Most people drive less than 40 miles a day, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, which makes pretty much any model of EV practical for most travel. That said, concerns related to range continue to be a top barrier to EV adoption.
According to Deloitte's latest Global Automotive Consumer Study, a majority of Americans (63%) believe electric vehicles should have a minimum driving range of 200 miles.
The good news is there are about a dozen models of electric vehicles on the US market today that offer at least 200 miles of range, including several moderately priced cars like the Chevy Bolt (238 miles), Nissan Leaf (235 miles), and Hyundai Kona (279 miles).
If range anxiety is keeping you from going electric, consider three reasons to let go of your fears:
1. You can charge in your sleep—literally.
Most people charge their electric vehicles at home. Charging your car is just like charging your phone. You plug it in at night and by the morning, you have a full battery.
2. You can multitask—recharge while you work, shop, or dine.
You don't need to wait until your battery is fully drained before you recharge. Charging stations are common at many business locations, allowing you to charge almost anytime your car is parked. Which means you are always hitting the road with your full range at your disposal.
3. Charging stations are plentiful.
There are about two dozen charging stations in the Eugene/Springfield area, with more on the way. If you're traveling around the state, Oregon's Electric Byways will get you from the coast to the mountains, from Portland to Ashland, and everywhere in between. And for even longer trips, The "West Coast Electric Highway" is a network of DC fast-charging stations located every 25 to 50 miles along Interstate 5, Hwy 99, and other major roadways in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California.
The bottom line? If you drive an average of 40 miles a day or less, then almost any EV will meet your needs and require just an ordinary house current for charging. But if your travels often take you beyond 80 miles a day, you may want a longer-range vehicle and possibly an upgraded charging system. EWEB offers a $500 rebate for Level 2 home charging stations.
The PluginCars website has a nice feature that allows you to browse all cars, and sort by range or price.
4200 Roosevelt Blvd.
Eugene, OR 97402
800-841-5871
541-685-7000
Open Monday-Friday
Phone hours: 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
