September 7, 2004		2004-R-0701
HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES
By: Joseph Holstead, Research Analyst

You asked what is Connecticut’s law regarding hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and if there is a requirement regarding the number operating in the state.

SUMMARY

There is no requirement that a certain number of HEVs must operate in the state. However, PA 04-84, An Act Concerning Clean Cars, would require a percentage of vehicles in the state meet zero or near zero emission standards, after Connecticut applies California’s Low Emission Vehicle II (LEV II) standard in 2008. Certain HEVs meet the zero or near zero emission standard. Additionally, the legislature reestablished a tax break for vehicles using hybrid technology, effective October 1, 2004.

LEV II AND ZERO EMISSION VEHICLES (ZEV)

PA 04-84 requires the environmental protection commissioner to adopt, by December 31, 2004, regulations implementing California’s LEV II emissions standards for light-duty motor vehicles (passenger cars and trucks with a maximum loaded weight of 8,500 pounds) and to keep them current with changes California makes. The regulations apply beginning with the 2008 model year. The act explicitly authorizes the commissioner to regulate motor vehicle emissions for other vehicle classes.

California’s LEV II Program

LEV II (1) requires a manufacturer’s vehicle fleet to reduce average tailpipe emissions for gasoline and diesel vehicles; (2) apply passenger car standards to most light trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUVs); and (3) place tighter controls on evaporative emissions from fuel tanks and fuel systems, as well as exhaust systems.

LEV II uses a “bin” system in which vehicle manufacturers certify particular vehicles into any of several emission bins, as long as their fleet-wide average emission meets the program standards.

ZEV and HEV. LEV II (which will apply to Connecticut as of 2008 model year) also requires that a growing proportion of a motor vehicle fleet be comprised of ZEVs. Vehicles that meet certain emission and durability requirements or that achieve near-zero emissions through the use of advanced technology and alternative fuels may be counted towards the ZEV requirements. Certain hybrids meet ZEV requirements, according to California’s Air Resources Board (CARB). We have attached a CARB information sheet, or click: http: //www. arb. ca. gov/msprog/zevprog/factsheets/2003zevchanges. pdf

STATE TAX EXEMPTION

PA 04-231, An Act Concerning Clean and Alternative Fuel Vehicles, includes a sales tax exemption for high mileage vehicles, which use hybrid technology, that achieve a U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated highway gasoline mileage rating of at least 40 miles per gallon (mpg)). It is effective from October 1, 2004 until October 1, 2008. PA 04-231 also extends until 2008, sales and other tax credits and exemptions encouraging the use and sale of, and investment in, alternative fuels, and alternative fuel vehicles, facilities and equipment.

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