Which are the most EV-friendly states in the US?
More and more car brands are pledging to have fully electric ranges in the next few decades. Mercedez-Benz, Land Rover, Jaguar, and all GB brands are some of the car brands that have committed to a zero-emissions future. Even companies that haven’t committed to an all-electric future are introducing electric options.
This is wonderful news for the planet, and you may be longing to get on the all-electric bandwagon now that so many electric vehicles are arriving at dealerships with a range of price points. But will an electric car really work where you live?
The answer for most people living in the US is yes, an EV can work, especially for those living in cities. Most electric vehicles can travel over 200 miles on a charge now, which is enough for a couple of days of driving or for an overnight trip out of town.
However, it’s important to make a difference between EV-friendly states and states where owning an electric car is just becoming a thing now, so there isn’t a solid infrastructure specially built for this.
In other words, some paces are better suited to EV ownership than others. There are many factors to consider when determining which states are the best for EV driving and ownership, but one of the biggest considerations is the availability of tax credits or incentives for those who buy these cars.
The price of electricity to charge the vehicle versus the price of gasoline is another aspect that matters if you’re looking to save money in the long run. So yes, infrastructure is paramount to EV adoption.
If there are lots of public charging stations, there will be more electric vehicles. And if there are more electric vehicles, states will have more reasons to install more chargers.
Without further ado, we looked at some data and found the most EV-friendly states in the US. Each of these places has a mix of benefits for electric car owners, so it’s difficult to say which is the best, but it’s easier and more budget-friendly to own an EV in these states. Let’s get started!
1. Colorado
People who live in Colorado can get generous incentives for purchasing or leasing EVs, and the bigger the car, the bigger the savings. According to the latest data, residents can receive a tax credit of up to $5,000 for electric cars with an MSRP under $80,000. This makes Colorado rank high among EV-friendly states in the country.
Furthermore, starting in January 2024, electric vehicles with a price tag under $35,000 can get an extra tax credit of up to $2,500. The two amounts together are nothing to scoff at! But that’s not all. A few Colorado counties have additional incentives, and there are organizations and companies that help with the cost of EV charger installation.
As one of the most EV-friendly states in the US, Colorado is among the top five for new charging stations per 100,000 people and in the top 10 for the overall number of EV registrations. It’s also a state with higher gasoline prices and lower electricity costs, so charging up an electric vehicle at home is cost-effective.
2. California
The Golden State achieves many of the EV ownership high points since it’s been a pioneer in slashing automotive emissions for decades. Not only is California one of the most EV-friendly states in our country, but it also has the highest number of new charging stations per 100,000 people and more registered electric cars by far than any other state, at over half a million.
The reason for that may be because of California’s long list of incentives for EV buyers. The state offers rebates on hybrid electric and all-electric vehicles, and there are also several municipalities and electric companies that offer extra incentives.
Electric cars are also more affordable to own in California because the cost of electricity there tends to be lower, while the cost of gasoline tends to be higher. In other words, charging up at home does add to the electricity bill, but not as much as filling your gas tank to travel the same number of miles, according to a recent report from Energy Inovation.
3. Oregon
Oregon has had a program offering hefty incentives for electric car buyers, which helped make it one of the most EV-friendly states in the country.
The program was great because it had the biggest incentives reserved for low-income residents, and it has worked so well that new applications were paused in May 2023 as funds rebated have dwindled. People living here should keep an eye out for the program to resume when more funding becomes available.
Similar to other EV-friendly states in the country, Oregon made an early efforts for EV infrastructure, so while other US states have caught up in the past few years, it still has a high level of charging points and electrical vehicle registrations. Furthermore, it has low electricity costs and slightly higher gas prices, so it’s more cost-effective to charge at home.
Oregon also doesn’t impose a sales tax, so there’s immediate savings at the dealership.
Read on to find other EV-friendly states!
4. New York
The state of New York boasts a high number of electric vehicle registrations and a high number of charging points per 100,000 residents. Its residents, especially those living in New York City, are in good company because the area has the highest concentration of chargers, so EV owners should be able to easily find a place to charge their cars. Moreover, public chargers often come with reduced parking fees or free parking.
Similar to other EV-friendly states, New York has some excellent prices on electricity, while gas tends to be expensive. In other words, charging up before heading out is fuel-efficient as well as cost-efficient. Plus, the state offers up to $2,000 as a rebate (not a tax credit, though) on new car leases or purchases.
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5. Washington
Washington is also among the EV-friendly states that provide good conditions for those driving electric cars. The state has structured its EV incentives in a different—and fruitful—way. Rather than a rebate or tax refund, which the buyer gets only at tax time, the state of Washington waives the sales tax on both used and new electric vehicles.
This being said, residents pay no sales tax on the first $45,000 of any new EV lease or purchase, and no sales tax on up to $30,000 for a used EV.
It seems like an effective strategy because Washington is one of the most EV-friendly states in the country, with a high number of electric car registrations. The state is supporting all these new electric vehicles on the road by installing more public charges than most US states. It even has charging stations on highways for longer trips.
Also, the average electrical rate in Washington is one of the lowest in the country, while its average gasoline costs are so high, so it makes a lot of financial sense to own an EV and charge it at home.
Is your car electric? If so, how’s the infrastructure where you live? Let us know in the comments section!
If you liked our article on EV-friendly states, you may also want to read Electric vs. Gas Cars: Which One Fits YOU Best?
