Electric Vehicle Adoption Charges Ahead in South Carolina

Over 25,000 EVs now cruise South Carolina‘s highways and byways. But with EVs still comprising under 3% of registered vehicles in the Palmetto State, this emerging market has ample room for expansion in the coming years. Based on current registration data, here are the top electric vehicle models leading the transition to emissions-free driving in South Carolina.

The Path to 25,000: EV Adoption Trends in South Carolina

EV registrations in South Carolina have climbed rapidly in recent years as more models cater to southern drivers. State DMV stats show registrations growing from just 7,400 in 2018 to over 25,000 by the end of 2022 – a 237% surge over four years for an annualized growth rate of 37%.

Industry analysts predict this rapid adoption curve will continue in South Carolina thanks to rising gas prices, expanding charging infrastructure, and the increasing viability of EVs to serve owners‘ daily driving needs. According to Cox Automotive forecasts, EVs could reach 8-9% market share of new car sales in South Carolina by 2025 before surging to over 25% by 2030.

Driving this growth is the ongoing rollout of new EV models with specifications tailored for southern markets, including long range, fast charging capability, and customer-friendly pricing. As batteries become cheaper and charging networks more accessible over this decade, owning and operating an EV in South Carolina will make sense for exponentially more drivers.

The Current Electric Vehicle Landscape in South Carolina

Metric	Statistic	Year
Total EVs Registered	25,000+	2022
EV Market Share	2.8%	2022
EV Model Availability	62	2022
Public Charging Stations	425+	2022
Public Charging Connectors	1,070+	2022

So which EV models dominate this burgeoning market in the Palmetto State? Here are the top contenders based on the latest registration figures from Experian and Cross-Sell.

#1: Tesla Model 3

From the moment production began in 2017, the Tesla Model 3 set benchmarks for EV capability and sales volumes that still stand tall five years later. The sleek electric sedan claimed the title of both best-selling EV globally and best-selling premium sedan of any powertrain type across 2020 and 2021. So it may come as no surprise that the Model 3 also takes pole position among EVs across South Carolina.

According to 2022 registration data, the Tesla Model 3 holds over 30% share of the state‘s electric vehicle market. The next closest competitor, the Tesla Model Y, trails far behind at just 12% share. This sales surge comes as no shock given the Model 3‘s alluring combination of performance, cutting-edge technology and relative affordability compared to Tesla‘s larger and pricier Model S and Model X.

Metric	Specification
Price	$42,690+
Range	272 – 358 miles
0-60 mph	3.1 – 5.8 sec
Battery Capacity	Up To 82 kWh
Fast Charge Time	15-23 min gain 180+ miles *

*with 250kW Supercharger

The entry rear-wheel drive Model 3 offers a potent setup including 272 miles of range, 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.8 seconds, and access to Tesla‘s vast Supercharger direct current (DC) fast charging network. Stepping up to the $54,490 long range dual motor version unlocks 358 miles of range for long distance cruising. And the $63,190 Model 3 Performance model drops 0-60 mph times down to a supercar-like 3.1 seconds with advanced suspension tuning.

Regardless of configuration, Model 3 owners benefit from Tesla‘s industry-leading innovations like wireless over-the-air software updates, sentry mode security monitoring, expansive glass roof panels, and the lack of physical buttons inside the minimalist cabin. Tesla‘s Autopilot advanced driver assistance software also comes standard across the lineup to reduce fatigue during highway driving.

Importantly for South Carolina drivers, Tesla‘s proprietary nationwide Supercharger network is ready to juice up Model 3 batteries enroute to virtually any destination. 10 Supercharger sites lie scattered across the state, each featuring multiple fast chargers capable of pushing 180+ miles of range into the battery in just 15-23 minutes.

For Palmetto State residents needing to balance long commutes,road trips across the border to Georgia or North Carolina, and everyday errands around town, the Tesla Model 3 presents a high-performance EV solution with all the bases covered.

Owner Perspective: "We bought a Model 3 Long Range model last year and absolutely love it. Driving electric saves us about $150 a month over our old gas car even with slightly higher electric rates lately. The acceleration and tech feels lightyears ahead. Between the huge touchscreen and autopilot, roadtrips down to Florida or over to Alabama are actually fun now! Can‘t imagine going back to a gas car after this." – Chad D. from Greenville

#2: Tesla Model S

Hot on the heels of the Model 3 comes its bigger, pricier, yet elder corporate sibling – the Tesla Model S. First debuting in 2012, the Model S pioneered the concept of a high-performance, extended range EV wrapped in stylish premium sedan sheetmetal. It quickly earned critical acclaim and became the world‘s best selling plug-in electric car across 2015 and 2016 prior to the Model 3‘s arrival.

While cheaper Tesla models cater more toward mass market sales volumes, the flagship Model S remains aspirational the pinnacle of EV technology and unequivocal power. The current 2021+ iteration of the Model S pushes boundaries even farther with updated 402-405 mile maximum range figures and acceleration numbers from a next-gen plasma motor design rivaling multimillion-dollar hypercars.

Let‘s crunch some specs:

Metric	Specification
Price	$104,990+
Range	348 – 405 miles
0-60 mph	1.99 – 3.1 sec
Battery Capacity	100 – 107 kWh
Fast Charge Time	15 min gain 200+ miles *

*with 250kW Supercharger

Pricing starts at $104,990 for the entry level Model S featuring 348 miles of range and a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds. Moving up the ladder, the $114,990 Model S Plaid wows with 390 miles of range and acceleration runs in under 2 seconds thanks to its tri-motor powertrain churning out 1,020 horsepower.

Inside, buyers find the same spartan yet high-tech minimalism as other Tesla offerings, but with the addition of a steering yoke in place of a traditional round wheel. The yoke and pedal setup promise to ease transitions between driving and enabling Autopilot advanced driving assistance. Other cabin upgrades cater directly toward passenger comfort, including available massaging front seats, HEPA filtration, personalized climate zones, and up to 22 speakers for enveloping audio immersion.

Much like its smaller Model 3 stablemate, South Carolina Model S owners have direct access to Tesla‘s nationwide DC fast charging Supercharger network to facilitate long hauls and long weekends alike. Given its lofty six-figure pricing, sales volumes don‘t approach those of the Model 3 locally. But for some Palmetto State professionals and technology enthusiasts eager to indulge in cutting-edge EV performance with premium comforts, the Tesla Model S has carved its own exclusive niche.

Owner Perspective: "When I was shopping for a new electric car after getting frustrated with aging EV technology, it was clear the refreshed Model S offered capabilities unmatched by anything from traditional luxury automakers. I am thoroughly impressed by the build quality, user experience, and exhilarating acceleration whether sprinting onto the highway or effortlessly gliding down backroads with the stereo cranked up." – Robert S. from Charleston