The Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency recently announced a new electric vehicle group-buy program as well as the installation of two electric car-charging stations around Durango.

From April 5 to May 25, 4CORE will coordinate an EV group purchase program through the Colorado Refuel Program.

A $10,000 rebate is offered at the time of purchase on a 2017 Nissan Leaf through Nissan of Durango. The buyer has the option to assign his or her state tax credit of $5,000 to Nissan in exchange for another $5,000, for a total rebate of $15,000.

According to a news release, a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 can be applied to the next year’s income tax for the purchase of an electric vehicle. The potential savings total $22,500, with a new Nissan Leaf costing $31,500 to $38,200.

“(It’s) not just about buying a car at a cheap price … it’s about developing the whole culture around electric vehicles and alternative fuels,” Laurie Dickson, executive director of 4CORE, said in a prepared statement.

The Nissan Leaf can travel 107 miles on one charge using a 30-kilowatt lithium-ion battery. The Leaf is made in Tennessee and is an acronym for “leading environmentally-friendly affordable family” car.

4CORE also said charging stations will be installed at the La Plata Electric Association office and Mercy Regional Medical Center. The stations will be open to the public and are funded by the “Charge Ahead Colorado Grant.” It is unclear when the stations will be installed.

Those interested in the rebate offer can contact 4CORE by visiting http://fourcore.org/alternative-fuels, calling Dickson at 259-1916 or emailing laurie@fourcore.org.