Experts outline Vermont’s progress in meeting EV adoption goals

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont and the rest of the country are in the midst of Drive Electric Week, a time to learn more about what it takes to go electric.

Whether it’s the grocery store, post office or public library, most people nowadays don’t bat an eye at electric vehicle charging stations because they are all around us. Still, experts say there’s a long road ahead to meet state EV goals.

Before a dotted line or even a test drive, many prospective EV drivers turn to Drive Electric Vermont’s David Roberts for advice.

“Will it work for me in winter? You know, is the range going to be enough? And generally, the answer is yes,” Roberts said.

He says more models fit for Vermont mud and snow seasons have hit the market in recent years, giving more drivers the EV green light.

“We’re seeing more availability,” he said. “So it’s great that more people are able to make the switch.”

According to Drive Electric Vermont, the state has more than 15,000 electric vehicles, a nearly 50% increase from 2023. Despite the jump, Patrick Murphy with VTrans says Vermonters will need to do more to meet the goals laid out in the state’s Climate Action Plan, which calls for 27,000 EVs by 2025 and 126,000 by 2030.

“We’re making good progress, but we’re still not there, and we know we have quite a bit to do,” said Murphy.

Murphy believes continued funding for popular state incentive programs is essential to meeting the state’s EV goals, but he estimates the $18 million appropriated in 2022 and meant to last until 2025 will dry up by the calendar year’s end. He says it’s a double-edged sword — Vermonters are opting into EVs but millions more are needed to keep up the momentum.

“Funding is needed to make sure that the transition to electric vehicles doesn’t leave anybody behind. Because we do know that these vehicles cost more on average, and a key piece of being able to make this affordable for Vermonters is providing these incentive programs,” said Murphy.

While the state looks for solutions, you can learn more about EVs this Drive Electric Week at an event on the Statehouse lawn on Wednesday and a ride and drive in Stowe next Tuesday.

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