The state Department of of Energy and Environmental Protection, in a bid to boost electric vehicle purchases in Connecticut, has added $1 million to a consumer-rebate program. It’s also increasing incentives for local governments to purchase electric vehicles and chargers with another $1 million.
DEEP’s consumer rebate program – known as the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate Program (CHEAPR) – provides a cash rebate of up to $3,000 for residents, businesses and municipalities that purchase or lease an eligible electric vehicle (EV). EVs covered by CHEAPR include battery electric, fuel cell, and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Rebates offered through the CHEAPR program are on a sliding scale, with the maximum $3,000 amount for those who purchase or lease an EV with the greatest battery capacity. Rebates of $1,500 and $750 will be provided for EVs that travel shorter distances on battery power.
The new $1 million in funding for the consumer program is available as a result of revenues the state receives from its participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
Revenues from RGGI are also being used to provide more than $1 million in grants to cities and towns and state agencies that purchase eligible EVs for their fleets and install charging stations for their use as well as for the public. This new grant program will provide a reimbursement of $15,000 per EV and $10,000 per charger meeting the program guidance spec
