So you‘re thinking about an electric vehicle. Smart move! As a resident of Virginia researching your options, key questions arise around upfront costs, available tax credits, accessibility to charging stations, and the ever-important issue of keeping your EV running affordably over the long haul.
This comprehensive guide examines all facets of switching to electric while living in Virginia. You‘ll discover everything you need to make an informed decision for your next vehicle purchase.
A Snapshot of Virginia‘s Growing EV Infrastructure
Charging capability plays an outsized role for drivers considering electric. Range anxiety gets minimized when stations appear at regular intervals along your common routes. Virginia ranks 16th nationally in EV adoption at over 30,000 vehicles.
And charging infrastructure continues expanding to meet demand. The state‘s current count includes:
- 1,139 public charging stations
- 3,301 total charging ports
- Options across all levels – L1, L2, and DC Fast Charge
Have no fear about running low on charge while out and about. Apps like PlugShare pinpoint every operational station near you in real-time.
Virginia even gets a boost under the new Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act thanks to $106 million allocated over five years to install additional DC Fast Charging locations strategically along highway routes. Efforts center on adding stations at least every 50 miles on interstates and within one mile of designated alternative fuel corridors.
This infusion of funding should help ease any remaining range anxiety as densities fill in across rural stretches.
Where to Find Charging Stations in Virginia
| City | Number of Charging Stations |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | 551 |
| Richmond | 418 |
| Charlottesville | 123 |
| Roanoke | 95 |
| Lynchburg | 68 |
Even small towns like Staunton (68 ports) and Harrisonburg (67 ports) rate well for availability. Across the state, ample charging capability exists to eliminate issues for longer trips or daily commuting needs.
Charging Costs and Equipment Types in Virginia
For EV drivers, understanding the charging options available and associated costs remains critical to keeping your overall spend reasonable. Which stations allow you to power up quickly or cheaply?
As you evaluate EVs during your buying process, take note of which charging levels match your vehicle specs. The variance across charger types means planning routes and charging stops works best when you know your vehicle‘s capabilities.
Home Charging
Installing charging equipment at home serves as the most convenient and often affordable option.
Level 1 Home Charging
L1 uses a typical household 120V outlet. While limited to under 2kW power draw, Level 1 chargers still add ~40 miles of range overnight during off-peak hours for less than $2 of electricity. Every EV comes standard with an L1 charger making overnight charging at home simple to implement. Just plug into a dedicated circuit and let your EV drink its fill while you sleep!
Power: 120V AC
Max Amps: 16A
Add‘l Cost: None
Charge Time: ~40 miles over 8 hours
Level 2 Home Charging
For faster home charging, Level 2 utilizes 240V connections like those for large appliances such as dryers. Installation runs between $500-$2000 depending on existing electrical panel proximity. L2 stations pump out 10+ kilowatts to charge EVs several times quicker than Level 1.
State incentives through Dominion Energy and some municipalities help offset costs when installing an L2 station. We‘ll examine these later.
Power: 208 / 240V AC
Max Amps: 80A
Hardware Cost: $500-$2000
Full Charge Time: ~40 kWh battery = 2-5 hours
Public Charging
Level 2
L2 prevails as the most common public charging type found at hotels, parking garages, shopping centers, etc due to the faster charge times. Hardware and installation run cheaper than DC fast charging allowing site hosts to keep usage fees affordable or offer charging as an amenity.
Public L2 stations in Virginia lack standardized pricing but often fall between free up to $0.55 per kWh. Cost ultimately depends on the provider. Apps like PlugShare include price info alongside charge point locations.
Max Power: 19.2kW
Charge Time: 24kWh = 1-2 hrs
DC Fast Charging
Direct current fast charging pumps significantly more power with voltages up to 480V enabling compatible EVs to reach 80% in under an hour. But the vaulted speeds carry a price premium for usage.
In Virginia, fees average $0.34 per minute for high-power 350kW chargers. For a typical session adding 200 miles of range in ~30 minutes, drivers pay $10.20.
DC fast charging works much quicker but squares up as the most expensive public charging option per mile gained. The sheer speed makes it perfect for long hauls between cities though.
Max Power: 120+kW
Range Added: ~200 miles in 30 minutes
Cost: $0.34 per minute
Estimated Charging Costs In Virginia
| EV Model | Battery Size | Charge Level | Electricity Used | Cost Per Full Charge* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 RWD | 55 kWh | Level 1 | 55 kWh | $8.03 |
| Tesla Model 3 RWD | 55 kWh | Level 2 (11.5 kW) | 55 kWh | $8.03 |
| Tesla Model 3 RWD | 55 kWh | DC Fast Charge** | 55 kWh | $5.28 |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | 131 kWh | Level 1 | 131 kWh | $19.14 |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | 131 kWh | Level 2 (9.6 kW) | 131 kWh | $19.14 |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | 131 kWh | DC Fast Charge** | 131 kWh | $12.40 |
*Using Virginia‘s average EV electricity rate of $0.146 per kWh
**DC Fast Charging rate estimated at $0.24 per kWh
Actual charging costs may vary slightly based on station fees, demand rates for DC fast charging, and other factors. But this table provides approximate costs across common EV models.
Buying and Owning an EV in Virginia
Upfront vehicle cost, insurance rates, tax incentives – how do all the pieces stack up financially for Virginia drivers eyeing an electric vehicle purchase? Let‘s examine total cost of ownership using the Tesla Model 3 and Ford F-150 Lightning as examples.
Purchase Price
Going electric forgoes the complex engines and transmissions that propel gas vehicles in favor of streamlined powertrains consisting of simple electric motors, large battery packs, and minimal moving parts. Fewer components and simplified manufacturing allow some EV markers to achieve pricing on par with gas equivalents.
| EV Model | Base MSRP |
|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model 3 RWD | $43,990 |
| 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning | $41,769 |
Federal and state incentives described later may lop $10,000 or more off retail pricing further erasing cost differences versus gas models.
Insurance Premiums
Insurers utilize risk-based pricing models taking into account accident rates, claim severity, replacement part expense, repair complexity, and even regional weather averages when setting rates.
Electric vehicles currently skew higher than gas counterparts due to replacement battery pack and sensor costs should a mishap occur. However the gap continues narrowing as losses moderate and actuaries ingest more data.
| EV Model | Annual Insurance Premium* |
|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | $1,913 |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | $1,786 |
*Rates based on 100/300/100 liability limits, $500 deductible for a 40-year-old driver in Virginia with excellent credit per ValuePenguin.
Higher premium costs often get offset somewhat by fuel savings over time.
Maintenance Savings
EVs shine when it comes to reduced mechanical upkeep costs. The far simpler powertrains eliminate engine oil changes, belt/hose replacements, tune ups, and the like. Brick and mortar dealerships also cite labor hours dropping 10-20% servicing EVs due to fewer components and data-assisted diagnostics.
Over the first 75,000 miles of operation, a gas-powered sedan requires ~$5,000 in scheduled maintenance compared to under $2,000 for an EV. The disparity widens further comparing electric and combustion trucks given the added complexity and strained nature of pickup operation.
Incentives Sweeten the Deal
While upfront sticker prices may run higher on some electric models today, incentives help balance the equation by rewarding early adopters.
You qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit when purchasing new select EVs including GM, Ford, Hyundai, and Polestar models. For 2023, Virginia tacks on additional rebates up to $4,500 to buyers of new electric and hybrid models.
Combining incentives provides savings equating to 15-20% off EV MSRPs for Virginia residents.
Electric Vehicle Charging Etiquette
With public charging still in relatively short supply versus surging ownership rates, exercising good charging etiquette goes a long way to improving the EV experience for all drivers.
Experts recommend sticking to these guidelines as the infrastructure scales up to meet demand:
- Don‘t overstay – Move your EV once sufficiently charged to open the port for other drivers. Most new EVs only require a 30-60 minute session to replenish 150+ miles of range.
- Only park in signed spaces if not actively charging or voucher required. Avoid blocking chargers if not plugged in.
- Plan ahead when taking longer trips by mapping out charging stops and accounting for busy sites. Apps assist greatly here.
- Treat equipment gently – Don‘t yank cords or force connectors. Notify station owners regarding any damages or issues.
- Extend cord courtesy by neatly returning after the session rather than allowing it to remain a tripping hazard.
By keeping these etiquette tips in mind as public charging locations proliferate, we collectively build goodwill and ensure equal access for all EV drivers.
Virginia Continues Investing in Electric
In 2021, Virginia joined 14 other states in setting a goal to achieve 30% zero emission vehicle sales by 2030. With chargers popping up across cities and small towns alike, the state seems poised to help residents make the switch. Continued infrastructure investment also encourages EV travel through the state enroute along the Eastern Seaboard.
By keeping electricity rates economical and incentivizing charging station investment, Virginia says come on over the electric vehicle owners! For drivers looking to upgrade, the Commonwealth provides a supporting environment allowing you to confidently go electric for your next car purchase.
Breaking News
General Motors and Ford announced an agreement with Tesla to allow their upcoming slate of electric vehicles to tap into the Supercharger network. The manufacturers are collaborating on charger design standards to ensure forward compatibility.
By incorporating the Tesla charging port directly into future vehicles, owners will easily locate 12,000+ Supercharger stations nationwide as early as 2024 and alleviate range anxiety. The move signals a transition toward a unified North American standard for DC fast charging.
EV Ownership FAQs
How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle in Virginia?
About $0.146 per kWh on average – among the most economical rates nationally.
Does Virginia impose special fees on EVs?
Yes, Virginia levies a $116.49 annual highway use fee in lieu of gas taxes to help fund road maintenance.
What‘s the most affordable way to charge an EV?
Installing a Level 1 home charger and taking advantage of nightly electricity rate discounts.
Do EVs require safety inspections for registration in Virginia?
Yes, all vehicles including EVs must pass an annual safety inspection to renew registration.
We hope this guide gives you greater confidence to choose electric when purchasing your next vehicle. Let us know if you have any other questions – our team actively monitors latest developments in the EV space!