Buyers of hybrid vehicles will receive a $2,000 rebate under the Drive Green program announced by Energy Minister Jim Rondeau on Monday.

The program follows through on a promise the NDP government made in its throne speech in November to support drivers who choose a more environmentally friendly car.

Manitoba residents will automatically receive a cheque in the mail for hybrids purchased between Nov. 15 and March 1, while those who buy a hybrid after March 1 can apply for the rebate while they register their vehicle with Manitoba Public Insurance.

Rondeau said the province acknowledges that hybrid technology is more expensive, but added that costs could drop if more people buy hybrid vehicles.

"We're talking huge benefits as far as fuel consumption," he said.

"You're basically talking about half the CO2 of a normal vehicle. So it is huge as far as your pocketbook, as far as purchasing the fuel, but it's also very very important as far as the environment."

The province has set aside $600,000 for the rebate program, Rondeau said. In the last three months, 58 Manitobans have purchased hybrids and qualified for the rebate.