EV Sales Drop in Connecticut, Used Models Gain Traction

0:00It's April 5th. This is Hartford News today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story. Electred vehicle sales in Connecticut dropped hard after federal tax credits vanished last September. New data from the state energy department shows a plunge of over 80% in rebates claimed through the CTR program right after. Those credits used to give up to $7,500 for new EVs and $4,000 for used ones. The state program hit a record nearly 1,000 purchases in December 2024 with rebates, but that's just part of the picture. Meanwhile, total EV and plug-in hybrid registrations topped 73,156 by December of 20% from last year. Sales rushed ahead of the deadline last summer, then slowed as buyers felt to hit to affordability. Experts like the Energy Commissioner say is no surprise without those federal perks, leaving some folks priced out of clean rides. Dealers report steady interest though, pushing better range and deals.

1:01Car buyers from all walks are still checking out options at local spots. On the bright side, used EVs are flooding the market from expiring leases, making prices competitive with gas guzzlers. Higher gas at $4.02 cents a gallon this week, up 38% in a month, could nudge more folks electric. Tesla and others saw global sales takes up early this year. All makers are eyeing bills to tweak state rebates for low-income buyers and use cars, which might fill the gap. Overall, adoption is slowing but not stopping, with gas paying and deals keeping the momentum alive.