Promoting electric vehicles to reduce regional air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has selected CSE to administer a new incentive program aimed at increasing the number of zero-emission vehicles state residents own. The program provides $885,000 in funding for the purchase or lease of eligible electric vehicles (EVs).
The new Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR) program offers up to $3,000 per vehicle for battery electric, fuel cell electric and plug-in hybrid EVs. CSE anticipates issuing rebates for about 325 vehicles in this initial phase of the program on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals are limited to one rebate, however, businesses, nonprofit organizations and government entities can receive two rebates.
“This rebate puts money right back in people’s pockets and makes the cost of purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle competitive with the price of a conventional car,” said Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy.
“Connecticut is well-positioned to be a leader in EV adoption with many characteristics found in EV clusters across the nation — high density, short commute distances and relatively high incomes,” said CSE Executive Director Len Hering, RADM, USN (ret). “The added value and rewards of these rebates will help people to make more sustainable personal transportation choices while supporting state and local goals for cleaner air and reduced fossil-fuel consumption.”
CSE was selected to conduct rebate processing, marketing and dealer education in order to engage car consumers in choosing eligible EVs and applying for rebates. The center will work closely with DEEP and Eversource Energy to coordinate program administration and data reporting.
CSE also administers the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project for the California Air Resources Board and the MOR-EV rebate program for the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. It is the only third-party organization in the nation to manage statewide clean vehicle incentive programs and has distributed more than $170 million in rebates to more than 85,000 clean vehicle owners since 2009.
CHEAPR covers eligible vehicles purchased or leased as of May 19, 2015, and consumers can applying for rebates at the dealership. For information on program details, eligible vehicles, incentive amounts and rebate applications, visit www.EVConnecticut.com/CHEAPR.
