So you‘re interested in joining the EV revolution sweeping Ohio? Trading gas fill ups for convenient home charging while reducing your environmental impact likely sounds appealing. However, transitioning to an emissions-free car comes with key considerations around upfront costs, charging access and ideal models for the state.
This comprehensive guide examines everything potential EV owners like you need to know about going electric in Ohio. Let‘s explore incentives, winter driving range, public charging infrastructure and more as you weigh the switch.
Overview of EV Ownership in Ohio
Consumer interest in electric vehicles continues accelerating across Ohio with models like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Chevrolet Bolt EV offering compelling alternatives to gas counterparts as technology improves.
In fact, Experian data indicates EV registrations jumped 65% year-over-year as of Q3 2022 in the state. Charging infrastructure expansion through the NEVI program and attractive purchase incentives continue enticing consumers.
Transitioning to an EV provides the opportunity to eliminate gas costs, produce fewer emissions and even access HOV lanes in Ohio. However, higher upfront vehicle costs, limited model availability and lack of wide-reaching fast charging coverage still discourage some buyers.
This guide examines if going electric makes sense for Ohio residents based on their specific driving needs and living situation.
Charging Infrastructure in Ohio
Access to reliable public charging and affordable home charging remains imperative to EV adoption. Fortunately, continued private and public investment steadily improves charging access across Ohio.
| Charger Type | Miles of Range Per Hour | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2 to 5 miles | Overnight home charging |
| Level 2 | 10 to 25 miles | Shopping, errands, destinations |
| DC Fast Charge | 60 to 200+ miles | Extended trips and highway travel |
Currentcharging infrastructure
As of January 2023, Ohio now hosts over 1,000 public charging ports with expansions planned to install high-speed chargers every 50 miles of highway by 2030. The highest concentration of chargers currently reside near major metros and along highway corridors.
I recommend EV owners install Level 2 home charging whenever possible starting around $500 before incentives. Renters should discuss charging needs with landlords as building codes now often require EV infrastructure.
DC fast charging network reliability and site wait times at high traffic locations remain a short-term obstacle. Proper planning minimizes issues for longer trips.
Ohio‘s DC fast charging infrastructure continues to accelerate thanks to investments from Electrify America, EVgo, Chargepoint and others.
Charging station etiquette
Be sure to follow proper etiquette when using Ohio‘s public charging stations similar to gas pumps:
- Only park in signed EV stalls when charging
- Move vehicle promptly when charging complete
- Avoid "ICEing" by not blocking chargers unnecessarily
Home charging installation
I recommend all Ohio EV owners invest in home charginginstallation whenever possible for maximum savings and convenience. Costs typically range from $500-$1,200 plus any necessary electrical upgrades or panel upgrades.
Exact requirements depend on:
- Charging equipment type
- Installation complexity
- Required electrical upgrades
Utilize the Department of Energy Home Charging Station Guide to understand your needs. Home charging provides an estimated fuel cost of just $600 per year for the typical EV driver at Ohio‘s residential electricity rates.
EV Ownership Cost Savings
Trading gas fill ups for home and public charging allows Ohio EV drivers to realize measurable cost savings over their vehicle ownership term. Electricity prices averaged $0.13 per kWh in Ohio as of November 2022, equal to a gas equivalent gallon price of $1.39.
Based on this an average EV consumes about 30 kWh per 100 miles traveled. That equals a "fuel" costs of just $3.96 per 100 miles – far less than a comparable gas vehicle.
| EV Model | Electricity Cost Per Mile |
|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 RWD | $0.04 per mile |
| Ford Mustang Mach E | $0.05 per mile |
| Volkswagon ID.4 | $0.06 per mile |
Additionally, EVs eliminate oil changes, air filters, spark plug replacements and emission checks needed by gas vehicles lowering maintenance costs. The simplistic drivetrain and lack of mechanical wear components reduces out-of-pocket repairs as well.
Your exact TCO depends on purchase costs, electricity rates, average annual mileage and more. However, most Ohio drivers stand to save $5,000-10,000 over a 5-7 year ownership period.
Incentives for Ohio EV Owners
Lucrative purchase incentives at both the state and federal levels make Ohio one of the most affordable places nationwide for EV buyers. These help offset generally higher sticker prices for electric models.
Ohio EV Tax Credits and Rebates
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency manages electric vehicle rebates worth up to $5,000 for Ohio residents upon purchase or lease of a new EV.
$2,500 base rebate + $50 for each additional kWh of battery capacity over 10 kWh.
Additional local utility incentives sometimes apply as well – check with your provider.
Federal Electric Vehicle Tax Credit
A federal income tax credit worth up to $7,500 applies to most 2023 EV purchases as well. However, the credit does begin phase-out once an automaker sells 200,000 qualifying vehicles. You can reference current credit eligibility for specific models here.
Combining available incentives provides thousands in savings upfront making Ohio one of the most affordable states for EV ownership.
Best Electric Vehicle Models for Ohio
Choosing the right electric vehicle tailored for Ohio‘s varied climate and driving conditions ensures a smooth transition to emissions-free transportation. I recommend considering:
Long Range EVs – Models like the Tesla Model 3 Long Range (358 miles) and upcoming 300+ mile Kia EV9 SUV provide flexibility for rural road trips where chargers are limited.
AWD EVs – Ohio sees everything from mild winters to the occasional major snowstorm. AWD electric vehicles like the Ford Mustang Mach E or Volkswagen ID.4 AWD deliver added traction and range resilience.
Trucks and SUVs – As home to cities and farmland, roughly half of new vehicles purchased in Ohio are trucks or SUVs. Fortunately options like the F-150 Lightning and Volkswagen ID.4 match capabilities and regional preferences.
Carefully weigh factors like average trip distance, home charging access, budget and more when selecting your EV. Test drives offer the best indication if models meet your needs.
Environmental Benefits of Driving Electric
Beyond potential cost savings, choosing an electric vehicle provides Ohio residents the opportunity to reduce their environmental impact. According to EPA data, typical EV produces 50% less lifetime emissions than a gas counterpart taking into account manufacturing and electricity sources.
As Ohio continues expanding solar, wind and other renewables as outlined in the state‘s Future Energy Jobs Act, emissions from charging EVs will also decrease over your ownership period.
Ditching tailpipe emissions also helps improve local air quality – especially important in urban regions like Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati still below federal standards for harmful particulate matter.
Charging Solutions for All Situations
Installing a Level 2 charger at home provides the most convenient and affordable option for daily charging needs in Ohio. However, we know not all drivers have access to charge where they live. Solutions exist to support most living situations:
| Home Type | Recommended Charging Solutions |
|---|---|
| Single-Family Home | Install Level 2 home charger |
| On-Street Parking / Apartments | Discuss charging needs with landlords or management companies. Utilize public charging as available |
| Rural Locations | Consider long range BEVs. Seek workplace charging options |
Don‘t let lack of home charging alone discourage you. Apps like PlugShare and ChargePoint help apartment and condo residents locate available public charging stations nearby.
Modern EV ranges easily support flexibility beyond daily commuting allowing you to conveniently slow charge during errands.
Long Distance and Road Trip Considerations
I recognize prospective EV owners have logical concerns around road tripping with limited quick charging options compared to 5 minute gas fill ups. However, a bit of planning and charging discipline keeps rural and cross state adventures accessible.
Helpful road trip tips include:
- Plan routes ahead of time using apps like A Better Routeplanner to identify ideal charging stops based on conditions
- Set reminders to charge at 20% state of charge – don‘t let your battery deplete too low
- Check real-time charging availability before stops to avoid wait times as networks get busier
- Consider trip insurance covering reimbursements for delays or outages (GM and Electrify America plans available)
- Pack relevant charging adapters to maximize station compatibility
As with any new technology, there remains a learning curve around road tripping with an EV. However, a bit of planning and charging discipline keeps adventures accessible across Ohio and beyond.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of EV Ownership
I always recommend Ohio drivers consider both the advantages and compromises that come with an EV over a gas vehicle. Be realistic about your needs and remember no vehicle perfectly fits every lifestyle.
Pros
- Save money on charging vs gas costs
- Produce fewer emissions
- Access carpool lanes with solo driver
- Enjoy a quiet, smooth ride
Cons
- Currently limited model availability
- Public charging improves but not yet ubiquitous
- Generally higher upfront vehicle cost
- Long distance travel takes more planning
For most Ohio residents, the long-term benefits should quickly outweigh short-term limitations as more models arrive and charging infrastructure scales in coming years.
Free Consultation Offer
Still uncertain what questions to ask or metrics to monitor while shopping electric vehicles? As an EV analyst I‘m happy to offer a free 30 minute consultation to prospective buyers like yourself.
I‘ll help you identify target models, total cost of ownership estimates, ideal charging solutions and the realistic convenience factors given your specific commute and typical annual mileage needs.
Simply visit OhioEVExperts.com and click "Schedule a Free Consultation" to select from available times that work for your schedule. There is no further commitment necessary!
I look forward to assisting with your transition to emissions-free driving.
Jake Williams
EV Infrastructure Analyst
