Connecticut is providing $1 million in state grant funding to encourage government fleets to add zero-emission vehicles and EV charging infrastructure, and encourage consumers to purchase battery-electric vehicles with rebates, the state has announced.

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is overseeing the $1 million that's sourced from revenues the state receives from its participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Under the program, power plant emissions allowances are sold through auctions and the proceeds are invested by in state energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other consumer benefit programs.

Revenues from RGGI are being used to provide more than $1 million in grants to cities, towns, and state agencies who 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 specifications. The grant guidelines limit recipients to a maximum of six EVs and chargers.

DEEP’s consumer rebate program — the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate Program (CHEAPR) — provides a cash rebate of up to $3,000 for Connecticut residents, businesses, and municipalities who purchase or lease an eligible 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.

Since the program was launched in May, more than $632,000 in rebates have been issued or reserved for the purchase or lease of 278 vehicles.

The original funding for the rebate program came from $1 million available to the state through an agreement that allowed for the merger of Northeast Utilities and NSTAR in April of 2012. 

DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee said the expanded consumer rebate initiative and new grant program for cities, towns, and state agencies will help Connecticut meet its goals as part of an eight-state effort to put 3.3 million Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) on the road by 2025.