Montgomery County officials are hoping to create an electric vehicle cooperative purchasing program to help drive down the cost of buying the climate-friendly vehicles for residents and businesses.

County Executive Marc Elrich says he hopes making electric vehicles cheaper will lead to more of them on the road, thus helping meet the county’s goal of eliminating emissions by 2035.

“Transportation sector emissions are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions in Montgomery County, representing 42% of measured emissions in the county’s emissions inventory,” Elrich said in a statement. “[To meet our goals] we need to stop driving internal combustion engine vehicles as soon as possible.”

The county is working with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments to hire a consultant to manage the program. Other jurisdictions could also get on board.

It’s unclear how much each consumer could save.

Average electric car costs are around $55,000 as automakers have largely focused on the luxury market, though vehicles can be found as low as $30,000.

Officials say similar so-called “group buy” plans have worked in other parts of the country.

The program would work out pricing deals with auto manufacturers in exchange for a guaranteed level of sales.

It could be running by this winter and go through next spring. If successful, it could be extended by a year. 

Some local jurisdictions have local tax incentives for electric vehicles. In D.C., the city will waive the vehicle excise tax, which is about $680 on most vehicles. Federal tax credits of up to $7,500 are also available.