Comment Period Closes August 12, 2020
The Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR ) program, which began as a pilot program in mid-2015, was created to help achieve price parity between internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and Electric Vehicles (EVs). As of June 30, 2020, the CHEAPR program has supported the purchase or lease of over 6,000 EVs in Connecticut.
For the continued advancement of EVs and in recognition of the success of the pilot program, section 94 of Public Act 19-117 was passed by the General Assembly to establish a more formal structure for CHEAPR. Some of the resulting program changes include a stable funding source of $3 million/year through the end of 2025 and a new governing board consisting of representatives from state government, environmental organizations, the environmental justice community, and the Connecticut Green Bank.
The newly established CHEAPR Board is responsible for setting appropriate rebate levels and maximum income eligibility for rebates, and will conduct annual program evaluations. The second Board meeting was held on July 17, 2020 and based on the outcome of that meeting, DEEP has issued a public notice requesting comment on the following:
- Whether the proposed CHEAPR program design elements for used EVs are appropriately limited to Low-Moderate Income (LMI) applicants.
- Whether the proposed rebate level for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) is appropriate.
- Whether DEEP’s statutory interpretation regarding the eligibility of electric bicycles under the CHEAPR Program is correct and if so, whether or how electric bicycles should be incentivized.
Further details on program changes requiring comment can be found in the CHEAPR Proposal for Public Comment.
How to comment to DEEP: You may email written comments to deep.mobilesources@ct.gov