From the folks who brought you Cash for Clunkers.

Here is the description of the program from the Energy Department (hat tip: King Banaian):

In late 2009 or early 2010, you may be eligible to receive rebates from your state or territory for the purchase of new ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances.

These rebates are being funded with $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Under this program, eligible consumers can receive rebates to purchase new energy-efficient appliances when they replace used appliances.

Programs will differ in every state, and DOE anticipates that rebates will be available to consumers in most parts of the country by early 2010.

Banaian also leads us to the Council of Economic Advisors report on Cash for Clunkers, which explains that the macroeconomic stimulus from such measures comes from giving consumers an incentive to buy the product during the period of

China-based Kandi Technologies Corp. designs and manufactures all terrain recreational vehicles (ATVs), including its battery powered, two-seater low-speed vehicle, COCO. The company today announced the sale of 30 modified, electric COCO hardtops to the Postal Service in Jihua City. This is Kandi’s first sale of its COCO super mini car in China, and represents a strategic sale that will generate a visible on-road presence for the company’s clean vehicles.

“This is a milestone event for Kandi,” Xiaoming Hu, Kandi’s chairman and CEO stated in the press release. “Representing the start of what we see could be a significant ramping up of COCO electric car sales in China to the Postal Service nationwide. They, as well as other public services, such as sanitation and taxis, are being strongly encouraged by government programs to update their fleets to reduce oil and gas consumption and help clean up the environment.”

Kandi modified the COCO

Westport Innovations Inc., a global leader in alternative and low emission transportation technology, announced that the U.S. Department of Energy’s “Clean Cities” program has awarded the company with a grant of $300 million. This grant will help fund 25 cost-share projects across the United States, adding 9,000 alternative fuel and energy efficient vehicles and building 542 new refueling stations.

Based on this development, the company has received funding for the development of approximately 500 LNG trucks and 2,300 CNG vehicles. Westport anticipates that a significant portion of these vehicles will be sourced from various manufacturers and will utilize either Westport’s 15-litre GX engine or CWI’s 8.9 litre ISL G engine.

Michael Gallagher, President and Chief Operating Officer, commented, “This is a significant and decisive announcement for natural gas trucks and urban fleet vehicles. Given the vehicle applications of the projects awarded funding, we expect to benefit from the majority of funding through

Since 1994, ZAP has delivered more than 100,000 vehicles to consumers spread throughout 75 countries. The company’s line of electric vehicles includes electric city cars, trucks, motorcycles, scooters and ATVs. The company today announced it has started shipping its Zaptruck XL electric LSV orders to several U.S. military bases throughout the United States, as well as abroad, responding to the U.S. Government’s public announcement that it plans to buy more than $300 million worth of energy efficient vehicles.

Steve Schneider, ZAP’s CEO, said that the XL qualifies for the Federal tax cut in President Obama’s stimulus plan, making the XL’s net purchase price “affordable, attractive and very competitive.” The company said it has received numerous bid solicitations from city, county and state government buying authorities who are now in position to take advantage of “green” transportation initiatives.

“Our Zaptruck XL has captured a significant market share in what is

Thresher Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of precision recycled aluminum and advanced metal matrix composite parts, announced this afternoon that it is developing a broad array of high-strength, cast aluminum components designed to help build cleaner, energy efficient vehicles. Thresher’s proprietary, biodegradable processes have already been successfully used in products for Chevrolet, Chrysler, and Ford. The company told investors that new and developing applications include, but are not limited to: torque boxes for unit body vehicles; engine cradles; feed brackets, diesel engine components, instrument panel sub-frames, and suspension components.

Tom Flessner, President and CEO of Thresher Industries, stated, “Thresher Industries’ 100% recycled aluminum casting products are designed with reinforcements that offer increased strength, while reducing the total weight of parts. This unique combination results in the construction of lighter weight, higher fuel efficiency vehicles that can be produced at a lower cost throughout