The Metropolitan King County Council on Monday gave its unanimous approval to the next step in assisting the growing number of drivers behind the wheel of “green” vehicles. The council adopted legislation establishing a $5 maximum fee for plugging into a county recharging station for the owners of battery and plug in hybrid electric cars.

“The $5 cap fee approved should give the economic viability of electric cars a real jolt,” said council Vice Chair Jane Hague, prime sponsor of the ordinance. “Green vehicles are the future of transportation and providing commuters with a variety of practical options is definitely a good thing.”

Last year, the council approved a program to install up to 200 charging stations at county-owned, leased or partnering organizations’ facilities, such as Metro Transit Park and Ride lots.