The state of Hawaii has extended its rebate progam for electric vehicles and charging stations through the end of January 2012.

Local residents are eligible for rebates of up to $4,500 per vehicle and $500 per charging station. The program previously was scheduled to expire Sept. 30, 2011.

The program is funded by $1.4 million in federal stimulus money and administered by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. From January through mid-July the program has awarded rebates for 68 vehicles and 60 charging stations totalling about $330,000. There is roughly $1.07 million left in the fund.

In addition to the state rebate electric car buyers can receive a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 per vehicle and $1,000 per charging station. The tax credit for vehicles applies to the first 200,000 cars sold nationally. The tax credit for charging stations expires at the end of 2011.