BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – We’re in the throes of Drive Electric Week, which is a time to learn more about what it takes to go electric.
Whether it’s the grocery store, post office, or public library, we don’t really bat an eye at electric vehicle charging stations like this 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,” said Roberts.
Roberts 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. And so it’s great that more people are able to make the switch,” said Roberts.
According to Drive Electric Vermont, the state has over 15,000 electric vehicles.
That’s a nearly 50% increase from 2023.
Still, despite the jump, Patrick Murphy with the Agency of Transportation says we’ll need to do more to meet the goals laid out in the climate action plan: 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 our 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.