Norwich — Residents might notice a few more Teslas and other electric or hybrid cars around the city, including one white 2018 Nissan Leaf decked out with a Norwich Public Utilities logo, a bright green streak and the words “100% ELECTRIC.”

Last September NPU launched a new pilot program to promote the sale of electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging stations in the city by offering rebates of up to $1,000 per vehicle purchase or lease and up to $2,000 for charging station equipment. NPU’s rebates can be combined with state and federal tax incentive programs to further boost sales of electric vehicles.

NPU has partnered with Nissan, which provides a $5,000 rebate for a new Nissan Leaf electric car, which also can be added to the NPU rebate.

In the first year, NPU has worked with 12 customers for the purchase of nine electric or electric-gas hybrid vehicles and installation of six chargers, issuing rebates totaling $11,432. NPU announced last week it will extend the pilot program, with no end date set. NPU staff will drive its Nissan Leaf to community events and will promote the program in newsletters and on social media.

“The people interested in EVs are a unique breed, and they are not shy about looking for information on them,” said Jeanne Kurasz, NPU program coordinator.

NPU will offer Norwich residents $1,000 for the purchase of a new all-electric vehicle or $500 for a new electric-gas hybrid vehicle or $250 to $500 to buyers of used electric or hybrid vehicles. NPU has provided rebates for six all-electric Teslas, a hybrid Toyota Prius, a Honda Clarity and a Chevy Volt.

NPU will offer a rebate of up to $500 for the typical home-based charger, which “pretty much covers the entire cost,” said Jeff Brining, NPU division manager of customer service. Thus far, NPU has provided rebates for two workplace chargers, one for a Taftville contractor and one for a business in the Norwich Business Park, and four residential chargers.

Stronger commercial chargers, 450 volts, can charge a vehicle in about 20 minutes and work well at highway rest stops, restaurants and businesses, Brining said.

Norwich residents Kyle and Holly Seitz already were considering buying a Tesla electric car for her 100-mile daily commute to work in Hartford when they learned of the NPU rebate. In March, they purchased a 2019 white Tesla Model 3 and in April received the $1,000 NPU rebate for the car and $500 to cover the entire cost of a Tesla charger for their garage. They also qualified for a $3,700 federal government incentive and a $2,000 rebate from the state.

Holly Seitz said the rebate process was smooth and easy. Her employer, The Hartford, also offers free charging stations for employees during work hours.

“They’re just amazing,” Holly Seitz said of electric cars. “If you’re going to buy an electric car, they’re just so cool to drive.”

Kyle Seitz, a Norwich firefighter, said he was pleased that NPU is extending the rebate program, because he is considering buying an electric car. The couple kept Holly’s old car, because Kyle’s truck gets horrible gas mileage.

“It’s definitely a leap of faith going all electric,” Kyle Seitz said. “The infrastructure is only going to get better and better with technology.”

Vehicle technology is rapidly improving so that cars can travel farther on one charge, 150 to 200 miles or more, Brining said. More commercial charging stations are being installed, and smart phone apps and in-vehicle technology identify charging locations, Brining said.

Fawn Walker, NPU manager of key and commercial accounts, takes NPU’s Leaf on Thursdays, when she visits commercial customers. During a ride through downtown last week, a dashboard reading showed the car had 162 miles to go on the current battery charge, which was at 99 percent of capacity.

The small sedan drives like a usual compact car, quiet with a tight turning radius, Walker said. The car reduces power automatically when stopped. There’s an “eco feature” she doesn’t use that could turn off the vehicle at stops.

“It drives like a regular car,” Walker said. “It’s really zippy. It has great acceleration.”

NPU is working with several large apartment complexes, retail stores, hotels and large businesses to encourage installation of chargers for tenants, employees and the general public. Several have expressed interest, Brining said, including Wauregan Apartments, United Community and Family Services, the Spa at Norwich Inn, the Ponemah Mill apartments, Big Y and the proposed 120-unit Westledge Apartments complex.

Walker said NPU has a signed agreement with the Wauregan to install a charging station for tenants at a corner parking space in the top floor of the parking garage on lower Broadway.

NPU spokesman Chris Riley said the first year of the electric vehicle pilot promotion “met expectations,” especially since NPU used only no-cost promotion. NPU is considering adding paid marketing efforts, Riley said.

“Given the interest in the community, we’re very hopeful to see more in the next year,” Riley said. “It’s part of our strategic plan, and we are extending the pilot program. Jeanne (Kurasz) has done a terrific job on outreach.”

c.bessette@theday.com

Norwich Public Utilities electric car rebate program

Norwich Public Utilities is extending its pilot program that offers rebates to Norwich residents who purchase electric or electric-hybrid vehicles or charging stations.

For information, contact NPU program coordinator Jeanne Kurasz, (860) 823-4182 or by email at JeanneKurasz@npumail.com or find information about the program at www.norwichpublicutilities.com.