For many Alaskans, owning an electric vehicle (EV) is still a new concept. With Alaska‘s cold climate and vast wilderness, some may wonder if an EV is a realistic option. But recent investments in charging infrastructure and falling vehicle costs are putting EVs firmly within the grasp of more Alaska drivers.
In this guide, we‘ll explore everything you need to know about owning an EV in the Last Frontier, including:
- Alaska‘s growing charging network
- Cost of charging an EV
- Top EV models for Alaska and ownership costs
- Available incentives for EV buyers
- Considerations for owning an EV in Alaska‘s climate
Let‘s start by taking a look at where Alaska currently stands with EV infrastructure.
Alaska‘s Expanding EV Charging Network
The availability of public charging stations is often a top concern for prospective EV buyers. Range anxiety and lack of infrastructure can make owning an EV intimidating.
So what does Alaska‘s charging infrastructure currently look like?
As of 2023, Alaska has 119 public EV charging stations located primarily in Anchorage (72 stations), Juneau (37 stations), and Fairbanks (10 stations). This infrastructure has been growing steadily with support from the Alaska Energy Authority‘s (AEA) EV infrastructure funding initiatives, utilities companies, and businesses investing in charging for customers.
The AEA is investing $18.9 million into Alaska‘s EV charging network over 2022 and 2023. These funds will continue adding fast chargers along major road systems to enable longer distance EV travel.
Utilities companies like Chugach Electric Association and the Alaska Power & Telephone Company (AP&T) have programs to incentivize EV ownership and charging infrastructure growth. We‘ll cover the utility incentives in more detail shortly.
Alaska‘s charging infrastructure may still be well behind the Lower 48, but strategic investments are quickly expanding EV drivers‘ options. Apps like PlugShare map local charging stations and are instrumental for trip planning.
Types of Charging Stations in Alaska
It‘s important to understand the different levels of EV charging to know which option best fits your vehicle‘s needs. Let‘s break down the types of EV charging currently available in Alaska:
Level 1 – Provides charging through a regular 120V household outlet. This adds about 3 to 5 miles of range per hour charging. Best for overnight charging at home.
Level 2 – Uses a 240V connection like those for large appliances like a washer/dryer. Adds 10-25 miles per hour charging. Great for home and public use.
DC Fast Charge – Direct high-voltage charge to EV battery from special 480V+ charging stations. Most fast chargers add over 100 miles in 30 minutes. Enables long distance travel.
Tesla vehicles use the Supercharger network, while most other EV brands utilize CHAdeMO, CCS/SAE, or J1772 charge port standards. It‘s important to ensure any EV you purchase fits Alaska‘s existing charging connectors.
Public charging station locations along with charging speeds and plug types available are searchable on apps like PlugShare, eVgo, Chargepoint, and Tesla‘s mapping tools.
Cost to Charge an EV in Alaska
With Alaska‘s high gas prices, one of the major advantages of an EV is dramatically lower fueling costs charging through electricity instead of gasoline. But how much does it actually cost to charge an EV in Alaska?
The cost of charging depends greatly on whether you‘re charging at home or using public charging stations.
Home Charging Cost
Level 1 and Level 2 home charging typically costs between $0.12 – $0.17 per kWh in Alaska. With lower overnight electricity rates, home charging ends up much more affordable than public stations.
For example, a 300 mile range EV like the Tesla Model Y would cost roughly $9.75 to fully charge at home – less than a quarter the price of fueling a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle.
Public Charging Station Cost
Public charging stations in Alaska cost more per kWh than home rates, normally between $0.25 – $0.50 per kWh. Alaska‘s extreme weather and infrastructure challenges contribute to the higher costs.
Using the Tesla Model Y example again, a full charge at a public station would run about $28.50. Still far less than gas, but nearly 3x more than home charging costs.
Apps like Chargeway show charging costs at stations across networks so drivers can find the most affordable options. Planning trips around lower cost charging can save substantially over time.
Top Electric Vehicles for Alaska
Now that we‘ve covered the state of Alaska‘s charging infrastructure and costs, let‘s examine the top EV models available for handling Alaska‘s cold climate and rural driving needs.
Tesla Model Y
With exceptional range, technology, charging options and available all-wheel drive, the Tesla Model Y is likely the top EV choice for many Alaska drivers.
Benefits for Alaska drivers:
- 331 mile max range (AWD Long Range)
- Fast charging capabilities
- Effective battery heating in cold weather
- Advanced traction control and stability features
- Spacious crossover design to handle cargo, family needs
The Tesla Model Y isn‘t cheap, with new models ranging from $65,990 to $114,990 depending on configuration. But when you factor in a $7,500 federal tax credit along with Alaska‘s lack of sales tax, lifetime fuel savings from electricity, and very low maintenance costs, the 5 year ownership cost averages substantially less than comparable gas-powered SUVs.
Ford F-150 Lightning
Ford‘s fully-electric F-150 Lightning brings the first EV option to Alaska‘s huge truck market. The Lightning offers great range, charging speed, towing/hauling capabilities and classic F-150 utility.
Key Alaska benefits:
- Up to 320 mile range
- Can add 21 miles per charging hour on Level 2
- Up to 10,000 lb towing capacity
- Advanced traction assist features
- Large front trunk for cargo flexibility
- Available lower-priced work truck trims
With a starting MSRP around $47,000 before available tax credits, the base Lightning Pro trim can be an affordable zero-emission work truck. Higher Lariat and Platinum models push closer to $100k but offer luxury options and extreme capabilities.
Chevy Bolt EV & Bolt EUV
Chevrolet‘s Bolt EV and slightly larger Bolt EUV provide an affordable, long range EV option to the Alaska market starting under $28,000.
The Bolt highlights:
- 259 mile max range
- 65 mi range added per hour Level 2 charging
- Surprisingly spacious interior cargo room
- Available advanced safety features
- Extreme cold weather package option
- Great value purchase price
The Bolt line offers a nicely equipped electric commuter vehicle or second family car at a reasonable price point for Alaska buyers. With the safety, tech and range to handle most driving needs around town or on road trips, the Bolt is a practical EV pick.
Incentives for Alaska EV Owners
While the upfront purchase price for EVs still exceeds comparable gas-powered models, owners stand to save substantially over time from lower electricity fueling costs versus gasoline. However, Alaska does offer a few incentives to reduce EV pricing.
Federal Tax Credit – All new EV purchases are currently eligible for a federal tax credit of $7,500. This directly reduces your owed taxes to the IRS. There are no state or local sales taxes to worry about in Alaska.
Utility Company Rebates – Some utility providers offer rebates to Alaska customers who purchase an EV. Chugach Electric offers $200 for installing a home charging station. Alaska Power & Telephone provides a $1,000 rebate for EV purchases.
Per Mile Electric Credit – Chugach Electric clients can earn a $200 bill credit for driving 7,000 electric miles in one year, up to two years. This saves EV drivers an extra $400 off electricity costs.
While incentives are helpful, even without them lifetime EV ownership costs are highly likely to be lower than comparable gas vehicles when you calculate in fuel and maintenance savings.
Owning an EV in Alaska‘s Climate
Considering Alaska‘s extreme subarctic climate, some extra precautions and planning are required when owning an EV. Very cold winter temperatures can reduce range by up to 30% until the battery warms while driving. Remote travel is also more challenging with sparse rural charging options.
However, EV traction control and stability systems generally perform better in snow and ice than gas vehicles. With proper preparation for weather and charging considerations, EVs can certainly thrive as daily transportation in Alaska.
Here are my top tips for owning an EV in Alaska‘s environment:
- Choose an EV with available thermal battery conditioning for reliable cold weather charging and range
- Use charging station location apps like PlugShare for trip planning to ensure adequate range and charging options before traveling to remote areas.
- Precondition EV cabin and battery temperature while plugged in to maximize driving range in extreme cold.
- Equip vehicle with emergency cold weather gear in case longer charging stops are required while traveling.
- Install Level 2 home charging to maximize affordable at-home fueling capabilities.
- Consider adding solar panels to home to power EV with sunlight and offset charging costs.
While expanding infrastructure and technology improvements are still needed, Alaska‘s climate is not an insurmountable barrier to EV ownership. Some adaptation and smart charging practices enable driving electric vehicles year-round, even when temperatures plummet.
Is an EV Right for Me?
For Alaska drivers looking to go electric, make sure to assess your daily driving needs against current EV model ranges and charging station availability in your area. If most trips are within a 100 mile radius and home or workplace charging is available, an EV may suit your lifestyle perfectly.
Before heading to the dealership, map out a few common trips on Alaska‘s available public charging networks using station locator tools like PlugShare. This will provide realistic expectations for where and how often opportunities exist to charge while driving an EV model you‘re considering.
Also be sure to factor in potential ORV and long haul towing needs if those are essential capabilities you require from your vehicle purchase. While towing and extreme off-roading exceed most EV limits today, daily commuting, traveling, and moderate weekend adventure driving are all increasingly electrification-friendly pursuits.
I encourage Alaska drivers to take the opportunity to test drive an EV model of interest before ruling them out. The incredible performance and nearly silent but powerful electric driving experience is impossible to grasp without experiencing it firsthand. As battery technology expands ranges and charging infrastructure spreads to more regions each year, EVs become increasingly livable solutions for Alaskans.
Given the political and ecological sensitivity of further oil drilling in Alaska, local governments are motivated to continue incentives and charging infrastructure build-out to transition more vehicle transportation to sustainable electric platforms. For these reasons, right now represents an opportune time to choose electric mobility in the Last Frontier.
Owning an EV in Alaska – Final Thoughts
I hope the information above gives Alaska drivers more confidence in considering an electric vehicle purchase. While unique geographical and weather challenges exist, continued investments into charging options plus new capable EV models are opening the door for electric to thrive as transportation across the Last Frontier.
Choosing an EV not only saves the majority of us money over time through lower electricity fueling costs, but also dramatically reduces environmental impact by avoiding gas consumption and emissions. For Alaskans hoping to tread more lightly on this magnificent land we call home, driving electric can be a powerful step to enact positive change.
Consider test driving an EV on your next trip to Anchorage or Fairbanks to experience these benefits for yourself. You may be surprised how well modern electric vehicles handle Alaska‘s landscape and lifestyle. With expanding options now available plus the expert guidance above on considerations for ownership up here, EVs can successfully transport Alaskans long into the state‘s bright sustainable future.
