Connecticut EV incentives, tax credits and rebates

Current EV incentives in Connecticut

Connecticut offers substantial financial incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles beyond those available through federal programs. These incentives range from vehicle purchase rebates and property tax exemptions to home charging rebates from utility companies.

Vehicle incentives like tax credits and rebates focus primarily on reducing the purchase cost of an electric vehicle, while charging equipment incentives target the infrastructure necessary to operate these vehicles efficiently. By taking advantage of these programs, Nutmeggers can significantly reduce the overall cost of purchasing and operating an electric vehicle, making the switch to cleaner transportation more accessible and appealing.

Electric vehicle purchase incentives in Connecticut

Connecticut residents can take advantage of five different financial incentives when purchasing an electric vehicle, including property tax incentives and rebate programs.

Connecticut offers a range of additional incentives designed to make owning an EV more affordable. The state participates in the federal Plug-In Electric Drive Vehicle Tax Credit, which offers up to $7,500 in federal income tax credits for the purchase of a new EV.

To qualify for the federal EV tax credit, you must purchase a vehicle for your own use, and your modified adjusted gross income must not exceed set limits. The vehicle MSRP can’t exceed $70,000 for vans, SUVs and pickup trucks or $55,000 for other vehicles. Additionally, the vehicle must weigh less than 14,000 pounds, have a battery capacity of at least seven kilowatt hours and undergo final assembly in North America.

For Connecticut residents, the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR) program provides direct rebates up to $9,500 if you buy or lease an eligible EV. CHEAPR is a point-of-sale (POS) rebate, meaning you can receive the rebate at the dealer for both new and used vehicles. Supplemental rebates may be available if you qualify for certain income-qualified programs in the state.

Norwich Public Utilities customers may also be eligible for a rebate of up to $1,500 for buying or leasing an EV. In addition to financial incentives, full electric-powered vehicles are exempt from the Connecticut Emissions Program and do not require emissions testing.

» LEARN: What are tax credits?

EV charging equipment incentives in Connecticut

The federal Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit provides a tax credit of up to $1,000 for installing qualified vehicle refueling and recharging equipment at your home or business.

Connecticut provides additional incentives through a state property tax exemption for electric vehicle charging stations located on residential properties. This means residents won’t have to pay state property taxes on an increase in real estate value stemming from the installation of the chargers. Municipalities can also provide residents the same property tax exemption, though doing so is not required.

Several Connecticut utilities — including Eversource, United Illuminating and Norwich Public Utilities — also offer incentives for the purchase and installation of EV charging equipment. While rebate programs are provider-specific, you’ll likely be eligible for a charger rebate up to $500 and a home wiring upgrade up to $500.

Also contact your utility provider about ongoing participation incentives that can help you save on electric costs, such as Eversource’s Managed Charging program.

How much can EV incentives save you in Connecticut?

The amount you can save with EV incentives in Connecticut depends on several factors, so it’s impossible to quantify your exact rebate amount or property tax savings. Instead, these are some examples of potential savings available in Connecticut based on a new Tesla Model Y purchase, a used Chevy Bolt EV purchase and installation of a home charger.

Example savings