After proposed new regulations were derailed, Gov. Ned Lamont and the state legislature are now shining a spotlight on electric vehicles as they plot the future path for the state in a fast-moving industry that is already being driven by market forces. In the coming weeks and months, lawmakers will flesh out the details of a plan as they intend to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and smooth the transition away from gasoline-powered cars. Legislators have raised questions about costs, charging stations and infrastructure, among others. But for some legislators, a key issue is that the electric batteries sometimes catch on fire and have been difficult to extinguish. Electric car advocates, however, say that the fires are highly unusual and the batteries are less likely to catch on fire than conventional batteries. The problem, though, is extinguishing the blaze once it starts. Out of more than 3 million vehicles registered in Connecticut as of July 2023, only 36,000 were electric, according to state statistics.
CT has an electric car problem. Here’s what’s driving delays, debate and new economic inequality.