Electric vehicles (EVs) have seen meteoric growth in Georgia over the past few years, driven by improving technology, falling prices, and state incentives aimed at boosting adoption. As of September 2022, over 42,500 EVs had been registered in the state – a 700% increase from just a few years prior.
Georgia has taken a leadership role in building up charging infrastructure to enable this EV boom. With over 930 publicly accessible charging stations, the state now ranks 14th in the U.S. for availability. Coupled with a $2,500 tax credit for buying or leasing an EV, Georgia has become a very EV-friendly state.
Out of the increasingly crowded field of electric models now available, a few have emerged as particular favorites among Georgian drivers. Here are the top 8 most popular EVs in Georgia and what sets them apart:
1. Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y crossover SUV is the best-selling EV in Georgia and most other U.S. states. Its sleek styling, impressive 326-mile maximum range, and access to Tesla‘s vast Supercharger fast charging network makes the Model Y the premier long-range EV on the market.
Recent price cuts have made the Model Y even more attractive. The base Rear-Wheel Drive model now starts at just $52,990, while the high-performance Model Y Performance commands $56,990. All Model Y variations achieve 5-star safety ratings and qualify for federal and state tax incentives.
2. Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Chevy Bolt EV is an affordably priced hatchback with up to 259 miles of range. Extensive updates for 2023 have made the Bolt more stylish, comfortable and usable. Active safety features like automatic emergency braking now come standard.
With a starting MSRP of $25,600, the Bolt EV is one of the most affordable EVs on sale after applying Georgia‘s $2,500 state tax credit. For cost-conscious buyers, it represents the cheapest, long-range EV option available. A robust public charging network provided through Georgia‘s Electric Membership Corporations makes road trip charging easy.
3. Nissan LEAF
As the world‘s first mass-market EV dating back to 2010, the Nissan LEAF has proven extremely popular worldwide. Georgian drivers have taken to the LEAF as an inexpensive commuter car, with two range options available: 149 miles from a 40 kWh battery pack or up to 226 miles from a 62 kWh extended range battery.
Nissan‘s partnership with Georgia Power has installed over 100 workplace charging stations specifically for LEAF owners. Combine that with a reasonable $27,800 starting price, and the 2023 Nissan LEAF remains a simple, pragmatic EV choice.
4. Volkswagen ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 compact SUV boasts a modern, tech-focused interior design powered solely by electricity. Assembled domestically in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the ID.4 qualifies for federal tax credits in addition to Georgia‘s $2,500 state tax rebate.
Offered in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive dual-motor configurations, the ID.4 provides ample passenger and cargo room. Maximum driving range lands at 275 miles. With a $41,190 base price, the ID.4 appeals as a familiar crossover SUV shape that happens to be electric.
5. Ford Mustang Mach-E
Performance and passion define the Ford Mustang Mach-E electric crossover. As Ford‘s first ground-up EV design, the Mustang Mach-E delivers sports car-like acceleration and handling plus available all-wheel drive for only $42,895 to start.
The Mach-E‘s modern tech features include Ford‘s Hands-Free Blue Cruise for automated highway driving. Range lands between 247-305 miles depending on rear or all-wheel drive configurations. Ford has leveraged Georgia‘s HOV lane access perk for solo EV drivers as a Mach-E selling point.
6. Tesla Model 3
Tesla strikes again with their top-selling Model 3 sedan. Often described as a "mini Model S," the Model 3 promises 220 miles of range, rapid acceleration and cutting-edge Autopilot driver assist features starting at $42,990.
In the entry-level luxury EV segment, the Tesla Model 3 has no equal. Seating five passengers, the Model 3 handles commuting, road trips and everything in between with aplomb. Tesla‘s ever-expanding Supercharger network enables reliable fast charging on road trips.
7. Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S pioneered the concept of a high-performance, long-range EV packed with technology. Costing over $100,000, the latest Model S Plaid reaches 60 mph in under 2 seconds thanks to tri-motor AWD power. The Model S Plaid and other Model S variations achieve 405+ miles per charge from their 100+ kWh battery packs.
In Georgia, Tesla dominates the luxury EV segment. For affluent drivers seeking the maximum combination of sustainability, technology and performance, the Model S remains hard to beat.
8. Audi e-tron
Rounding out the list is a luxury SUV alternative – the Audi e-tron. Offering a premium, understated aesthetic paired with quattro all-wheel drive traction, the Audi e-tron slots into the midsize luxury EV SUV niche.
Audi limits the e-tron‘s battery capacity to 95 kWh for enhanced longevity, translating to 218 miles of comfortable range. With a dual-motor powertrain producing 355 horsepower, the 2021 e-tron accelerates briskly up to its 124 mph top speed. Luxury features like massaging front seats, leather upholstery, and multi-zone automatic climate control complement the high-end driving experience.
The Road Ahead
Industry experts forecast electric vehicles will comprise over 50% of new car sales by 2030. Georgia has positioned itself on the leading edge of EV adoption through infrastructure investments, consumer incentives, and partnerships with automakers like Nissan, Volkswagen and Hyundai-Kia.
As more electric models come to market in attractive, mainstream packages, we can expect EV popularity in Georgia to continue rising rapidly. Stay tuned for more electrifying developments!
