For drivers across the Mount Rushmore State, electric vehicles (EVs) offer practical and affordable transportation with plenty of room left for adventure. This guide serves as your go-to resource for EV ownership specifics here in South Dakota. We’ll explore everything from charging logistics to winter performance considerations and even incentives that make purchasing surprisingly reasonable. Read on to learn how ditching gas for volts can pay off for savvy SD motorists.
Adoption Trends Show Steady Climb in SD EV Sales
While coastal states still lead EV purchases nationally, momentum builds right here in the Midwest according to South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. “We’re committed to smart infrastructure investments that expand charging access for families considering electric vehicle options across our great state.”
Industry analysts like Cox Automotive forecast over 27% annual growth in South Dakota’s EV sales through 2025 as more affordable models with expanded ranges hit showrooms. Compared to our neighbors, South Dakota’s EV adoption trends look promising:
| State | EVs per 1,000 Residents |
|---|---|
| California | 14.2 |
| Minnesota | 2.0 |
| Iowa | 1.1 |
| South Dakota | 1.6 |
| Nebraska | 0.9 |
| North Dakota | 0.5 |
“We’re reaching an inflection point where both EV capabilities and charging networks meet most rural drivers’ needs,” explains Sioux Falls resident Henry K. who leased a 2022 Chevy Bolt last fall. “Between rebates and gas savings, this EV saves me almost $150 monthly over my old Subaru while keeping energy dollars local.”
South Dakota’s Charging Infrastructure Keeps Pace
You can’t drive electric if there’s nowhere to plug in. Not to worry says South Dakota’s utility providers – expanded charging access remains a top priority. The state secured $68 million in National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding to augment existing stations with fast-charging connectors along major highways.
This NEVI investment allows the South Dakota Department of Transportation to partner with local utilities and build quick-charging sites every 50 miles on interstates 29 and 90. Hometown providers like NorthWestern Energy even offer customers rebates up to $500 for installing EV chargers in residences.
| Region | Published Charging Locations | Connectors | NEVI Funded Expansions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | 12 | 48 | 6 new sites |
| Rapid City | 5 | 26 | 3 new sites |
| Aberdeen | 2 | 4 | 1 new site |
| Pierre | 1 | 4 | 1 new site |
Table showing South Dakota‘s current EV charging locations with NEVI-funded growth plans through 2026. Source: South Dakota DOT.
Check out the handy South Dakota Alternative Fuels Data Center station locator to pinpoint charging sites near planned travel routes. Applications like PlugShare even show user ratings and real-time station availability.
Affordable Home Charging Options
Number one rule of EV ownership – charge where you park at night to start each day fully topped. Luckily most modern EVs include adapters to plug into any 120V household outlet.
While this only adds 2 to 5 miles of driving range per hour, overnight level 1 charging works perfectly for in-town commuters. Simply set a delayed charging schedule so your EV battery finishes replenishing right before your morning departure. Starting the day “full” keeps public fast charging to a minimum.
For longer trips or quicker charging, installing Level 2 equipment makes sense. A 240 volt outlet (like those for clothes dryers) provides 10-25 miles of range per hour. Check with your utility for potential rebates up to $500 that offset half the equipment cost. Adding a 50 amp NEMA 14-50 outlet in your garage typically runs $800 to $1,500 before incentives.
Average Home Charging Costs in South Dakota
| Charger Type | Miles of Range Added Per Hour | Average Electricity Cost Per Full Charge | Average Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2 to 5 miles | $9 | $0 |
| Level 2 | 10 to 25 miles | $18 | $800 to $1,500 |
Table showing typical costs, equipment needs and charging speed for at-home EV charging options. Source: U.S. Department of Energy, author estimates
Either option beats paying public charging station fees while keeping energy dollars local. We’ll break down just how affordable “fueling” your EV proves in South Dakota next.
Unbeatable Fuel Savings Through Electricity
Trading gas fill-ups for convenient overnight charging provides the fastest way to start saving with electric vehicle ownership. Based on 2022 data, Consumer Affairs calculates:
- The average gas-powered vehicle costs 17 cents per mile counting fuel and maintenance
- Electric vehicles average just 4 cents per mile driven thanks to cheaper “fill-ups”
How do EV running costs reach over 75% less in South Dakota? Mostly through our region’s affordable electricity rates:
- The typical South Dakota household pays between 8 to 12 cents per kWh
- Public rapid charges cost around 30 cents per kWh – still far below today‘s gas prices
- A 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV travels 3.7 miles per kWh equaling under 4 cents per mile
Driving a modest 12,000 miles annually, a Chevy Bolt would therefore cost around $480 in home electricity costs if “filling up” overnight. Compare that to $2,040 for a gas-powered car averaging 30 MPG at 2022’s $3.70 per gallon. The savings add up in a hurry!
Incentives Slash Initial Purchase Prices
Even with long term gas savings, elevated EV sticker prices give car buyers pause. Enter state and federal incentives aimed directly at closing this purchase gap.
In South Dakota, Governor Noem worked with legislators to enact:
- Clean Vehicle Rebate – $7,500 off new EV purchases or $4,000 off used electric vehicles
- Low registration and ownership fees – A mere $50 annually versus traditional registration taxes
- Special funding for low-moderate income households – Enhanced rebates to improve EV access across South Dakota
On top of state deals, Uncle Sam chips in, too! The recently renewed:
- Federal EV Tax Credit – $7,500 back at tax time on most new electric vehicle purchases
When combined, South Dakota and federal incentives take nearly $15,000 off an electric vehicle MSRP. Suddenly that latest EV technology seems affordable indeed!
Winter Driving Range and Performance
Considering South Dakota’s sometimes harsh climate, many drivers reasonably worry about EV performance in cold and snow. The reality should pleasantly surprise winter warriors.
AAA recently cold weather tested a variety of EVs including the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model 3. While extreme cold hindered maximum range by 12% to 41% depending on battery size, the vehicles delivered reliable winter transportation when drivers proactively:
- Preheated vehicles while plugged in
- Limited cabin heating drain on batteries
- Planned routes accounting for range losses
Garage parking helps maintain range by keeping batteries warmer. Exterior paint colors also play a role.
“My white 2022 Bolt EV handles South Dakota winter commutes even better than my old grey Honda CR-V,” explained Shelby O., an Aberdeen school administrator. “Just wearing a jacket in the car instead of cranking the heat helps offset some loss of battery capacity in cold snaps.”
In summary, modern EVs deliver capable transportation across South Dakota. But smart pre-heating and route planning pays dividends for maximum winter range.
Join Your Neighbors Embracing All-Electric Adventure
Here in 2023, practical, long-range electric vehicles meet most South Dakota households‘ daily driving needs. Generous purchase incentives knock tens of thousands off modern EV sticker prices. To top it off, convenient overnight charging at home slashes fuel costs by 75% compared to gas fill ups.
As public charging stations expand thanks to federal and utility investments, even road trips stay within reach regardless of the season.
For eco-conscious drivers aiming to keep energy dollars local while reducing reliance on imported oil, times never seemed riper to ditch gas. Test drive a Chevy Bolt, Nissan Leaf or even America‘s sweetheart Tesla Model 3 at your hometown dealer. Then crunch the numbers – we think you’ll quickly discover why EV ownership makes driving sense again for South Dakotans.
