Opinion

Common sense reminds us that when a deal sounds too good to be true, there’s probably a catch.

But in the case of 4CORE’s “group buy program” for electric vehicles (EV), there might not be one.

With help from the Colorado Energy Office Refuel Colorado program, the Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency is providing a way to make EVs a more practicable and affordable option for locals seeking a new vehicle that will not pollute the air.

From now until May 25, Empire and La Plata Electric Association members, Mercy Regional Medical Center staff, and anyone who purchases a 4CORE $50 annual membership can sign up for the purchase of an EV from Nissan of Durango. As part of the group purchase program, the dealer is offering a $10,000 rebate on the all-electric Leaf model, and there is a $5,000 state tax credit available on an EV purchase.

During this program, buyers can assign that credit to the dealer in exchange for an additional $5,000 rebate, making the immediate rebate $15,000.

But, as they say on television, that’s not all. With a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 available on the purchase of an EV, a buyer can potentially save $22,500 on a car with a sticker price in the $35,000 range.

Kudos to 4CORE for making this deal possible.

Granted, EVs are not for everybody, at least not yet. A Nissan Leaf can deliver between 100 and 110 miles per full charge of its lithium-ion battery. That will work for trips in and around Cortez, but you better not wander too far from your home charger.

A Charge Ahead Colorado grant has provided funding to offset the cost of installing charging station infrastructure statewide, and anyone can apply. Plugshare.com lists public and private stations in the U.S. and Canada, including two near Mesa Verde, one in Dolores and one at a private home in Cortez.

4CORE Executive Director Laurie Dickson said that the initial response to the program has been “tremendous.” Demos take place in Durango on April 29 and May 13. Visit fourcore.org/alternative-fuels/ for more information.