Connecticut electric vehicle (EV) owners who have already benefited from a recent surge in state incentives may soon qualify for even more savings.
The new Inflation Reduction Act seeks to lower EV operating costs long term by reducing the cost of electricity.
Ed Ingalls, owner of CT Electric Car in Newington, said rebates are offered through Eversource and United Illuminating currently range from $500-$1,000 for homes plus an additional $200 each year and $20-$250,000 per year for businesses, thus making an EV charging system very affordable.
“Before you shop for an electric car or truck, visit the State of Connecticut’s EV webpage or call our office at (860) 667-1819 for the most up-to-date rebates and incentives,” Ingalls suggested.
On the purchase price of an EV, Ingalls explained the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR) offers rebates of up to $7,500 for Connecticut residents.
Rebate+ offers even more money back for those who participate in certain income qualifying programs, such as Energy Assistance. Federal tax credits vary depending on the vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating.
EV buyers can also maximize incentives for their car charging systems by consulting with an experienced, licensed installer before doing anything. Buyers should also be advised that EV and charging system manufacturers can void the warranty if their equipment is not installed properly.
Ingalls recommends that people always use a licensed professional installer who will ensure that the charger is compatible with their particular EV model. CT Electric Car is a ChargePoint-certified installer and recognized as the state’s foremost installer of residential and commercial EV charging systems having specialized within the industry for the past 10 years.
For businesses, there may be minimal or no out-of-pocket expenses. In fact, property and business owners can actually make a profit on their EV charging system by allotting a fee for each charge. Ingalls cautions business owners to only use a trained, certified, licensed installer in order to protect themselves from customer liability and avoid warranty issues.
As a subsidiary of Newington Electric Co., listed on the State of Connecticut portal as a preferred qualified licensed electrical contractor for all state agencies, CT Electric Car will first assess the home or business’s current electrical system to ensure that the charging system will operate properly and according to manufacturer’s specifications. In so doing, Ingalls emphasized that a lot of current EV owners are eligible for a charging system upgrade and new rebate program.
Previously, there were only Level 1 and Level 2 charging systems available to the public, which took 8 to 14 hours to completely charge one’s EV. Now, the new Level 2 Rapid Charge is quickly becoming the most popular system used by homeowners and commercial businesses alike as it takes less than half the time, approximately 2.5 to 6 hours, for a full charge.
“The Rapid Charge EV charging system is wired specifically to your electric car manufacturer’s exact specifications and eliminates the range anxiety often associated by potential buyers,” Ingalls said.
CT Electric Car has installed commercial charging systems in high-profile locations throughout the state including Blue Back Square in West Hartford, the UCONN campus in Storrs, Whole Foods, and Bishop’s Corner, as well as within multiple municipalities, state agencies, colleges and universities and police departments. CT Electric Car is also qualified to install and wire Tesla Motor Cars’ advanced charging system throughout the state and its electricians are licensed contractors by the State of Connecticut’s Dept of Consumer Protection.
“For the past ten years, we have facilitated the installation process for home and business owners from start to finish, which includes acquiring an electrical permit, final inspection by the town electrical inspector and the rebate application,” Ingalls said. “It can get complicated and confusing as new rebate programs continually roll out, so we serve as the liaison between the customer and the particular power company to ensure that the entire process goes smoothly.”
CT Electric Car’s showroom is located at 72 Pane Rd in Newington where the latest options in home charging systems are on display. The company also offers complimentary EV charging systems in the parking lot for drivers who need a quick, free charge.
Newington Electric Company (NEC) is a second-generation, family-owned business that is the parent company of Connecticut Electric Car. It specializes in the installation and wiring of residential, commercial and municipality car charging systems. The company is licensed in the State of CT by the Dept. of Consumer Protection and holds an unlimited electrical contracting license. For more information regarding electric car charging systems and tax incentives see www.ctelectriccar.com.
