Let Tesla sell cars in Connecticut

The debate over sales of electric cars in Connecticut has been going on for so long that the entire industry has changed in the intervening years. Once a niche item, electric cars are increasingly seen as an essential tool for cutting emissions and, just as important, a balm against high gas prices. It’s past time for the state to allow their direct sale to consumers.

The objections have been driven by owners of car dealerships, who argue that Connecticut’s system works just fine and should not be upended. Under existing regulations, car manufacturers cannot sell directly to customers, but only through independently operated dealerships. Since the largest manufacturer of electric cars, Tesla, does not operate under such a system, customers have been unable to buy the cars in Connecticut except by ordering them online.

A car is a significant enough purchase that it shouldn’t be procured in the same way someone might buy, say, a pair of socks. Just like you want to sit on a couch before you buy it, it’s fair to want to test drive a car and speak with qualified professionals who are selling it to you. Unless customers want to cross state lines, that option has been unavailable in Connecticut.

A bill advanced in recent days by the General Assembly’s Transportation Committee would create an exception in state law for exclusively electric vehicle companies such as Tesla or Rivian, allowing them to sell directly to customers. Dealerships say such a change would hurt their industry, but there’s good reason to think the benefits would outweigh any damage.

Even as some legislators call the system antiquated, there are good reasons for holding onto the dealership model. A car is a major purchase, and a local dealer means there’s someone for a purchaser to get in touch with in case of a problem. Rather than trying to get GM on the phone, it’s more a matter of calling the local manager of a longtime area business.

But an exception for electric car manufacturers makes sense. People want to buy them, as rising ownership numbers attest. Though many models are expensive, prices are coming down, and will continue to decline as technology advances. Electric cars are part of our future, but increasingly part of our present, too.

At the same time, there are electric cars on the market from major car companies that sell already through the dealership model. Competition between legacy brands and newcomers will only benefit consumers, who will see prices come down and quality increase as car companies try to win their hardearned dollars.

This would be an important issue under any circumstances, but with gas prices near record highs, many people are searching for options to save money over the long term. Gas that goes for $4.59 a gallon takes a real hit from people who are struggling, and eliminating that expense could make a difference.

Then there are the state’s mandated goals on cutting emissions, to which vehicle traffic is a major contributor. If we’re going to meet those marks, we need less driving and less pollution. Electric cars meet one of those goals. We need to make them more available in Connecticut.

An exception for electric car manufacturers makes sense. People want to buy them, as rising ownership numbers attest.