Electric vehicle (EV) adoption has been accelerating rapidly across the United States, and Alabama is no exception. Recent years have seen EV sales surge within the state as more residents recognize the benefits of driving electric. Lower operating costs, reduced environmental impact, appealing new models from automakers, and state incentives are convincing more Alabamians to go electric with their next vehicle purchase.
In fact, Alabama saw over 5,750 EVs registered in 2021 alone – more than double the prior year. And national projections estimate the state‘s EV market share rising from just 1.2% in 2020 to over 15% by 2030. Driving this momentum are substantial investments in charging infrastructure, expanded model availability from brands, and local policy supporting electrified transport. Alabama is establishing itself as an electric vehicle hub.
Let‘s take a closer look at the most popular EV models finding success in Alabama and what‘s propelling consumer demand.
Total Electric Vehicles Sold in Alabama
Alabama saw tremendous EV sales growth in 2021, with registrations more than doubling year-over-year:
- 2020 EV registrations: 2,749
- 2021 EV registrations: 5,753
Several factors fueled this rapid adoption rate, including rising gas prices, expanded public charging availability, new EV model launches catering to varied budgets and use cases, as well as various federal and state purchase incentives.
Nationally, EVs still comprise under 5% of yearly auto sales. However, Alabama‘s share is rising swiftly – expected to hit 15% by 2030 according to BloombergNEF‘s Electric Vehicle Outlook 2022. This would mean over 50,000 EVs sold annually within the state based on current data.
Market Share of Electric Vehicles in Alabama
Electric vehicles have steadily grown their share of Alabama‘s auto market in recent years:
- 2019: 0.5%
- 2020: 1.2%
- 2021: 3.1%
And national projections estimate Alabama‘s EV share hitting 10.8% by 2025 before surging to 15.3% by 2030 – demonstrating the immense room for growth still ahead.
Several interlinking factors are responsible for this climbing market share:
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Expanding Charging Infrastructure – Alabama has invested substantially in EV charging station rollout – with over 600 public charging ports available as of 2021 and numerous new locations underway. This growth alleviates range anxiety.
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Increasing Model Availability – Major automakers like Ford, GM, Hyundai, Kia and more are accelerating EV development. This gives Alabama drivers more electric options catering to varied needs and budgets.
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Rising Gas Prices – With gasoline costs surging, driving electric is more appealing to cut fuels costs. EVs can save owners thousands over the lifetime of ownership.
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Government Incentives – Purchase incentives, like Alabama‘s $2,000 tax credit for EV buyers, reduce upfront costs and encourage consumers to go electric.
As charging infrastructure scales up and prices fall further, analysts expect Alabama‘s EV share of annual auto sales to hit 25% by 2030 – signaling immense room for growth.
The 6 Most Popular EVs in Alabama
The electric vehicle options expanding in variety and availability nationwide are also reaching Alabama showrooms – giving buyers compelling choices that meet their needs and budgets. Let‘s explore the top selling EV models finding success in the state:
1. Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is undoubtedly among Alabama‘s hottest selling electric vehicles. Combining sleek styling with exhilarating performance, range up to 358 miles, and widely available Supercharger network – it‘s easy to see the appeal for the state‘s drivers.
Performance and Range
- 0-60 mph in as little as 3.1 seconds
- Up to 358 miles EPA range
- Available all-wheel drive
Driver Assistance and Safety
- NHTSA 5-star safety rating
- Autopilot advanced driver assistance system
- Automatic emergency braking
- Collision warning system
Interior and Cargo
- 15-inch center touchscreen display
- Wireless smartphone charging
- 5 seat configuration
- 15 cubic feet trunk capacity
The Model 3 brings Tesla‘s cutting-edge electric technology to a more accessible price point – allowing more Alabama drivers to benefit from whisper quiet, emissions-free performance.
2. Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Chevy Bolt EV is winning over Alabama buyers thanks to robust real-world driving range paired with an affordable price tag. Its 259 miles range per charge helps minimize anxiety – while brisk acceleration makes everyday commutes more enjoyable.
Performance and Range
- 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds
- 259 miles EPA range
- Fast charging capability: 100 miles in 30 minutes
Driver Assistance and Safety
- Automatic emergency braking
- Forward collision alert
- Lane keep assist
- Rear vision camera
Interior and Cargo
- 10.2-inch color touchscreen
- Apple Carplay/Android Auto
- 16.6 cubic feet rear cargo volume
- 5 seat configuration
An all-around practical electric vehicle with ample space and safety technology, the Bolt EV succeeds at transitioning more Alabama families to electric driving.
3. Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf has proven an extremely popular electric vehicle option across America – and Alabama is no exception. Offering up to 226 miles range at an easy to attain price point, the Leaf brings Nissan‘s decade-plus of EV expertise to an practical, efficient package.
Performance and Range
- 214 horsepower
- Up to 226 miles range
- Fast charging capability
Driver Assistance and Safety
- Automatic emergency braking
- Rear automatic braking
- Lane departure warning
- High beam assist
Interior and Cargo
- 8-inch touchscreen display
- Apple Carplay/Android Auto
- 6-way manual driver‘s seat
- 23.6 cubic feet cargo capacity
An ideal option for Alabama commuters needing a dependable, comfortable electric vehicle, the Nissan Leaf continues finding fans across the state.
4. Ford Mustang Mach-E
The exciting Ford Mustang Mach-E is bringing thrilling electric performance to Alabama drivers in a competitive compact SUV form factor. With up to 300 miles of all-electric range and exhilarating acceleration rivaling sports cars, the Mach-E demonstrates electric driving at its most fun.
Performance and Range
- 0-60 mph in mid 3 second range
- Up to 300 miles EPA range
- Available all-wheel drive
- Battery sizes from 68-88kWh
Driver Assistance and Safety
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind spot information system
- Rear cross traffic alert
- 360-degree camera
Interior and Cargo
- 15.5-inch touchscreen display
- Bang & Olufsen sound system
- Phone-as-key technology
- 29 cubic feet behind rear seat
Blending iconic Mustang styling cues with SUV practicality and exhilarating electric performance – the Mach-E brings excitement to Alabama‘s EV shoppers.
5. Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y brings the brand‘s revered electric technology to a popular compact SUV form factor – perfectly catering to active Alabama lifestyles needing ample cargo and passenger room. Silent yet swiftly accelerating performance joins beautifully modern styling for a standout option.
Performance and Range
- 0-60 mph in as little as 3.5 seconds
- Up to 330 miles EPA range
- Available third row seating
Driver Assistance and Safety
- NHTSA 5-star safety rating
- Autopilot advanced driver assistance
- 10 airbags
Interior and Cargo
- 17-inch center touchscreen
- Wireless phone charging
- 66 cubic feet cargo space
- Seats 5-7 occupants
Blending sports car-rivaling performance with maximum practicality, the Tesla Model Y strikes an appealing balance for Alabama families.
6. Kia Niro EV
The Kia Niro EV brings tremendous value to Alabama shoppers wanting a compact electric crossover SUV with lengthy driving range and high-tech features. Combining functional interior roominess with a modern infotainment system – all for thousands less than competing EVs – explains its surging popularity.
Performance and Range
- 201 combined horsepower
- 239 miles EPA estimated range
- DC fast charging capability
Driver Assistance and Safety
- Forward collision warning
- Lane keeping assist
- Driver attention alert
- High beam assist
Interior and Cargo
- 8-inch color touchscreen
- 6-speaker audio system
- Heated/ventilated front seats options
- 18.5 cubic feet rear cargo
Providing robust electric driving range with popular crossover cargo flexibility at an easy-to-reach price point, the Kia Niro EV succeeds at checking all the boxes Alabama car shoppers desire.
Purchase Incentives
To further spur EV adoption statewide, Alabama offers generous financial incentives lowering the initial purchase prices that gives pause to some shoppers.
State EV Tax Credit
- $2,000 tax credit for Alabama EV purchasers
- No limit to number of credits claimed
Electric Vehicle Fee Exemption
- Exempt from 6% state sales and use tax
- Saves average of $2,100 per vehicle
Federal EV Tax Credit
- Up to $7,500 credit for qualifying EVs
- Phases out for manufacturers after 200,000 sales
These savings help reduce effective EV prices by thousands – easing transitions to electric driving for more Alabama families.
Environmental Benefits
Beyond impressive performance and reduced running costs, electric vehicles confer tremendous environmental benefits that Alabama stands to realize by further encouraging adoption.
According to EPA analysis, a typical EV produces half the lifetime emissions of an average new gasoline car – even when accounting for indirect emissions from electric grid power generation. Further, EVs produce zero direct exhaust emissions – improving local air quality and public health, especially in urban areas.
Widespread EV adoption and renewable energy investment must go hand-in-hand for Alabama to maximize sustainability gains. But electrifying transport is a powerful first step toward cleaner skies statewide.
Conclusion
Electric vehicles are clearly building substantial momentum within Alabama – thanks to appealing new models from automakers, expanding public charging infrastructure, and purchase incentives aimed at putting more residents in EVs.
The Tesla Model 3, Chevy Bolt, and Nissan Leaf lead the pack in statewide popularity, but fresh contenders like Ford‘s Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y stand poised to further disrupt Alabama‘s auto market as they catalyze the electric transition.
With support from policymakers to build out charging networks and encourage further adoption, Alabama is demonstrating itself an invitation EV growth market now laying the groundwork to reap sustainability and economic gains in the coming decade. Drivers hold the power to effect real environmental progress by simply taking advantage of the increasingly compelling and cost-effective electric options available to motorists statewide.
