Misconceptions Keep CT Drivers from Purchasing EVs

Misinformation about electric vehicles is keeping more of them from being on Connecticut roads.

Owners of the state's more than 31,000 registered EVs still face rumors about poor battery range in colder climates. Many agencies said it is false, with some drivers feeling EVs can handle winter roads better than gas-powered cars.

Karamo Kourouma, an EV owner in Cheshire, said driving an EV involves a different mindset from a gas-powered car.

"Being able to know I just go home and plug in my car just like I would do with my cellphone; plug it in at night, wake up in the morning, unplug it, and get on your way," Kourouma explained. "You basically wake up with a fully charged battery."

Another challenge he sees for EVs is how people think of charging stations. While some charge their cars at home or fast-charging stations, Kourouma thinks there are ways to build up the infrastructure. One example is adding electric-vehicle chargers to some parking meters across places such as downtown New Haven with the hope of breaking "range anxiety" some drivers face.

Owning an EV for three years has shown Kourouma gas-powered cars are meeting their match, particularly in costs. Although gas-powered cars are less expensive to buy, EVs are shown to save consumers money in long-term costs such as maintenance, fuel and repair costs. He acknowledged misconceptions about cost keep people from making the switch.

"When people see me drive a Tesla, they think I paid $70,000, $80,000 for it, and I try to explain to them that, no, the vehicle I'm driving is $48,000 before incentives," Kourouma pointed out. "They need to be more aware of the fact now EVs tend to be in a price range that most people can afford them."

Connecticut has myriad programs designed to help people afford EVs. One includes the Connecticut Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate, which offers incentives of up to $7,500 for state residents to buy or lease an eligible clean energy vehicle.

This story written and reported by Edwin J. Viera of the Connecticut News Service, a statewide news service for Connecticut.