Tesla ready to take on Connecticut dealership lobby

Tesla chargers have been installed in the parking lot of the Connecticut Post Mall in Milford. Tesla chargers have been installed in the parking lot of the Connecticut Post Mall in Milford. Photo: Hearst Connecticut Media File Photo: Hearst Connecticut Media File Image 1 of / 14 Caption Close Tesla ready to take on Connecticut dealership lobby 1 / 14 Back to Gallery

A top-level executive with Tesla Motors is convinced 2019 will be the year in which the California-based electric car maker will convince state lawmakers to change the rules regarding automotive sales in the state so the company can expand it operation here.

This is the fourth year in a row Tesla has sought to get lawmakers to change Connecticut laws governing car sales. State law prohibits the direct sale of vehicles to consumers by manufacturers; it requires sales through a franchise dealership license and Tesla’s business model is to sell directly to car buyers.

But Rohan Patel, director of policy for Tesla, said Wednesday that given the aggressive goals Connecticut officials have set for reducing greenhouse gases, he is “really bullish that this could be the year” the law is changed. Patel also is a former senior adviser for the White House during the Obama administration.

“How could you not take advantage (of what it will mean if Tesla is allowed direct sales to customers),” Patel said in Hartford in advance of an environmental summit held at Trinity College Thursday. “Without Tesla’s (electric vehicles) on the transportation side, achieving those greenhouse gas reduction goals is daunting.”

Tesla has the backing of a broad coalition of environmental groups and electric vehicle proponents in its efforts to get the law changed.

The Connecticut Electric Vehicle Coalition and EV Club of CT are asking Gov. Ned Lamont to support electric vehicle policies that will stimulate Connecticut’s growing green economy and provide environmental and health benefits.

“We are thrilled that Connecticut finally has an EV owner as Governor,” the organizations wrote in a joint letter. “Our organizations and our members agree with you that a green economy is a strong economy.”

More than two-dozen environmental groups are part of the Connecticut Electric Vehicle Coalition. The groups contend allowing direct sale of electric vehicles will bring new revenues, job creation and economic activity to Connecticut while making it easier for consumers to choose that type of car.

They already have scheduled an educational forum for lawmakers on the benefits of pro-electric vehicle policies for Jan. 30.

There currently are more than 6,000 Connecticut residents who either have battery-powered or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, according to EV Club of CT officials. State officials have set a goal of having 150,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2025.

Patel said the backing of the environmental groups “is significant change from previous years.”

One thing that hasn’t changed, though,is the opposition to Tesla’s efforts by the trade group representing state car dealers.

James Fleming, president of the Connecticut Automotive Retailer Association, was not available for comment Thursday. But according to the group’s website, the organization remains opposed to any change that would accommodate Tesla.

“CARA remains opposed to any legislation providing Tesla Corporation a Loophole from existing pro consumer and pro Connecticut based businesses,” the statement says in part. “All CARA members and their employees are urged to call your State Representatives and Senator to express our strong disagreement with giving special treatment to an out of state corporation at the expense of the 270 local auto dealerships and our 14,000 hardworking employees.”

Tesla’s presence in Connecticut currently is limited to a gallery in Greenwich, where the automaker’s vehicles can be displayed, but not sold, and a Milford service center on Boston Post Road.

A state Superior Court in New Britain ruled in December that Tesla is illegally selling cars in its Greenwich gallery. The facility remains open while Tesla appeals Judge Joseph Shortall’s ruling.

Patel also is touting the potential economic benefits of giving Tesla unfettered access to the Connecticut market at a time when state official are trying to restore economic vitality here.

“Allowing Tesla to invest in Connecticut wouldn’t require any kind of investment from the state,” he said. “And its not just about Tesla swamping the competition in terms of electric vehicle sales. We also make solar panels and electric batteries that can store power for later use.”

Patel said Tesla has “a whole economic ecosystem, a huge footprint” across America.

“We have a tool and die plant in Michigan,” he said. “We make the battery storage equipment in Sparks, Nevada. It’s by far the largest battery factory of its kind in the world.”

He hinted that that kind of economic activity could come to Connecticut, but only if the company is allowed to sell cars here.

“If there a demand for it, yes,” Patel said. “But it’s not on the immediate horizon.”

luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com