More drivers are considering switching to electric vehicles (EVs) as new models become available and gas prices continue to remain unpredictable. In addition, incentives for purchasing EVs provided by The New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the federal government make them more affordable than ever. However, EVs have many differences from gas-operated vehicles that motorists will need to consider before deciding if going electric is the right decision for their driving needs.
In the North Country, the largest concern for drivers considering an EV is how well it will do during our region's notorious winter weather conditions. According to the Conservation Law Foundation, EVs can handle snow and ice better than some gas-powered cars. This is because the EV’s batteries are installed along the bottom of the floor giving EVs a lower center of gravity, providing better handling in slippery conditions. As with all vehicles, it's important to ensure EVs are equipped with high-traction snow tires.
Where an EV can struggle is when the temperature drops. Most EVs can travel between 250-300 miles on a single charge, varying by model. This distance can be reduced if the batteries are used for other tasks, especially heating. In a true North County cold snap, the distance an EV can travel can be reduced by as much as 50% if the heater is being used for a long time. However, there are a few steps drivers can take to reduce the amount of energy their EV uses in cold temperatures. EV owners will often leave their EVs plugged in while the car warms up and the windows defrost so they do not have to lose battery life for this. From here, while driving, some EV owners will switch to seat and/or steering wheel warmers, which is more efficient than continuing to use the heater.
Most drivers also want to know where they will be able to charge their EVs and how long it will take. Charging can be done at home or at a publicly available charging station. When planning for longer trips with an EV, drivers want to make sure there are charging stations available on their route. In the North County, most larger towns now have several public charging stations, and these stations are common along New York State highways. Apps such as Plugshare are free to download and can help you locate charging stations in your community or while traveling. Plugshare filters charging stations by brand, ensuring users know their EV will be compatible with the station before traveling to it. It also allows users to report when stations are not working and leave comments that would be useful for other drivers. NYSERDA provides an online map to view charging station locations, in addition to many other apps that are available.
EV charging can also be done at home with a standard wall outlet, called level 1 charging. Level 1 charging takes 40-50 hours to fully charge. However, most drivers that charge their EVs this way use a planned amount of mileage during the day and recharge what they use overnight. Level 2 chargers are common where public charging is available and can also be installed in a home. Level 2 chargers can fully charge an EV in 4-10 hours–much faster than a level 1 charger. Finally, some public charging stations now offer Direct Current (DC) Fast Charging stations that can fully charge compatible EVs in just 30 minutes!
Also, motorists often question how an EV will save them money, especially when they tend to have higher upfront costs than gas-operated cars. The DOE explains that EV owners pay much less for the electricity to charge their vehicle than the investment in a fuel vehicle. Whether you plan to charge your EV at home or a public station, you’ll be paying much less than you would to fill your gas tank. In addition, with fewer internal moving parts and no need for oil changes, EVs won’t need to go into the shop very often. The battery will eventually need to be replaced, but most EV batteries last 8 to 12 years or between 100,000 to 200,000 miles.
Those looking to purchase an EV can also utilize rebates and tax credits to help offset the upfront cost. NYSERDA offers rebates between $500-$2000 for over 60 used EV models through the Drive Clean Rebates for Electric Cars program. The Drive Clean Rebate is claimed at the point of sale, meaning the dealership will take the rebate amount off the upfront cost of the vehicle. Drivers buying a new EV vehicle can take advantage of a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 that was released as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. For more details and filing guidance, we recommend you speak with your tax advisor.
Do you have more questions about EVs? Curious about which models qualify for the incentives? Need help to find a dealership? Visit the North County Energy Hub website or contact your local Energy Advisor! Go to https://northcountrycleanenergyhub.org to get started today!
Written By: Nolan Rishe, Energy Advisor
