Transportation produces more than a quarter of U.S. carbon pollution, so the state of Connecticut is taking action to increase the number of zero-emission vehicles on its roads.

It’s part of a multi-state effort to get 3.3 million zero emission vehicles on the road by the year 2025.

Range anxiety — the fear of running out of power — is one of the most common reasons consumers decide not to buy an electric vehicle. To reduce this anxiety, Connecticut has added more than 270 charging stations at 150 locations across the state.

But another hurdle facing electric vehicles is their higher up-front cost compared to traditional gasoline vehicles. Mark Lebel, of the nonprofit Acadia Center would like to see Connecticut follow the example set by other states:

Lebel: “States like California, Massachusetts, Georgia, Colorado have implemented a variety of either income tax incentives, sales tax incentives, or direct rebates to consumers who buy electric vehicles to make them more affordable and available to everyone who wants one.”

There is still a long way to go, but Connecticut is moving quickly on the road to a cleaner transportation system.

Reporting credit: ChavoBart Digital Media.
Photo source: Connecticut.gov: EV Charging Stations in Connecticut (as of Feb 2015)

More Resources
Electric vehicle use creeps along; proponents urge a bigger push
Connecticut Electric Vehicle Charging Station Incentive Program & Resources
Electric Drive Transportation Association