For outdoor enthusiasts in Big Sky Country, Montana offers over 147,000 miles of public roads traversing diverse terrain from the rugged Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains. The state is known for world-class skiing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing and camping across vast public lands. But the long distances between destinations combined with extreme winter weather present unique challenges for electric vehicle owners. This article examines the current landscape for EVs in Montana concerning charging infrastructure, electricity rates, model availability and ownership costs.
Montana‘s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Needs Improvement
As an EV driver looking to travel across the state‘s varied topography, which ranges over 3,000 feet, you may be wondering about Montana‘s public charging infrastructure. Unfortunately the current network is quite limited, with only around 90 stations statewide according to the Department of Environmental Quality. Fifty of those are located in Bozeman, which is becoming a hub of EV adoption. The remaining stations are spread thinly across Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Helena and a few other small cities.
Complicating matters further is the sheer scale of Montana‘s geography. The distance between the capital Helena and the farthest city – Bozeman – is a lengthy 357 miles. That‘s well within range of the latest EVs, but highlights the difficulties faced when planning long trips to rural areas. There are also no high-speed DC fast charging stations enabling convenient top-ups while exploring national parks or ski resorts.
In summary, while Montana‘s charging infrastructure is continuing to slowly expand from a very small base, it has a long way to go before providing reliable statewide coverage for EV drivers. Careful trip planning is essential given the current large gaps in the network.
Electric Rates Are Ultra-Low but Purchase Incentives Are Non-Existent
On the positive side, Montana does boast some of the most affordable residential electricity rates in the country thanks to abundant hydroelectric and wind generation capacity. The current average is just $0.11 per kWh – 25% below the national benchmark. This makes nightly home charging extremely economical for EV owners.
For example, "filling up" a 300 mile range EV battery from empty would cost only ~$13 in Montana. That‘s over 30% cheaper than the $18 national average. For a driver traveling 12,000 miles per year, the annual electricity savings equate to ~$60 compared to the average U.S. home charging costs.
However Montana offers no additional EV incentives beyond the base $7,500 federal tax credit. Unlike many progressive states, there are currently no cash rebates, tax exemptions, HOV lane access policies or registration discounts to further motivate adoption. This lack of purchase incentives puts EVs at a comparative disadvantage to gas-powered vehicles.
On balance, while Montana‘s ultra-low electricity rates deliver substantial long term charging savings for drivers, the lack of up front rebates remains an obstacle. Fortunately the improving range, performance and designs of modern electric SUVs and trucks should continue powering consumer appeal.
Capable AWD EVs Can Handle Harsh Winter Driving
Montana winters routinely deliver extreme sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall. These conditions can cut EV battery range by up to 30% compared to mild weather. Having a garage parking spot helps minimize range loss, but upgrading to an AWD electric vehicle combined with winter tires is the best way to tackle icy roads.
AWD dual motor EVs also provide the grip and stability required to access the state‘s world-renowned ski resorts. For example, the 5,850 foot vertical rise from the base lodge up Big Sky‘s Lone Peak is easily achievable for the latest all-wheel drive models from Ford, Rivian, Tesla and others. Their sophisticated traction control systems excel in low traction situations.
In terms of ground clearance, the Rivian R1S delivers a useful 14.9 inches while the Tesla Model X offers between 6.0 and 7.4 inches depending on the air suspension height setting. That‘s ample for moderate off-roading or two-track forest roads leading to remote trailheads or fishing access points. No more worries about scraping the underbody over rocky terrain!
Tourism Industry Offers EV Growth Potential
The tourism industry constitutes a vital segment of Montana‘s economy, generating over $7 billion in annual visitor spending according to the state‘s 2021 numbers. Over 12 million people visit attractions like Glacier National Park, Yellowstone and top ski resorts every year. As the industry continues expanding, political and business support for further developing EV infrastructure to meet sustainability goals will likely increase too.
For example, Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) recently announced intentions to upgrade terminal access roads and install EV charging banks over the next 5 years. Hotels around the state could also attract eco-conscious travelers by offering exclusive parking access and charging for electric vehicles. Providing incentives for vacation rentals to add Level 2 charging on site presents another opportunity.
Drawing visitors north from neighboring EV-friendly states will give them the range confidence to roam to key sites they‘d otherwise hesitate to reach. This budding interplay between tourism growth and charging network expansion stands to benefit all Montanans in the long run.
Montana is Ramping Up for an Electric Future
In summary, while Montana‘s vast geography and winter climate present very real challenges for todays‘ EV drivers, continued improvement in battery technology combined with the state‘s bargain electricity rates for home charging are setting the stage for accelerated adoption trends in coming years. Sales should also get a boost as the tourism industry provides impetus for infrastructure investments across this picturesque region.
The number of registered electric vehicles in Montana grew 30% last year to around 1,600. So while that figure represents just 0.1% of all registered vehicles currently, the momentum is clearly building. As charging networks expand between population centers and top visitor destinations, range anxiety fears will be alleviated. This will enable more citizens and visitors alike to embrace driving electric across Big Sky Country while breathing in that crisp mountain air.
