DEEP Releases Proposed Electric Vehicle Regulations

The Lamont administration this week released proposed regulations supporting legislation targeting 90% cleaner vehicle emissions and requiring manufacturers to deliver 100% electric vehicles by 2035.

The regulations impact every vehicle sold in the state, from passenger cars to medium and heavy duty trucks. 

Legislation passed in 2003 requires that Connecticut adopt California’s evolving emissions standards for passenger cars.

Those standards also include assurance measures that strengthen battery life and warranty requirements for consumers.

The Connecticut Clean Air Act, enacted in 2022, also requires the adoption of California’s standards for medium to heavy duty vehicles and ramping up MHD electric vehicle sales through 2032.

Connecticut joins Rhode Island, Maryland, New Jersey, and New Mexico in adopting new emissions standards, with Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont set to follow.

Electric Vehicles

A statement from the governor’s office noted the “standards provide manufacturers with significant flexibility in meeting the requirements, including credit and pooling banking provisions.

“In addition, Connecticut has and will continue to support and develop incentive programs to help Connecticut residents and businesses purchase new electric and advanced technology vehicles and will continue to work with manufacturers to determine how to best deploy those incentive programs,” the statement said.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is required to establish a voucher program to support EV charging infrastructure and the use of zero-emission vehicles within class 5 to class 13 of the Federal Highway Administration’s vehicle category classification system.

The average cost of a medium to heavy duty electric vehicle ranges from $100,000 to more than $300,000.

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles data shows EV registrations are up 20% since Jan. 1, 2023, and up 42% since July 1, 2022. 

The 2022 legislation also eliminated the reduced registration fee for EVs.   

According to DEEP, over 75 different zero-emission models are currently available across class 2b-8 vehicle segments in North America, and this number is anticipated to exceed 210 models by 2023.  

The average cost of a medium to heavy duty electric vehicle ranges from $100,000-200,000 for class 4-6 walk-in delivery trucks and $300,000 and above for class 8 trucks.  

Challenges

While supporters continue to praise increased reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and public health outcomes, opponents cite the lack of charging infrastructure, the insufficient incentives given the aggressive implementation timeline, and the electric grid’s ability to handle increased demand. 

DEEP officials note that off-peak hour charging helps alleviate pressure on the grid. However, DEEP does not addressed issues facing manufacturing and other industries with 24-7 operating hours.    

CBIA advocated against the medium and heavy duty vehicle regulations, citing additional costs to businesses and allowing another state to dictate Connecticut emissions standards.

DEEP will accept public comments on the proposed regulations throughl Aug. 23, 2023

Additional concerns were raised over Connecticut’s ability to provide incentives that align with California. 

California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project, launched in 2009, is supports 283 million in incentives for small fleet and passenger vehicle programs, with additional funding for transit and public school buses.   

DEEP will hold public hearings, if requested, on the proposed regulations Aug. 22, 2023, and will accept comments until Aug. 23, 2023:

• Proposed section 22a-174-37, Low NOx and ACT Regulation (PR2023-020)
• Proposed section 22a-174-36d, Advanced Clean Cars II (PR2023-023)

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For more information, contact CBIA’s Ashley Zane (860.244.1169) | @AshleyZane9.