Deciding whether an electric vehicle is right for you can feel overwhelming. Information on charging options, costs, environmental impact, and state incentives often raises more questions than answers. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive, data-backed resource for Georgians considering an EV purchase. I‘ll share everything I‘ve learned during my own EV buying experience so you can determine if plugging in makes practical and financial sense for your lifestyle.
Charging Infrastructure Across Georgia
Understanding what, where, and how to charge generally tops the list of concerns for prospective EV owners. Georgia‘s charging infrastructure sees rapid expansion to serve over 30,000 electric vehicle drivers and counting.
| Year | Number of Charging Stations | Number of Charging Outlets |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,086 | 2,657 |
| 2022 | 1,399 | 3,427 |
Data Source: US Dept of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center[1]
The table above displays the yearly growth in stations and outlets across Georgia. In just the last year, new installations increased stations 29% and outlets 29%.
Atlanta leads the state‘s metro areas with over 3,000 total charging outlets. The city adds new public charging options regularly, including along major travel corridors. Rural infrastructure also continues improving to connect destinations across Georgia.
Charging made simple with apps and "islands"
In addition to the growing fleet of public chargers, Georgia Power opened several "charging islands" across cities like Atlanta and Savannah. These sites offer fast charging and Level 2 stations in one convenient hub.
I use apps like PlugShare to map routes including possible charging stopovers. The app even denotes which stations offer free charging! Between the apps and rapidly expanding infrastructure, I now feel comfortable trekking anywhere across the state in my EV.
Cost to Charge Georgia‘s Favorite EV Models
One question I heard most from curious friends was "how much will it cost to charge that thing?". The short answer: far less than you might imagine!
I‘ll compare charging specs and electricity costs for three top-selling electric vehicles in Georgia.
Tesla Model 3
- Battery Size: 62 kWh
- Full Charge Time: ~8 hours (240V)[2]
- Charging Cost Per 100 Miles: $4.41
- Charging Cost Per Year (average 15,000 miles): $661
Ford Mustang Mach E
- Battery Sizes: 68-88 kWh
- Full Charge Time: ~8 hours (240V)
- Charging Cost Per 100 Miles: $4.90-$6.30[3]
- Charging Cost Per Year (average 15,000 miles): $735-$945
Kia Niro EV
- Battery Size: 64 kWh
- Full Charge Time: ~9 hours (240V)
- Charging Cost Per 100 Miles: $4.46[4]
- Charging Cost Per Year (average 15,000 miles): $669
Based on these figures, Georgian drivers pay less than $5-7 to travel 100 miles in today‘s most popular EVs. Compared to gas counterparts delivering 25-30 mpg, electricity saves owners hundreds per year fueling costs.
DC Fast charging provides even more convenience and speed for longer trips. A 30 minute rapid charge restores most EVs to 80% from low batteries.
Georgia Incentives – Discounts and Rebates
In addition to lower "fuel" costs, Georgia EV drivers can earn other savings through:
Federal Tax Credit – Up to $7,500 back until vehicle cap met by automaker[5]
State Rebate – $250 from Georgia Power for home charger installation[6]
*Eligibility terms apply
I utilized both the Federal credit and Georgia Power rebate when buying my EV, reducing my upfront purchase price by thousands! For qualifying used EVs, federal incentives provide up to $4,000 through 2032.
These discounts combined with my estimated $600 per year in charging cost savings deliver payback on my EV in just a few years.
Charging Ahead – The Future of Georgia EVs
As more drivers discover the benefits of emissions-free, efficiently fueled electric vehicles, infrastructure and model availability will continue rapidly improving across Georgia.
Common concerns around vehicle range, charging options, and costs fade for most after purchasing thanks to real-world convenience and affordability. Test driving an EV yourself can help imagine how well a tailored charging routine will suit your lifestyle.
I encourage you to reference this guide during your buying journey or reach out with any other questions! I‘m happy to provide more first-hand advice to fellow Georgians considering the switch to electric.
[1] https://afdc.energy.gov/data/10567
[2] https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=noform&path=1&year1=2022&year2=2022&make=Tesla&baseModel=Model%203&srchtyp=ymm&pageno=1&rowLimit=50
[3] https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=noform&path=1&year1=2022&year2=2022&make=Ford&baseModel=Mustang%20Mach-E&srchtyp=ymm
[4] https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/PowerSearch.do?action=noform&path=1&year1=2022&year2=2022&make=Kia&baseModel=Niro%20EV&srchtyp=ymm&pageno=1&rowLimit=50
[5] https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxevb.shtml
[6] https://www.georgiapower.com/residential/billing-and-rate-plans/pricing-and-rate-plans/plug-in-ev.html
