Vermont looking to boost number of EVs in the state

The Vermont Public Utility Commission published a report on how to promote the use of electric vehicles in the state.

The report recommended created state incentives for the purchase of EVs. It also encouraged electric utilities to develop new rate structures to make Vermont more accessible for EV drivers and charging station operators.

The transportation sector in Vermont is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the state. Thus, to offset that, Vermont’s Comprehensive Energy Plan seeks to increase the share of renewable energy in Vermont’s transportation sector to 10 percent by 2025 and 80 percent by 2050. The plan also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector by 30 percent by 2025.

As of January 2019, there were 2,985 EVs registered in Vermont. The state is seeking to increase that to 50,000 to 60,000 vehicles by 2025.

“If Vermont is going to meet its statutory greenhouse-gas reduction goals, it is critical that we do everything possible to encourage the switch to electric vehicles. Besides fighting climate change, this will also save Vermonters money in driving and maintenance costs,” Commission Chair Anthony Roisman said. “The Commission appreciates the considerable time and effort that a large number of participants put into this investigation.”