Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced on Earth Day, April 22, that with a growing network of publicly available charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs), Connecticut can now be considered a "range confident" state, giving drivers more confidence than ever before that they can recharge their batteries when needed.
"For well over 90 percent of Connecticut residents, there is now a publicly-accessible electric vehicle charging station within 20 miles that drivers can use to power up the battery on electric vehicles," Malloy said. "Our state has a reliable network that will soon include more than 187 publicly available charging stations, thanks in good measure to the state's EVConnecticut program that is helping to fund the installation of 96 of these stations.".
EVConnecticut has provided $216,046 in grants to fund the installation of 68 charging stations in 44 cities and towns across the state. These publicly available stations – whose locations are shown on a map at the EVConnecticut web site – can be found at town halls, train stations, town centers, college campuses, and auto dealers.
Malloy pointed residents to a new map located on the state's Open Data website, located at data.ct.gov, which pinpoints each of the public EV charging stations around the state.
The Ridgefield Playhouse, located at 80 East Ridge Road, is one of those stations.
"It is fitting to make this 'range confident' announcement on Earth Day because EVs are a 'win-win' for our residents. They are less expensive to operate than conventional vehicles and they also operate without tailpipe emissions," said Malloy. "This means greater use of EVs can help reduce air pollution and improve public health."
"Range confidence" means that EV owners will be able to operate their vehicles without fear of finding themselves a long distance from the nearest publicly available electric vehicle charging station. Coupled with the economic appeal of electric vehicles – charging an electric car is the equivalent to paying around $1.80/gallon of gas, about 50 percent less than the average price of gas in the state – range confidence encourages prospective car buyers to make the decision to purchase an EV.
The governor made his announcement after viewing several new models at an electric vehicle showcase hosted by Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) in Hartford. He also participated in a ceremony held during the showcase to charge the first EV at a new public charging station recently installed outside of DEEP's headquarters on 79 Elm Street.
Funds for the EVConnecticut grants were made available from the settlement agreement with the state that allowed for the merger of Northeast Utilities and NStar.
"Governor Malloy's electric vehicle announcement today further demonstrates Connecticut's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, part of an overall strategy to protect our environment, clean up our waterways, and build healthier, stronger, more sustainable communities across the state," said Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman..
State Sen. Beth Bye (D-5th) said she purchased a zero-emission Nissan Leaf electric car last year, and she has spent just $120 to go 5,000 miles – with no maintenance costs, either.
"It's better for the environment, our family is saving a ton of money and it's a great choice for those who live near their work," Bye said. "I applaud DEEP for making this investment in an electric charging station at its headquarters and Governor Malloy for overseeing the infrastructure of electric charging stations across the state."
"Connecticut is part of a bold eight-state initiative to put 3.3 million zero-emissions vehicles on the road by 2025. Expanding the number of publicly available charging stations and achieving 'range confidence' is critical to meeting this goal," DEEP Commissioner Rob Klee said at the event.
EVConnecticut has also begun to deploy "fast chargers" for EVs – recharging stations that can provide a full charge in around 30 minutes along Connecticut's highway corridors.
"Governor Malloy's decision to pursue a 'range confident' Connecticut was absolutely right on," said Environment Northeast Executive Director Dan Sosland. "Now that we have the public charging infrastructure necessary for electric vehicles to refuel throughout Connecticut, we can truly begin to reap their many valuable benefits – real consumer savings from low-operating costs, cleaner air from zero tailpipe emissions, a safer climate due to reduced carbon pollution, and a more secure energy future through decreased dependence on imported gasoline. Governor Malloy and DEEP should be applauded for this major step forward in clean energy policy."
(Photo from Flickr/Governor Dannel P. Malloy)