Vermont has seen a significant surge in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with a remarkable 41% increase in the past year. As of January 2025, nearly 18,000 EVs are registered statewide, showcasing the growing interest in sustainable transportation.
Data from Drive Electric Vermont and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources reveals that 17,939 EVs were registered in the state, a notable increase of 5,185 vehicles compared to the previous year. Notably, over 12% of all new cars registered in Vermont last year were plug-in vehicles, indicating a shifting trend towards electric mobility. Additionally, the popularity of used EVs is on the rise, accounting for about 15% of new EV registrations.
The rapid growth of EV adoption in Vermont is supported by the expanding infrastructure of public EV chargers. The state now boasts 459 public EV chargers, including 92 DC fast chargers, to cater to the increasing number of EV drivers. The EV mix in Vermont is leaning towards Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), which represent 60% of the state’s EV fleet, with the remaining 40% consisting of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs).
In late 2024, Vermont’s top EV models included the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Nissan Ariya, Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV, Tesla Model Y, and Ford F-150 Lightning. These vehicles have become popular among Vermont drivers due to their reliability, performance, and practical features that are well-suited for Vermont’s climate.
Vermont’s strong adoption of EVs has positioned the state as a leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in transportation. The Natural Resources Defense Council ranked Vermont at the top for emission reduction in 2023, highlighting the state’s commitment to sustainable transportation. Michele Boomhower, Vermont’s Department of Transportation director, emphasized the increasing accessibility of EV models, including electric trucks and SUVs with essential features like all-wheel drive, crucial for Vermont’s climate and terrain.
Local dealerships, like Nucar Automall in St. Albans, are actively supporting the EV trend by installing EV chargers on their lots. With incentives from Efficiency Vermont’s EV dealer program, Nucar Automall installed 15 EV chargers to facilitate charging for new buyers and existing EV drivers. The affordability of EVs is also improving, with more models available and a rise in pre-owned EVs coming off leases.
In conclusion, Vermont’s impressive growth in EV adoption reflects the state’s commitment to sustainable transportation and reducing emissions. With a supportive infrastructure, a variety of EV models, and local initiatives driving accessibility, Vermont is paving the way for a greener future in transportation.
