Selectmen green lighted a grant application that allows Marion to lease electric vehicles at no cost, after hearing from members of the Energy Management Committee on Tuesday night.

The grant is offered by the Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Program, which incentivizes towns to lease all-electric cars using reimbursements.

Committee members appeared before Selectmen last month with the request but were asked to return after board members reviewed the program.

Energy Management Committee member Jennifer Francis estimated the town could save at least $30,000 over a three-year period by leasing three cars.

Town Administrator Paul Dawson said he identified town vehicles for replacement in three departments: Health, Recreation and Public Works.

“We’re not looking to add to the fleet. We’re looking to replace vehicles,” Dawson noted.

The vehicles slated for replacement are Ford Crown Victorias previously used by the Police Department.

Assisting the committee through the application process is Evan Melillo, who secured six all-electric cars now used by Dartmouth employees for town business.

If awarded the grant, charging stations would be installed to power the vehicles. In Dartmouth, BMWi3es were leased, though Melillo said that Nissan Leafs were also popular with cities and towns.

He said it depends on what the town is looking for in regards to price and performance when it comes to choosing a brand.

For more information on the program, click here.