Police Station, the WHS garden and some private gardens, as well - all of which are pesticide free. Click here to learn more.
Pollinate Wellesley is a joint initiative of Sustainable Wellesley, Wellesley Conservation Land Trust, and the NRC. When we protect our pollinators we protect ourselves!

The Federal Tax Credit, MA State Rebate, and Drive Green Dealer Discounts Can Lower the Purchase Price of an Electric Vehicle 

The town of Wellesley is striving to achieve a 50 percent, community-wide reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. Transportation currently accounts for 43 percent of Wellesley’s greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles (EVs) are an important part of Wellesley’s emissions reduction strategy along with increased biking, walking, and use of public transit. For those considering buying a new EV, current federal tax credit, state rebate, and Green Energy Consumer Alliance Drive Green programs offer significant savings.

The Drive Green program, for example, offers negotiated dealer discounts on EVs from a range of makers, including Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, and Nissan, making it easy to compare prices and find a dealership with knowledgeable sales staff. Special offers on pre-owned EV and hybrid vehicles are also available. Tesla EVs are not part of the Drive Green program.

“Transportation, along with buildings, is a leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Wellesley,” said Dr. Marybeth Martello, Wellesley’s Sustainability Director. “Every one of us can help combat climate change by replacing older, gas-powered vehicles with EVs. EV purchase incentives make it more cost-effective for each of us to do our part.”

As one example, a new Hyundai Kona Electric, an EV with a battery range of 258 miles, is now available for just $24,497. Normally retailing for $38,575, this EV is available now for $14,078 less, thanks to a Green Energy Consumer Alliance Drive Green discount, a federal tax credit, and the state of Massachusetts MOR-EV rebate:

$38,575 Retail price
($4,078) Drive green dealer discount
($2,500) MA state rebate
($7,500) Federal tax credit
$24,497 Final effective price

To learn about the Green Energy Consumer Alliance, click here. 

To learn more about Wellesley’s Climate Action Plan, click here. To comment or ask a question, email climateaction@wellesleyma.gov. 

There are electric car charging stations everywhere you want to go this summer.

Its possible to relax at the beach, enjoy parks, visit family and friends all without using a drop of fuel!

Thinking of buying an electric vehicle? Use Plugshare or ChargePoint to find convenient places to charge your car.

We would love to hear about your recent EV purchase and your experiences. Please share them at info@sustainablewellesley.com.

Know that driving less and driving electric are impactful ways you can help Wellesley, Mass., and the federal government reach greenhouse gas reduction goals and build resiliency.