Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

Biofuels Research Grants

The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development administers a fuel diversification grant program to provide funding to Connecticut higher education or agricultural research institutions for research to promote biofuel production from agricultural products, algae, and waste grease, as well as biofuel quality testing. (Reference Connecticut General Statutes 32-324g)

Zero Emission Bus Implementation Plan

The Connecticut Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, developed the Connecticut Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Deployment Transportation Strategy: 2011-2050 to identify strategies to expand the availability and use of hydrogen fuel and renewable energy sources. The strategy includes a plan to implement zero emission buses on a state-wide basis, addresses the technological, facility, and financial arrangements necessary to fully implement a zero emissions bus fleet, and identifies specific locations for hydrogen fueling stations along state highways and other locations. (Reference Connecticut General Statutes 13b-38dd)

Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Support

Connecticut joined California, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the deployment of ZEVs through involvement in a ZEV Program Implementation Task Force (Task Force). In May 2014, the Task Force published a ZEV Action Plan (Plan) identifying 11 priority actions to accomplish the goals of the MOU, including deploying at least 3.3 million ZEVs and adequate fueling infrastructure within the signatory states by 2025. The Plan also includes a research agenda to inform future actions. On an annual basis, each state must report on the number of registered ZEVs, the number of public electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and hydrogen fueling stations, and available information regarding workplace fueling for ZEVs.

In June 2018, the Task Force published a new ZEV Action Plan for 2018-2021. Building on the 2014 Action Plan, the 2018 Action Plan makes recommendations for states and other key partners in five priority areas:

• Raising consumer awareness and interest in electric vehicle technology;
• Building out a reliable and convenient residential, workplace and public charging/fueling infrastructure network;
• Continuing and improving access to consumer purchase and non-financial incentives;
• Expanding public and private sector fleet adoption; and
• Supporting dealership efforts to increase ZEV sales.

For more information, see the Multi-State ZEV Task Force website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Registration Data

The Department of Motor Vehicles (Department) must record the number of EVs registered in Connecticut. An EV is defined as any plug-in electric vehicle (PEV), fuel cell electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or range-extended PEV. The data should be publicly available on the Department's website and include the number of EVs registered in state each year, and the total number of EVs registered in the state. The Department must update the information every six months. (Reference Connecticut General Statutes 14-12)

Utility Company Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Load Projection Requirement

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority requires electric distribution companies to integrate EV charging load projections into distribution planning. Projections will be based on the number of EVs registered in the state as well as on projected fluctuation in EV sales. Electric distribution companies must publish an annual report detailing the EV charging load projections for the company's distribution planning. (Reference Connecticut General Statutes 16-19fff)

Utility Company Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Rates

Utility companies must evaluate if it is appropriate to implement PEV time of day rates for residential and commercial customers. A time-of-day rate is a rate for PEVs that is designed to reflect the cost of electricity to the consumer at different times of the day. Utilities that have already made this determination prior to July 1, 2017, are not required to do so again. (Reference Connecticut General Statutes 16-19f)

Integrated Resources Plan Report

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, in consultation with the electric distribution companies, must deliver a plan that analyzes, among other things, the potential for electric vehicles (EVs) to provide energy storage and other services to the electric grid, and identify strategies to ensure that the grid is prepared to support increased EV charging based on projections of sales of EVs. The report must be delivered biennially. (Reference Connecticut General Statutes 16a-3a and 16a-3e)

Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Task Force and Pilot Program

An AV Task Force was established to study fully AVs. The task force will evaluate the standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding state responsibilities for regulating AVs and laws proposed or enacted by other states to regulate AVs and recommend how the state should regulate AVs. The task force must submit to the Connecticut General Assembly an interim report by July 1, 2020, and a final report by January 1, 2021.

Public Plug-In Electric Vehicle Charging Rate Pilot Program - Eversource

Eversource offers a voluntary rate program for public, separately metered, Level 2 or direct current (DC) fast electric vehicle supply equipment. Eligibility for this rate is subject to the review and approval of Eversource. For more information, visit the Electric Vehicle Rebate Program website.

Regional Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI)

Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia (D.C.), Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia signed a Declaration of Intent to create the TCI, a regional initiative to improve transportation, develop a clean energy economy, and reduce carbon emissions and air pollutants from the transportation sector. The signatory states and D.C. agree to explore and develop policies and programs that result in greater energy efficiency of regional transportation systems and reduce emissions. Additionally, states support the deployment of clean vehicles and fueling infrastructure, such as electric vehicle supply equipment, to maximize the economic opportunities and emissions reductions. For more information, see the TCI website.

Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Support

California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington (signatory states) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the deployment of medium- and heavy-duty ZEVs through involvement in a Multi-State ZEV Task Force (Task Force).

By January 2021, the Task Force will develop a multi-state action plan to support electrification of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. The Task Force will consider actions to accomplish the goals of the MOU, including limiting all new medium- and heavy-duty vehicles sales in the signatory states to ZEVs by 2050. The signatory states will also seek to accelerate the deployment of medium- and heavy-duty ZEVs to benefit disadvantaged communities and explore opportunities to coordinate and partner with key stakeholders.

For more information, see the Medium- and Heavy-Duty ZEVs: Action Plan Development Process website.