Sustainable Transportation

Leave Your Car at Home

22% of Lexington’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector. Leaving your car at home and opting to walk, bike, or take public transit is an easy way to help reduce these emissions.

From the Minuteman Bikeway to the Lexpress, Lexington is well equipped to support you making transportation decisions that reduce your carbon footprint. Learn more about the town’s walking and biking resources and public transit options.

Electric Vehicles

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are an important way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution. While the Town supports active and sustainable modes of transportation, like walking, bicycling, and taking public transportation, many people still choose to drive in Lexington. Driving electric vehicles instead of vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE), which run on fossil fuels can drastically reduce the carbon footprint of passenger vehicle trips. To encourage the transition of its own vehicles to EVs, the Town adopted a Fleet Electrification Policy in 2021. The policy calls for maintaining a comprehensive inventory of all vehicles owned, operated, or leased by the Town, and developing an integrated plan and timeline for transition to zero emission vehicles.

Electric Vehicle ChargingReasons to Drive Electric

Transportation contributes to Lexington's greenhouse gas emissions, which dirties our air and contributes to climate change. Electric vehicles reduce emissions, save you money, and are fun to drive.

  • Reduce Emissions - Reduce emissions by driving electric today!
  • Save Money - With an equivalent fuel economy of 100 plus miles per gallon, you'll save 50 to 70 percent on fuel costs depending on where and when you charge. See below for available incentives to bring down the cost of purchasing an electric vehicle.
  • Enjoy the Ride - With dozens of electric vehicle models on the market, there are options for everyone. All models can charge fully overnight and travel a distance of 100 to 300 plus miles per charge. With charging stations across the country, there's nowhere you can't go in your EV.

Available Incentives

Looking to lease or buy an electric vehicle? There are both state and federal incentives that can lower the cost.

  • State Rebate: Through the MOR-EV program, receive $3,500 for a new battery or fuel cell electric vehicle, and $1,500 for a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
  • Federal Tax Credit: Receive up to $7,500 on new vehicles and up to $4,000 on used vehicles. Vehicle’s MSRP and location where it was manufactured affect tax credit amounts. Starting in 2024, the tax credit will be transferable to dealers, essentially resulting in an upfront discount.

Public EV Charging Stations

To accommodate EV drivers who do not have access to charging at home and those visiting our community, the Town has public ChargePoint EV charging stations throughout town. As of March 29th, 2021, the stations cost $0.30 per kilowatt-hour ($1.80 per hour) plus $0.50 per hour for parking. Fees are collected through the charging unit or app. To find stations in town and beyond check PlugShare.

Note: If you have a disability plate or placard, you are not required to pay for parking in Lexington spaces. This is true for EV drivers who are charging their cars. To waive the parking fee while you are charging your car, please email mpeard@lexingtonma.gov with proof of eligibility to receive a custom ChargePoint link.

How to Switch

Making the switch to an electric vehicle may feel like a big change, but we're here to help with three easy steps. 

  • Compare Options and Test Drive - There are many options for battery and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Green Energy Consumers Alliance provides model and cost comparison of electric vehicle models available in Massachusetts and can schedule test drives for you with dealers in the area.
  • Take Advantage of Discounts and Incentives - Green Energy Consumers Alliance also provides discounts for Massachusetts residents. Electric vehicle owners can also save up to $7,500 through federal tax incentives.
  • Charge Smart and Save - When and how you charge your vehicle can make a big impact on the emissions, local electricity demand, and the price you pay for electricity.