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Connecticut Hybrid Electric Vehicle Laws and Incentives


State Incentives

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Tax Exemption

Prior to July 1, 2008, the following purchases are exempt from sales tax: new dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), hydrogen, or electric vehicles; equipment used in dedicated or dual fuel CNG, LNG, LPG, hydrogen, or electric vehicle conversions; and equipment associated with a CNG or hydrogen filling or electric recharging station. Between October 1, 2004, and October 1, 2008, new HEVs with a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy rating of at least 40 miles per gallon are also exempt from sales tax. An HEV is defined as a passenger car that 1) draws acceleration energy from two onboard sources of stored energy, which are both an internal combustion or heat engine using combustible fuel and a rechargeable energy storage system, and 2) for an HEV produced during and after model year 2004, is certified to meet or exceed the Tier II Bin 5 Low Emission Vehicle classification. (Reference Connecticut General Statutes 12-412-67, 68, 69, and 115)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Parking – New Haven

The City of New Haven provides free parking on all city streets for HEVs and AFVs registered in New Haven. HEV and AFV vehicle owners must obtain a non-transferable pass from the Department of Traffic and Parking to place on the vehicle's dashboard or hang from the rearview mirror. AFVs and HEVs are subject to all time and other posted parking restrictions. (Reference New Haven Code of General Ordinances, Title III, Chapter 29, Article III, Division 1, Section 29-56)

State Laws and Regulations

School Bus Emissions Reduction

The Commissioner of Environmental Protection and Commissioner of Education are required to establish a school bus emissions reduction program which will include the following: 1) establishment of grants for municipalities and local and regional school boards for reimbursement of the cost of retrofitting full-sized school buses that are projected to be in service on or after September 1, 2010; 2) development of an outreach plan and educational materials regarding the program, and; 3) assistance to municipalities and local and regional boards of education and bus companies to retrofit their full-sized school buses.

Prior to September 1, 2010, each full-sized school bus with an engine model year of 1994 or newer, transporting children in the state, must be equipped with specific emissions control systems, including either: 1) a closed crankcase filtration system and a level 1 device, level 2 device or level 3 device; 2) an engine certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to meet Model Year 2007 emission standards; or 3) use compressed natural gas or other alternative fuel certified by the EPA or the California Air Resources Board to reduce particulate matter emissions by at least 85% as compared to ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel.

(Reference Connecticut General Statutes 14-164o, 22a-21j, and 22a-21k)