If you‘ve noticed more sleek, futuristic-looking vehicles on Oklahoma roads lately, they‘re likely part of the growing electric car movement. With used EV costs falling and appealing new models entering showrooms, adopting an electric "fuel" alternative has never made more sense for Sooner state residents.
But the expanding EV marketplace leaves many wondering where to begin. To help narrow it down, I‘ve put together this comprehensive guide to the top five electric vehicles catching on with Oklahoma drivers. Based on registration insights from the state Department of Motor Vehicles, inventory spotchecks at dealerships in OKC and Tulsa, and first-hand accounts from local owners in EV forums, these pioneering battery-electric rides are leading the charge.
We‘ll explore what‘s propelling EV growth in the state, then do a deep dive into the standout electric vehicle models winning over Oklahoma thus far. From value plays to luxury land yachts, I‘ll break down key factors – pricing, range per charge, charging times, storage capacity, tech features and performance metrics – to consider in each. My goal is to provide an insider’s overview to help determine if making the leap to electric might be right for you.
Surge in Support Accelerating Oklahoma‘s EV Shift
Oklahoma may call itself America’s gas and oil capital, but even traditional energy stalwarts here recognize the global auto industry’s inevitable electric shift. The state now boasts over 50 EV charging station locations thanks to several new funding initiatives.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation was awarded $5.1 million from the Federal Highway Administration to install fast charging infrastructure along interstates and highways. An additional $3 million grant through the Volkswagen diesel emissions cheating settlement has been paired with $800,000 in state funding to expand charging options.
These investments are paying dividends, with over 7,100 EVs registered statewide as of December 2021 – a 40% jump from the prior year. And that figure is projected to rise exponentially following the state’s 2022 approval of a $200 biennial tax credit for EV purchases capped at $3000.
Several homegrown companies are also spurring Oklahoma’s EV transition. Electric vehicle startup Canoo has established its headquarters and manufacturing facility in high-tech centers in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, bringing EV-focused engineering and assembly jobs to the region.
So what battery-powered rides are Oklahoma drivers embracing amid this momentum? Let’s explore the top five now.
1. Tesla Model S
As the first production EV to exceed 200 miles of range on a charge, combine sensuous styling with ample seating for five and demonstrate that electric vehicles could deliver supercar-humbling performance, the Tesla Model S changed everything upon its launch in 2012. It‘s no surprise Oklahoma drivers have gravitated to Elon Musk’s flagship sedan as their preferred premium EV pick.
Top Speed: 163 mph – 200 mph
Range: 371 miles – 405 miles per charge
Acceleration: 1.99 sec – 3.1 sec 0-60 mph
Charging: Up to 200 kW Supercharging
Cargo Volume: 28 cu ft (frunk + rear trunk)
While pricing reaches well into six figures for Plaid models packing over 1000 horsepower, buyers still praise the Model S for providing unmatched range from its industry-leading battery capacities, abundant interior space, standard all-wheel drive performance, and access to Tesla‘s exclusive nationwide Supercharger network offering 200 kW charging rates.
Over-the-air software update capabilities that have added gaming, rear heated steering wheels, range boosts and more only raise the Model S‘s functionality and value. Owners gush over the sprawling touchscreen and infotainment offerings, Autopilot advanced driver assistance availability, copious storage space thanks to a front trunk "frunk", and Tesla‘s seamless phone app integration enabling features from preheating to remote monitoring.
For all these perks, Oklahoma drivers ranked the revolutionary Model S as their most registered EV for good reason. No other electric vehicle combines EV range and performance so compellingly.
Tesla Model S Key Metrics
| Version | Est. Range | Accel. 0-60 mph | Power | Base Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Range | 405 mi | 3.1 s | 670 hp | $104,990 |
| Plaid | 387 mi | 1.99 s | 1,020 hp | $135,990 |
2. Chevrolet Bolt EV
Not every driver can afford a six-figure Tesla however, making the Chevrolet Bolt EV‘s sub-$27,000 starting price after incentives quite alluring. Oklahoma‘s most registered non-Tesla EV, Chevy‘s compact hatchback offers drivers formidable battery range and rapid charging in a practical package.
Unveiled alongside the Tesla Model 3 in 2016, the Bolt‘s arrival signaled GM was also taking EVs seriously. Now in its second generation, the Bolt has benefited from an extensive refresh boasting a roomier interior with more premium details, revised exterior styling and tech upgrades.
Range: 259 miles
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds
Charging: 55 miles in 30 minutes at Fast Charger
Cargo Volume: 16.6 cu ft behind rear seats
Available Incentives: $7,500 Federal Tax Credit, $2,500 OK EV Incentive
The Bolt really shines when it comes to charging and value. A 60 kWh battery feeds a lively 200 hp electric motor, while supporting both Level 2 charging at home and 50+ kW DC Fast Charging on the go. Regenerative braking enables smooth one-pedal driving for city use.
Inside, the Bolt EV provides generous passenger and cargo room, especially given its compact footprint. The interior finally brings a worthy infotainment system too, with a 10.2" touchscreen, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay smart device integration and onboard WiFi allowing over-the-air updates.
While no speed demon, the Bolt EV zips around town readily and offers a near Tesla-rivaling charging network thanks to GM‘s Ultium network partnership with EVgo. For eco-conscious commuters or small families needing an affordable, flexible EV with lots of range, the loveable Bolt checks all the boxes.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Key Metrics
| Range | Acceleration | Battery | Charging Speed | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 259 mi | 0-60 mph 6.5 sec | 60 kWh | 55 mi/30 min fast charge | 163" L x 69" W x 63" H |
3. Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Ford Mustang Mach-E sent shockwaves through the industry when it debuted in late 2020. With up to 315 miles of range, 0-60 mph acceleration as quick as 3.5 seconds, seating for five, standard over-the-air update capability and levels of high-tech interior details and standard features that rival luxury makes, the Mach-E redefined expectations of what an attainable EV could offer.
Range: 260 – 315 miles per charge
Acceleration: 3.5 – 6.1 sec 0-60 mph
Charging: Avg. 47 miles added per 10 minutes at 150 kW charger
Cargo Volume: 29 – 59.7 cu ft (frunk + behind rear seats)
Tech Features: Phone As A Key, OTA updates, BlueCruise hands-free highway driving assist
Built on Ford‘s dedicated EV architecture allowing batteries to be configured for better weight distribution and lower center of gravity, the Mach-E excels both at straight-line performance and handling agility. An extended range battery, optional all-wheel drive and Ford‘s latest driver assistance tech bring further functionality.
The Mach-E can‘t quite match a flagship Tesla Model S, but its more mainstream pricing and generous federal rebates available make this sporty Mustang-inspired EV enticing for far more motorists. With Ford‘s BlueOval charging network still expanding and over-the-air update potentials to enhance features, range and performance over time, this sleek game-changer carries iconic appeal.
Ford Mustang Mach-E Key Metrics
| Version | Range | Accel. 0-60 | Charging Speed | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RWD Std. Range | 230 mi | 6.1 sec | Avg. 44 mi/10 min | 186" L x 74" W x 63" H |
| AWD Ext. Range | 314 mi | 4.8 sec | Avg. 46 mi/10 min | 186" L x 74" W x 63" H |
4. Audi e-tron
For EV buyers more interested in unmatched luxury versus raw performance or range numbers, the graceful Audi e-tron Sportback Plug-in Hybrid deserves attention. As Audi‘s first fully battery-electric volume model, the elegant midsize crossover reveals painstaking refinements that help justify its lofty six-figure pricing.
Range: 222 miles
Acceleration: 4.5 sec 0-60 mph
Charging: 163 miles replenished in 30 minutes via 150 kW charger
Cargo Volume: 28.5 cu ft behind rear seats
Luxury Features: Acoustic glass, rear mirrors replaced by cameras & screens, four zone climate controls with air quality sensor, outdoor air filtration
The sleek e-tron exudes innovation, from the unique virtual exterior mirrors that transform rearward sightlines to its expansive touchscreen menus enabling control of nearly every interior element and driving setting. Owners have called out the symphony of high-end materials like Milano leather and carbon fiber trim combining with multi-zone climate controls, customizable ambient interior lighting schemes with 30 color options and an exceptional standard Bang & Olufsen sound system as chief highlights.
While its driving range pales slightly next to top Tesla offerings, over 85% of US daily commutes still fit within the e-tron‘s capabilities. With an exceptionally refined, technology-rich driving experience, generous onboard power outlets and USB charge points and superior ride quality courtesy of standard air suspension, the e-tron treats luxury-focused motorists to an impeccably executed vision of sustainable electric mobility.
Audi e-tron Key Metrics
| Range | Acceleration | Battery | Charging Speed | Top Speed | Turning Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 222 mi | 0-60 in 4.3 sec | 95 kWh | 163 mi in 30 min | 124 mph | 39 ft |
5. Hyundai Kona Electric
Rounding out Oklahoma’s five favorites, the zippy Hyundai Kona Electric crossover SUV demonstrates EVs need not sacrifice personality, interior space or value. Available in standard or extended range battery variants, the Kona Electric combines generous EV driving distances with lively road manners and a surprisingly reasonable price tag.
Range: 258 miles (Extended)
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 6.4 sec
Charging: Replenishes ~80 miles in 30 minutes at 50 kW charger
Tech Features: 10.25” touchscreen with navigation, wireless device charging tray
Warranty: 100,000 miles/10 years on EV powertrain components
Despite compact dimensions similar to a Hyundai Tucson, the Kona Electric boasts impressive utility. Passenger and cargo volume competes with midsize crossover rivals thanks to clever packaging around its floor-mounted battery array. The 64 kWh pack feeds a potent 201 horsepower electric motor driving the front wheels.
Kona Electric models come exceptionally well equipped even at base trim levels, with heated front seats, proximity entry, blind spot warning and other elements often reserved for top luxury echelons now standard. Buyers have noted the outstanding driving range between charges, peppy acceleration, tight turning radius for navigating urban environments and Hyundai’s industry-leading 10 year/100k mile battery and powertrain warranty as highlights cementing the plucky Kona’s appeal.
Hyundai Kona Electric Key Metrics
| Range | Acceleration | Battery | Charging | Cargo Capacity | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 258 mi | 0-60 mph 6.4 sec | 64 kWh | 80 mi range/30 min | 19.2 cu ft seats up | 100k mi/10 yr battery |
If you’re an Oklahoma driver intrigued by the lower operating costs, high-tech creature comforts and performance upside today’s EVs offer but unsure where to begin your search, I hope this guide has helped narrow options while arming you with key data points to evaluate choices.
The Tesla Model S remains the range, tech and performance leader EV enthusiasts aspire to, while the surprisingly affordable Chevrolet Bolt provides tremendous electric driving reach blended with practicality. Performance fans can indulge their passion through Ford’s Mustang Mach-E without sacrificing cabin space. Luxury finds ultimate expression electrified via Audi’s technological tour de force e-tron, while the plucky Hyundai Kona demonstrates you need not break the bank to partake.
No matter your priorities and budget, Oklahoma now offers multiple standout electric vehicles more than capable of convincing you it‘s time to plug in and enjoy groundbreaking EV advantages. Simply take the model notes and metrics provided above to match your needs to the battery-powered conveyance best suited to get you driving happy across the beautiful vistas of the Sooner State emissions-free.