So you‘re intrigued by electric vehicles (EVs)? If you live in Pennsylvania, I want to share an insider‘s guide to what owning one looks like here. As a long-time EV driver and Pennsylvania resident myself, I‘ll walk through charging logistics, available models, costs, incentives, and what the future holds. Let‘s hit the road!
EV Ownership in Pennsylvania: Steadily Gaining Speed
EV adoption nationwide continues accelerating rapidly, and Pennsylvania is no exception. Since 2020, the number of registered EVs here has grown 39% year-over-year to 47,712 as of January 2023 based on PennDOT statistics. Sure, California still dominates with 970,000 plug-in vehicles, but Pennsylvania outpaces the Midwest.
| State | EVs Registered |
|---|---|
| California | 970,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 47,712 |
| Ohio | 25,996 |
| Michigan | 24,749 |
You can largely thank evolving policy for Pennsylvania‘s progress. Governor Shapiro recently announced a target of having 1 million EVs registered in the Keystone State by 2030. His administration also oversees distribution of Pennsylvania‘s $171.5 million allocation from the National Electric Vehicle Fund to build out charging stations.
Where are all those chargers located by county? Lancaster, Allegheny, and Philadelphia lead for now with 200-300 public stations each. But ongoing infrastructure projects promise to fill gaps in rural counties across PA over the next three years to alleviate range anxiety. Check out this map showing existing stations along major highway corridors:
[insert map]Between government initiatives and auto industry momentum, electric transportation options will only multiply for Pennsylvania.
Charging Solutions: Home vs Public Stations
Understanding your charging options represents that first crucial step towards EV ownership. While eventually most drivers rely on a mix of home and public charging, let‘s examine the key differences:
Home Chargers
Installing an EV charger where you park every night makes adapting to electric driving seamless. However, some upfront investment is required.
There are two levels of home charging systems:
- Level 1 – Uses a regular 120V household outlet which adds about 4 miles of range per hour. The charger itself costs $500-1,000 depending on any necessary wiring upgrades. Level 1 works well for folks who drive less than 40 miles per day.
- Level 2 – Requires installing a 240V high-power outlet like those used for clothes dryers and provides 10-25 miles range per charging hour. Hardware costs range from $700-$1,500 before factoring potential electrical panel upgrades. Level 2 charging best enables driving higher mileage.
| Charging System | Installation Cost | Electricity Cost* | Miles of Range Per Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $500-$1000 | $0.16 | 2-5 |
| Level 2 | $1000-$2000 | $0.16 | 10-25 |
*based on Pennsylvania‘s average electricity rate of $0.162/kWh
While paying an electrician chunks up your home charger budget quickly, Level 2 systems deliver far faster charging that better supports racking up mileage. You also avoid paying session fees at public charging stations.
Managing costs further relates to when you charge as well. Pennsylvania electricity rates fluctuate widely between peak mid-afternoon hours around $0.20/kWh compared to $0.11/kWh overnight. Adjusting charging habits saves a few bucks.
Public Charging Stations
Now what if installing a home charger proves challenging? All EV owners inevitably end up visiting public charging stations as well to enable longer trips or when making pit stops around town. Fortunately, Pennsylvania offers reasonable station access.
As mapped earlier, over 1,300 public charging ports pepper highways and metro regions across the state with at least one station every 50 miles on major roadways. While not as abundant as gas pumps yet, this infrastructure suits most driving needs.
DC Fast Chargers represent that game-changing technology with charging rates as quick as 20-30 minutes to reach 80% battery capacity. For comparison, a Level 2 charger requires 60-90 minutes.
| Charger Type | Charging Time | Cost * |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | 60-90 minutes | $0.30-$0.50 per kWh |
| DC Fast Charger | 20-30 minutes | $0.30-$0.50 per kWh |
*does not include session fees at some stations
Considering a 2022 Nissan Leaf holds a 60 kWh battery, a full DC fast charge costs around $30 based on $0.50/kWh pricing. Of course if you connect to a Tesla Supercharger using a Tesla vehicle, rates are cheaper thanks to vertical integration.
When using public stations, the PlugShare and ChargePoint apps help locate charger types, compare costs across networks, and monitor availability.
Overall you can expect a fluid combination of home and public charging to enable driving electric no matter where you roam across the state.
EV Model Lineups: What‘s Available in PA?
Between compact cars, full-size pickups, and even supercars – the EV options list keeps growing. Here‘s a sampling of models sold in Pennsylvania dealerships sure to eliminate range anxiety:
Tesla Model 3
The top-selling EV for three years now, the Model 3 needs no introduction, but its combination of technology, performance, and 370+ mile range make clear why.
- Base MSRP: $48,490
- Battery Size: 60-82kWh
- Range: 358-405 miles
Ford F-150 Lightning
America‘s best-selling truck for decades goes electric – what more needs said? 300+ miles gives trade workers serious road warrior capability.
- Base MSRP: $48,769
- Battery Size: 98kWh
- Range: 230-320 miles
Hyundai Kona
This affordable subcompact SUV uses smart battery packaging to deliver 258 miles range. Ideal around-town vehicle with AWD option.
- Base MSRP: $34,000
- Battery Size: 64kWh
- Range: 258 miles
Kia EV6
Kia‘s dedicated EV platform brings performance sedan styling with up to 310 mile range and 800V fast-charging.
- Base MSRP: $40,900
- Battery Size: 77.4Kwh
- Range: 232-310 miles
Volkswagen ID.4
VW leverages global economies of scale to deliver this family-friendly electric crossover at reasonable cost.
- Base MSRP $36,955
- Battery Size: 62kWh
- Range: 208-260 miles
Across lower priced commuter cars to premium brands, Pennsylvania drivers can electrify their commute while matching driving needs. Several websites like DriveElectricPA allow configuring vehicles, estimating costs, and finding incentives.
If purchasing used seems a better match for your budget, that electric market continues developing as well with sites like EVGurus or Luscious Motors providing inventory. Older EVs like the Nissan Leaf hold notably less range but make solid second vehicles for around $15,000 these days in good condition.
Whatever best fits your lifestyle, Pennsylvania offers reasonable electric options to ditch the pump.
Incentives Bring EVs Within Reach
One major motivator accelerating EV adoption involves purchase incentives making sticker prices far more palatable. Between credits and cost savings over time, going electric pays off.
Federal tax credits from $3,750 to $7,500 apply depending on the automaker and number sold – allowing buyers to deduct credits directly from taxes owed. Extended this year, the credit does phase out eventually per company. State and local discounts bring additional savings too.
Pennsylvania EV Rebate Program
PA residents benefit from among the most generous state rebates in America by qualifying for:
- $2,000 off battery electric vehicles
- $1,500 off plug-in hybrids
- $500 off electric motorcycles
Buyers must claim rebates within six months of purchase date by applying to the Department of Environmental Protection online or printing forms. These incentives reimburse on a first-come first-served basis with limited funding each year. Some used EV purchases also qualify within certain age limits.
Various Pennsylvania utility providers offer their own customer incentives ranging from vehicle charging equipment rebates to special EV time-of-use rate plans as well. See Duquesne Light or PPL Electric for examples.
Long term, driving electric saves households thousands in lower "fueling" costs over the lifespan of a vehicle too – making them a financially savvy move all around for Pennsylvania.
The Challenges of Driving Electric in Pennsylvania
However, navigating this transition away from gasoline does include some speedbumps. Pennsylvania‘s cold, snowy winters rated among the worst nationally influence range and charging behavior. Several other considerations factor in as well.
Winter Range Loss
Based on 2021 data analysis from Recurrent Auto, the average EV‘s indicated range drops 18-25% in temperatures below 40 degrees F – but can suffer up to 41% losses in extreme cold.
Why? Battery output depends heavily on temperature with chemical reactions slowing in cold weather. Climate control systems running heaters work overtime as well. Short local trips also hamper battery efficiency never allowing them to properly warm up.
While automakers continue improving thermal management for battery packs, range anxiety persists among some winter drivers. However, Recurrent‘s study found most EVs still deliver over 200 miles of actual range regardless of freezing temperatures – enough for the majority of daily needs. Simply acknowledging range loss in bitter temperatures when trip planning overcomes this hurdle.
Home Charging Installation
As outlined above, hardwiring a home charger outlet for faster Level 2 charging could require upgrading your home‘s electrical panel or wiring with costs ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. For buyers not ready to make that investment, exclusively relying on public infrastructure remains an option too.
Used EV Inventory
With fewer mass market models hitting the mainstream until recently, used EV options still look sparse compared to gas vehicles in the state. Yet consumer interest energizes this market segment – it just continues developing.
Rural Charging Infrastructure
Pennsylvania dedicates serious funding to deliver comprehensive charging coverage enabling trips across the state. But more rural counties still show wider gaps than around Philadelphia or Pittsburgh. Patience! The network steadily improves each month.
Across cold weather quirks, home charger costs, used vehicle availability, and rural infrastructure, Pennsylvania still forges an electric pathway suitable for most drivers needs.
What Does Pennsylvania‘s Electric Driving Future Look Like?
Forecasts predict EV adoption only accelerating as prices reach parity with gas vehicles and more models hit the market. By 2030, Governor Shapiro wants Pennsylvania motorists driving 1 million EVs supported by comprehensive infrastructure. We‘ll get there!
In the meantime, consumers find electric vehicles addressing most driving needs with reasonable convenience. And offering a sneak peak at what‘s to come, Pennsylvania recently committed funding to add high-tech inductive charging coils capable of wireless charging along highway shoulders by 2025!
So buckle up your seatbelts Pennsylvania drivers! The electric highway offers a smooth ride into the future whether your commute runs across plains or winding mountain roads. Reach out with any questions!
