As part of efforts to accelerate clean transportation alternatives in Oregon, Nissan North America is offering UO faculty, students and staff a special rebate on the purchase of a new 2017 Nissan LEAF electric vehicle.

The deal is part of an initiative by the UO Office of Sustainability to help UO community members make environmentally friendly choices.

“The Office of Sustainability is committed to helping individuals and the UO reduce carbon emissions,” sustainability director Steve Mital said. “Switching to an electric car is the most significant practical action local households can take to reduce emissions. Prices are decreasing and range is increasing. So this is becoming an affordable and convenient option for more and more people.”

Last year hundreds of people attended the rEVUP Eugene workshops conducted by the sustainability office in partnership with EWEB, the city of Eugene and Drive Oregon. The program helped educate local residents about the realities of owning an electric vehicle.

A total of 35 electric cars were sold through the program, many to UO faculty and staff. Mital said they intend to keep the program going as long as it remains popular.

To take advantage of the latest offer to drive electric, employees or students can show either proof of employment or a student ID from the UO and a copy of the online flyer at a participating Nissan dealership. Full details about the tax incentives, benefits and the rebate are listed on the flyer.