There were 136,000 electric cars sold in September 2023— a 67% increase compared to 2022, says Atlas Public Policy. As of May 2023, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Washington, Oregon, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Colorado, Minnesota, Nevada, Virginia, and New Mexico have adopted California’s ban on gas-powered vehicles.
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The Constitution State deviates
Connecticut remains an outlier. A plan to phase out the sale of new, gas-powered cars in Connecticut by 2035 hit a roadblock on November 28, 2023 when Gov. Ned Lamont pulled the plug on the proposal after facing mounting opposition.
EV sales growth for many automakers
Right now, according to Electrek, EV sales account for 7.9% of total U.S. sales. That’s over 300,000 electric vehicles sold in the last three months of 2023. EV sales surged 49.8% compared to last year. Volvo, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai posted notable progress, with sales growing over 200%, according to Electrek.
Affordability is a huge concern
Connecticut has plenty of concerns about the 2035 ban of ICE vehicles: infrastructure, updated power grid, and worries for lower-income residents who may not be able to afford to switch to EV. Connecticut residents are concerned, mostly, about affordability. As of July 2023, Connecticut had just 36,000 registered electric vehicles, according to EC Club CT with Tesla as most popular EV.
Over 230 CT residents testify against the ban
“Republicans believe that this ban has no plan and stand with Connecticut consumers against this costly mandate,” says State Rep. Anne Hughes (D-District 135). In August 2023, over 230 people testified before the CT Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection. Arguments included that the Constitution State didn’t have the infrastructure required to charge EVs and the high cost to buy an electric vehicle.
EV supply continues to grow
EV inventories have increased by 506% from a year ago, with EVs sitting on lots for longer, according to CarGurus’ October 2023 report. Electric vehicles are still to expensive nationwide. The average price of an EV in September 2023 was $50,683 according to Cox Automotive.
SEE ALSO: 2023 STATUS OF ELECTRIFICATION IN U.S. HYBRIDS VS. EVS
500,000 electric cars by 2030
In 2021, the federal government allocated $53 million to encourage electric vehicles in Connecticut over the next five years. The result? Nearly 17,000 registered electric vehicles (as of July 2021) and 1,500 EV charging stations reported in Connecticut. The Constitution State strives to achieve 500,000 electric cars by 2030.
Cost, blackouts, and more
By withdrawing the bill, Governor Ned Lamont ensured that it can be proposed to CT’s full General Assembly in 2024 rather than be killed without a second chance. Connecticut residents fear the electric grid won’t be able to supply enough power, blackouts, the cost of having to install charging infrastructure, which in turn would increase electric rates, according to CT Energy Marketers Association.
Connecticut has the worst air quality in the region, and tailpipe pollution making up for 40% of the greenhouse gas emissions,” said Lori Brown, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters’ executive director.
Where do you stand on the gas-powered ban in Connecticut?
