CSE administers the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR) program that aims to increase the adoption of clean vehicles in the state by offering incentives for eligible new and used electric vehicles (EVs).
When the program started in May 2015, CHEAPR became the first statewide program in the nation to offer EV rebates at the point-of-sale and provide dealers an incentive for each eligible vehicle purchased or leased. In addition to issuing rebates, CSE provides clean vehicle market information to consumers and stakeholders to increase awareness of the benefits of EVs.
To help make EVs more affordable since the federal tax credit expired in 2025, CHEAPER increased its standard new battery electric vehicle rebate from $500 to $1,000 and Rebate+ incentives for low-income households to $4,000 (new EVs) and $5,000 (used EVs).
CSE also administers Connecticut’s eBike Incentive Program.
“CSE has brought a tremendous breadth of experience and expertise to the State of Connecticut, which has greatly benefited the CHEAPR program. CSE’s program management and data analytic skills are helping to build and sustain a top-notch program to reduce mobile source air pollution and improve public health by accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in Connecticut.”
- Paul Farrell, Director of Air Planning, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
CHEAPR Impacts
As of April 2026
CSE has reserved and issued rebates exceeding $48,750,000.
Incentivized vehicles are reducing greenhouse gas emissions equaling approximately 23,993 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
CSE has worked with 199 Connecticut dealerships and 250+ dealer reps.
*The following methodology was used:
- Vehicle make/model/year obtained from CHEAPR program dashboard were merged with EPA fuel economy data.
- EV GHG impact calculated as a function of the model/model year's energy efficiency and the region's power grid carbon intensity.
- "Baseline" gasoline GHG impact calculated as a function of gasoline's carbon intensity and averaged MPG for model year.
- GHG reduction for each vehicle calculated as the difference between the EV's GHG footprint and the calculated baseline GHG for same model year.
- Each vehicle's GHG delta or offset is summed for the final value.
Program at a Glance
Program Goals
To provide cleaner, cheaper and more reliable electrified transportation in support of clean air goals.
CSE's Role
Administer the program and provide clean vehicle information to consumers, dealerships and stakeholders.
Technologies
Key Partners
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Eversource Energy
Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association
Vehicle manufacturers
State Policies Supported
Multistate Zero-Emission Vehicles Action Plan
Impact Statement
Expanding EV adoption and analyzing the impact of state rebates on the number of EVs on Connecticut roads.
