Vermonters all over the state are catching onto the idea of traveling in the cleanest cars on the road today - electric vehicles (EVs). Over 1,500 plug-in EVs were registered between 2012 and 2017.
EVs need less energy than gasoline-powered vehicles, and most of the energy used to power EVs in Vermont will soon be generated from cleaner, local sources. Increasing the number of Vermonters in EVs is an essential part of our efforts to combat climate change.
On this page:
EVs: A Powerful Climate Solution and Much More
EV technology is now well-tested, and is growing in popularity worldwide as new models come to market, In Vermont, they are easily charged at home and at over 150 locations around the state.
Plug-in vehicles can be “all-electric” or “plug-in hybrid”. All-electric vehicles can travel between 70 and 300 miles on electricity and don’t use any gasoline. Hybrids can use either gas or electricity, and typically can travel 15 to 80 miles on a single electric charge, and another 300 or more miles on gas when the charge runs out.
Vermonters are buying and leasing EVs for many reasons! Find out why Olympic snowboarder Ross Powers loves driving an EV.
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Clean Travel. The tailpipe emissions we produce when we drive are harmful to the climate and our health, especially in areas with higher traffic volumes. EVs produce the lowest emissions on the road today and as Vermont’s supply of renewable energy grows, emissions from the use of EVs will continue to improve.
- Saving Money! Driving on electricity is equivalent to paying $1.50 or less for a gallon of gasoline. Maintenance costs for EVs are also very low. Even with our current low fuel costs, the lifetime cost of owning an EV is often less than the cost of owning a conventional vehicle.
Supporting Vermont’s Economy. In 2013, Vermonters spent almost $1.5 billion to purchase gasoline and diesel fuel — and almost 80% of these dollars left the state. EVs keep many more of those dollars right here in our economy and in our wallets.
- Fun! Electric motors in EVs have plenty of power. Try an EV out and you will see how enjoyable they are to drive.
Vermont's Leadership on Clean Vehicles
The number of electric vehicles registered in Vermont has increased fifteenfold since 2008, and charging stations are now available across the state. But EVs still represent less than 2% of all new passenger vehicle sales. To reach our climate goals and reduce other air pollutants, Vermont aims to have 15% of all new car sales be EVs by 2025.
State agencies are working with the Drive Electric Vermont coalition, the Clean Cities Coalition, and other partners to help accelerate growth in the EV market and to encourage the purchase of other fuel efficient vehicles.
- Supporting an EV Stakeholder Coalition. The State helped found and continues to support Vermont’s unique Drive Electric Vermont, a stakeholder coalition that is helping Vermonters learn more about EVs.
- Working with other States. In 2014, Vermont and seven other states committed to work together to get millions of EVs on our roads. Vermont developed its own plan, and we’re working hard to make progress.
- Growing Vermont’s Charging Network. A state grant program has already helped municipalities put public charging stations in prime downtown locations. In 2016 the Federal Highway Administration designated I-89 and I-91 as EV corridors.
- Exploring Incentives. Financial incentives are increasing sales in many states, and would help promote EV adoption here.
Agencies Leading by Example:
Have you seen our Go Green fleet vehicles traveling around Vermont? The State is adding electric vehicles to its own fleet so employees can use them when traveling on state business. Almost half of the fleet is now plug-in hybrid EVs, and employees report that they are great to drive.
What You Can Do
It’s time to plug in! EV prices are coming down due to improved technology, and many new models are coming to market. Even used EVs are starting to arrive at dealers. If an EV doesn’t work for you consider buying the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs.
- Find out why Vermont families like EVs.
- Some Vermont companies help their employees buy EVs with incentives. If you own a business, consider starting your own incentive program.
- If buying an EV is not an option right now, adopt fuel-efficient driving practices. You can substantially cut your gasoline usage with just a few small changes in HOW you drive.
- Check out Drive Electric Vermont’s buying guide.
- Calculate your potential EV savings.
- Explore the public charging locations in Vermont.
- Learn more about what your town or business can do to provide charging stations.