There are about 33,000 electric cars cruising the roads of Washington State, and more added every day. With dozens of makes and models to choose from, it’s getting easier to choose an electric car for your next vehicle purchase.
What’s the cost of operating an electric vehicle?
According to the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute, the average cost to operate an electric vehicle in the United States is $485 per year, while the average for a gasoline-powered vehicle is $1,117. Ultimately, the cost to drive an electric vehicle comes down to your daily driving distance and the type of charging you use. Although you don’t pay at the pump to fill your car with gas, the electricity used to charge the battery in your EV does count towards your personal electric bill, assuming you charge at home. Generally speaking the Pacific Northwest has some of the lowest rates for electricity in the country.
What does it cost to install a charging station at my home?
We get this question a lot, and it’s hard to answer because the costs vary depending on where you’re installing a charging station and the type of charging station you choose. Unfortunately, there are not standard prices for installation fees. Contact a licensed electrical contractor for a cost estimate.
Does PenLight offer incentives to install a charging station, or special rates for charging an electric vehicle?
PenLight does not have any incentives at this time for EV owners; however, we are currently analyzing whether there are cost effective options for our members. We will keep you posted.
Questions?
Should you have further questions regarding electric vehicles, please contact EnergySpecialist@penlight.org.