So you‘ve noticed more and more electric cars on the roads in Arkansas lately, huh? Well let me catch you up on the key models selling well here and what‘s driving this EV surge across the Natural State.
EV Popularity is Accelerating in Arkansas
Here‘s some context – registrations of electric vehicles have absolutely exploded in Arkansas over the past few years! According to the Arkansas Department of Energy, the number of registered EVs jumped 257% from 2020 to 2021. Wow!
Environmental awareness and word-of-mouth are making EVs trendy. Plus, improving charging networks and incentives like Arkansas‘ $1,000 state tax credit are convincing drivers to go electric when they buy their next car. So let‘s explore your top options right now:
1. Tesla Model Y
No surprise here, the game-changing Tesla Model Y is the #1 EV purchased in Arkansas over the last year. This electric crossover SUV represents about a third of all EV sales statewide!
The Model Y checks all the boxes: seating for 7, ample cargo space, access to Tesla‘s nationwide Supercharger fast charging network, and up to 330 miles of driving range. Not to mention crazy fast acceleration with the optional Performance package – we‘re talking 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds while producing zero emissions!
While not exactly cheap with prices starting around $65k, federal and state incentives can cut several thousand off the sticker price. Considering you may save $2,000 or more annually on gas and maintenance compared to a typical SUV, the long term savings actually make the Model Y seem like a smart buy.
2. Tesla Strikes Again With the Model 3
Tesla‘s Model 3 sedan ranks second for EV popularity in Arkansas, accounting for almost 9% of new electric car registrations last year. This sleek electric car offers many of the same tech features as the larger Model Y, for an easier to digest base price of $47k.
In terms of driving range, the Long Range Model 3 can keep you rolling for over 350 miles on a single charge according to EPA estimates. That should calm any range anxiety about running out of juice on rural Arkansas roads! A 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 3.1 seconds in Performance models means the Model 3 can eagerly dash along those Ozark straightaways too.
And the fact that Tesla‘s adding more Supercharger locations in central Arkansas makes road trips or visiting family out of town even more feasible in the Model 3. Simply plug in when you arrive and charge while you‘re there how convenient is that?!
Alright, let‘s see what else is trending EV-wise in the Natural State…
3. Ford Mustang Mach-E
This Mustang for the modern era ditches the roar of a gas engine for near silent, emissions-free electric propulsion – but still delivers competitive horsepower and torque. Almost 5% of new EVs registered in Arkansas last year were Ford Mustang Mach-Es!
With available all wheel drive providing extra stability across all kinds of terrain and weather, the Mach-E seems equipped to handle whatever Arkansas roads throw at it. Choose from a few different battery options to get your desired mix of affordability and driving range too.
Ford clearly worked out the quality kinks that plagued some early Mach-Es. Recent reviews applaud the Mach-E for its smooth comfortable ride, clever storage compartments, cutting-edge tech features, and user-friendly controls. With Ford ramping up production volumes, expect to spot more Mustang Mach-Es across Arkansas soon!
Plug In to These Other Winning EV Options
I wish I had more time to walk you through every intriguing electric model offered in Arkansas today! While Tesla garners the most attention, drivers select from all kinds of EVs to meet different needs and budgets.
The Chevy Bolt EV provides ample interior room thanks to its crossover-style shape, plus very wallet-friendly base pricing around $32k after incentives. Look into the nicely-equipped Nissan Leaf SV Plus if you don‘t need tons of range but crave high-tech features for under $30k.
And if you truly demand exceptional performance and luxury with zero emissions, the sleek Porsche Taycan may justify its lofty $83k+ pricing. Dashing silently to 60 mph in under 3 seconds while cocooned in a premium leather-lined cabin makes this EV stand apart.
Check out this comparison table summarizing key specs for the most popular EVs purchased in Arkansas this past year:
| EV Model | Annual Sales | Range | 0-60 mph | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | 33% | 330 mi | 4.8 sec | $65,990 |
| Tesla Model 3 | 9% | 358 mi | 3.1 sec | $46,990 |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 5% | 305 mi | 3.8 sec | $46,895 |
| Chevy Bolt EV | 5% | 259 mi | 6.3 sec | $31,500 |
| Nissan Leaf | 4% | 212 mi | 6.9 sec | $28,375 |
| Porsche Taycan | 1% | 227 mi | 2.6 sec | $82,700 |
[Source: Experian 2022 Automotive Quarterly Briefing]
Now let‘s gaze into the EV crystal ball and see what the future looks like for electric vehicle adoption across Arkansas…
The Road Ahead Looks Increasingly Electric
Based on recent annual growth exceeding 250%, EV popularity will only accelerate further in Arkansas over the next 5 to 10 years. More charging stations are coming thanks to funding from the Volkswagen emissions scandal settlement. And the state now counts over 30,000 registered EVs increasingly crisscrossing Arkansas highways and byways.
Major automakers keep upping their EV investments and model offerings too. So expect exciting new EVs on the market soon that can handle Arkansas weather and terrain even more smoothly. Those models should incorporate the latest battery tech improvements to increase range and efficiency too.
And as production scales up, sticker prices should come down making EVs accessible to more Arkansas drivers. Just look at how Tesla cut prices across its lineup in early 2023 thanks to optimized manufacturing.
Any worries about lack of choice disappearing with gas cars? No way! Automakers plan to introduce over 100 new EV models in the US by 2025. So finding your perfect electric match looks more promising than ever.
Let‘s Find the Right EV for You My Friend!
I don‘t know about you, but after learning about the accelerating EV options and growth trends across Arkansas, going electric sure seems like the way to go!
What piques your interest most – maximum range? Advanced safety technologies? Thrilling acceleration? Luxury features? Off-road talent? Factoring your budget and driving needs, I bet we can discover some excellent EV matches to consider for your next vehicle purchase or lease.
Ready to start test driving and make the electric switch? Just say the word my friend, and this EV guide will help you navigate the transition with a smile!
