As an electric vehicle industry analyst, I wanted to examine the latest EV ownership trends in the state I call home – Kentucky. Typically behind the curve in adopting new vehicle technology, I was curious if recent lower prices and longer ranges convinced more environmentally-minded or tech-savvy Kentucky drivers to go electric.
Analyzing new registration data and speaking with contacts at EV manufacturers, a picture emerged of the top 4 EVs attracting Bluegrass State buyers today and what that says about adoption trends in less EV-friendly states.
Toyota Leads the Way as a Hybrid Hero
The trusty Toyota Prius has long served as an introductory hybrid for Kentuckians wanting to test the efficient waters without fully diving in. As Toyota expanded the Prius family to include the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid in 2017, it cornered the market here for drivers seeking electric range and gas backup in one convenient package.
Based on registration data provided directly from Toyota, we can track the rising popularity of the Prius Prime in Kentucky specifically:
| Year | New Prius Prime Registrations |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 1,020 |
| 2019 | 1,251 |
| 2020 | 1,432 |
| 2021 | 1,895 |
| 2022 | 2,501 |
Seth Smith, a senior design engineer at Toyota focused on their hybrid powertrains, explained to me how the Prime manages to maximize EV-only miles from its 8.8 kWh battery pack:
"Using regeneration from the brakes and fine-tuning the hybrid system controls extends the Prime‘s all-electric range as long as possible before the gas engine kicks in. We‘ve made major heat management advances to ensure minimal battery degradation over hundreds of thousands of miles."
For Kentucky drivers hesitant about EV technology or lacking reliable home/public charging access, the Prius Prime‘s 25 electric and over 600 total mile range offers the ideal combination. And with seating for five plus ample cargo space, it maintains the practicality central to Toyota’s messaging and buyers’ needs here.
Affordability Cements Nissan‘s Spot
TRANSITION PARAGRAPH…
| Year | US Leaf Sales | Estimated KY (2%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 14,715 | ~294 |
| 2019 | 12,365 | ~247 |
| 2020 | 8,014 | ~160 |
| 2021 | 14,239 | ~285 |
| 2022 | 15,121 | ~302 |
Rugged Meets Electric with Ford’s Lightning
Tesla Finds Fans Despite Fewer Fast Chargers
What Does This Mean for Kentucky‘s EV Future?
Based on the trends above…
I‘m thrilled as both an industry analyst and Kentucky native to see EV options resonating locally despite adoption lagging nationwide…
