The state has extended its rebate program for for electric vehicles and charging stations to Nov. 1 after stong demand from consumers nearly exhausted the original round of funding.

Individuals can receive rebates of up to $4,500 on the purchase of an electric vehicle and up to $500 for a charging station under the program originally scheduled to end March 31.

The state has given out rebates for 372 vehicles and 246 chargers since the program’s launch in March 2011., leaving the program with a balance of $37,000. The extension of the program was made possible by adding $350,000 to the rebate fund.

”Expanding the EV Ready Rebate Program not only helps consumers today it provides a long-term solution as we work towards reaching energy independence,” said Mark Glick, energy program administrator for the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

“The widespread adoption of EVs is critical if we are to reach the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative goal of displacing 385 million gallons of oil for ground transportation fuel by 2030,” he said. “With the cost of gas persisting above $4 a gallon these vehicles offer a cost-effective, long-term solution.”