Eight states, including California and New York, announced today major incentives

The 3.3 million ZEVs -- powered by batteries or hydrogen fuel cells -- would represent a market penetration of 15 percent of the eight states’ sales from present day. The states represent about one-quarter of U.S. vehicle sales.

The eight-state coalition, which includes Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont, said in a report today they plan reciprocity agreements for non monetary enticements, such as carpool lane access and preferential parking for ZEVs. But the “action plan” also includes a continued commitment to consumer incentives and tax credits.

Hydrogen highway

Consumer demand for ZEVs, which include plug-in hybrids, battery-powered and hydrogen fuel-cell cars, hasn't been as robust as some expect, Adam Jonas, an equity analyst for Morgan Stanley, said in a research report Wednesday.

A few years ago, forecasts for global electric vehicle penetration were as high as 5 percent or 10 percent by 2020, Jonas wrote. “From today’s perspective, we think penetration in the 1 percent range would be respectable.”

Representatives from several states said they were working on increasing the number of battery-charging stations, as well as hydrogen fuel-cell fueling stations, to help generate consumer interest. Currently, only California has a working, funded plan in place for a “hydrogen highway,” although Rob Klee, commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, said his state is committed to growing its hydrogen infrastructure.