CSE serves as the administrator of the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR) program that aims to increase the number of clean vehicles in the state by offering incentives for the purchase or lease of new, eligible electric vehicles (EVs).
When the program started in May 2015, CHEAPR became first statewide program in the nation to offer EV rebates at the point-of-sale and to provide dealers an incentive for each eligible vehicle purchased or leased. CSE provides clean vehicle market information to consumers and stakeholders to increase awareness of the benefits of EV adoption.
A total of $2,000,000 has been allocated for the CHEAPR pilot program to promote battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell electric vehicles.
“CSE has brought a tremendous breadth of experience and expertise to the State of Connecticut, which has greatly benefited the CHEAPR program. CSE’s program management and data analytic skills are helping to build and sustain a top-notch program to reduce mobile source air pollution and improve public health by accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in Connecticut,” Paul Farrell, Director of Air Planning, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
CHEAPR Impacts
As of December 2020, CSE has reserved and issued 6,000 rebates, totaling more than $11,000,000.
Incentivized clean vehicles are reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to approximately 1,380 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.
CSE has worked with 85 Connecticut dealerships and more than 250 individual dealer representatives.
Program at a Glance
Program Goals
To provide cleaner, cheaper and more reliable transportation in support of clean air goals
CSE's Role
Administer the program and provide clean vehicle information to consumers, dealerships and stakeholders
Technologies
Key Partners
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Eversource Energy, Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association, vehicle manufacturers
State Policies Supported
Multistate Zero-Emission Vehicles Action Plan
Impact Statement
Expanding EV adoption and analyzing the impact of state rebates on the number of EVs on the road
