Looking to 'go green'? Now is the time, as the state of New York is willing to pay prospective car owners $2,000 if they invest in an electric vehicle. The initiative, which launches April 1st (and is not a joke), covers both zero-emission and plug-in electric hybrid vehicles. According to state Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, a Westchester County Democrat who leads the Assembly energy committee, the reason for the rebate is simple: officials want electric vehicles to become more "mainstream." She told The Associated Press:

"We want to make electric vehicles a mainstream option. They are becoming more affordable and we need to encourage them."

As Engadget points out, the state is somewhat behind in terms of offering a financial incentive to buy eco-friendly cars. Over three-quarters of the U.S. has already implemented some kind of state-level discount, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

In less than a month, however, an electric car or plug-in hybrid buyer could save up to $10,000 on a car's sticker price if they qualify for the federal credit and the rebate being offered by the state of New York.