Colorado residents who purchase or lease a 2012 Chevrolet Volt are now eligible for a statewide credit of up to $6,000. That's in addition to the federal tax credit of $7,500, thereby reducing the effective price of the $39,145 Volt by $13,500.

Colorado is but one of a handful of states that offer a credit or rebate for purchasing plug-in vehicles. Oddly, the $35,200 Nissan LEAF is not eligible for Colorado's substantial $6,000 credit, which applies only to plug-in hybrid vehicles. This, of course, puts the Nissan LEAF in a disadvantaged position in Colorado. Look for the state's law to be modified to include pure electric vehicles in the near future.

"This rebate in Colorado provides an extra incentive for those that want to purchase or drive an energy-efficient and technologically advanced vehicle like the Chevrolet Volt," says Volt marketing director Cristi Landy. "With the available state and federal tax credits, along with the fuel savings that many owners experience by charging daily, the Volt can fit the lifestyles and budgets of many people." Qualifying for up to $13,500 in rebates in Colorado makes the Volt significantly easier on the pocketbook.