NASHVILLE (AP) - The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is restarting a rebate program for electric car buyers.

WPLN-FM (http://bit.ly/1cRP2Hn) reports the state had $682,000 left two years ago after shutting down the subsidies, which were approved five years ago under former Gov. Phil Bredesen. The funds have remained unspent.

The station reports that instead of finding another use for the money, the state agency decided to begin giving out rebates again.

Beginning in June, those who purchase electric cars would be eligible for a $2,500 rebate while hybrid car-buyers would be eligible for $1,500.

Program manager Molly Cripps said there were various reasons to offer the subsidies even with the market growth for electric cars.

"I mean, air quality is one piece, certainly," she said. "It is also to support not just Nissan, but any manufacturers of whether it be an electric vehicle or more sustainable transp ortation."

The state originally set aside $2.5 million for rebates and issued 727 over a time period of about two years.

The same terms that applied then apply now. Car buyers must live in Tennessee and purchase the vehicle at a dealership in the state.