The proposed EV Freedom Bill in Connecticut, which would allow electric vehicle manufacturers to sell EVs directly to Connecticut consumers, failed to pass the Legislature.
The bill, according to advocates, would help the state succeed in realizing its climate goals. But car dealerships are opponents of the bill.
“Although the bill did not advance to completion, our broad coalition will continue to fight for consumer choice and the widespread availability of electric vehicles to all Connecticut residents,” James Chen, Rivian’s vice president of public policy and chief regulatory council, told Clean Technica. “Limiting sales of electric vehicles to a single method of distribution in (the) state is the wrong choice for the free market and blocks Connecticut from achieving its climate and economic development goals.”
Connecticut plans to put more electric vehicles on its roads, Clean Technica reported. The state has committed to deploying 125,000 to 150,000 electric vehicles by 2025.
The EV Freedom Bill shows just how much power dealerships have over elected officials, according to Clean Technica.
Rivian and Tesla are among the EV manufacturers that were hoping to have had the bill approved by legislators. Similar to Delaware Tesla car buyers, Connecticut shoppers currently have to go out of state to purchase their cars.
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