Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR)

Connecticut residents can receive a rebate at the time of purchase or lease for eligible battery electric, plug-in hybrid, or fuel cell vehicles from a licensed Connecticut dealer. Standard rebates range from $500–$1,000 for battery electric and plug-in hybrids (with a $50,000 MSRP cap), and qualifying low-income households in Environmental Justice Communities, Distressed Municipalities, or those earning under 300% of federal poverty level can stack additional Rebate+ incentives for combined savings up to $5,000 for used vehicles. The rebate is applied directly at the dealership for Standard and most Rebate+ New purchases, or can be claimed after purchase through the CHEAPR Application portal.

Dealers must enroll in the CHEAPR program through the CHEAPR Dealer Enrollment form to receive a Dealer ID, then access the CHEAPR Dealer Application portal to process point-of-sale rebates for customers purchasing or leasing eligible new and used EVs. Your role is to submit application materials for Standard rebates and ensure customers present Rebate+ prequalification vouchers at purchase; the rebate is credited directly to the customer's final price, making the transaction simpler and the vehicle more affordable at the point of sale.

CHEAPR is a point-of-sale rebate program administered by Connecticut DEEP that offers tiered incentives ($500–$7,500 for standard purchases, higher for income-qualified Rebate+ participants) for battery electric, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles with a $50,000 MSRP cap, targeting Connecticut residents. The program prioritizes equity through Rebate+ tiers for households in Environmental Justice Communities, Distressed Municipalities, or those below 300% federal poverty level, and as of October 1, 2025, increased the BEV Standard rebate to $1,000 to offset expired federal tax credits; administration occurs through the CHEAPR Application portal for customers and the Dealer Application portal for enrolled franchised dealers and original equipment manufacturers.