Aloha Friends! Are Electric Vehicles Right for You? My In-Depth Guide for Hawaiian Drivers
As a data analyst and EV enthusiast living in Hawaii, friends and neighbors often ask me whether investing in an electric vehicle makes sense given our state‘s unique circumstances. I wrote this comprehensive guide to provide locals like you straightforward information about charging options, costs, available incentives and everything else you need to know before buying an EV.
Here in our island paradise, sales of EVs are rapidly rising thanks to automakers bringing great new models to market. But the transition away from gas powered cars comes with distinct challenges for Hawaiian residents compared to on the mainland. By covering key questions like "How many public charging stations exist near me?" and "How much money could an EV save yearly on fuel?", I‘ll help you make the switch to sustainable electric driving with confidence.
Let‘s get started!
The Latest on Hawaii‘s Public Charging Station Rollout
As of 2022, there are approximately 751 public EV charging ports installed at over 300 individual charging sites across our eight major islands according to the Department of Energy. About 70% of those stations are concentrated on Oahu, with more rural islands like Lanai and Molokai seriously lacking adequate infrastructure so far.
This equates to over 25 registered electric vehicles for every public charging port available statewide. Meanwhile in California, a leader in overall EV support, there are around 15 EVs on the road for each open port.
While Oahu residents have far more options for charging around Honolulu, drivers on Hawaii‘s other islands face uncertainties around longer trips between destinations. Relying solely on the still-developing public charging network could lead to headaches for friends on Maui or the Big Island planning road trips in a new EV. That‘s why experts recommend most local EV buyers equip their home for convenient overnight charging.
How My Electric Bill Changes with an EV
Okay, let‘s talk numbers! Given Hawaii‘s nation-leading electricity rates, what can regular folks expect to pay "filling up" at home versus the gas station?
I‘ve created this handy table with charging details for some of America‘s favorite electric models:
| EV Model | Battery Size | Electric Range | Electricity Used | Charging Cost per 100 Miles* | Gas Equivalent per 100 Miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model 3 | 75 kWh | 358 miles | 20 kWh | $17.32 | $5.31 per gallon |
| 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge | 75 kWh | 223 miles | 22 kWh | $22.34 | 5.31 per gallon |
| 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning (Extended Range) | 131 kWh | 320 miles | 34 kWh | $36.36 | 5.31 per gallon |
*Based on Hawaii‘s residential electricity rate of 34.54 cents per kWh
As you can see, running costs for these popular electric models range from $17 to $36 per 100 miles depending on battery capacity. Compare that to $115 to fill up a traditional F-150‘s 36-gallon tank at over $5 per gallon!
Clearly, making the switch to electric provides major fuel savings for local drivers. And with gas prices trending upwards, your annual savings over a gas powered car will likely grow every year you own your EV.
State and Federal Support for Hawaiian EV Adoption
Now for some disappointing news on the policy front. The state of Hawaii currently provides no direct financial incentives for residents who purchase an electric vehicle. Even worse, the Department of Motor Vehicles tacks an additional $50 registration fee onto EV owners every year!
For a state with ideal weather and distances for electric cars, you would expect more political support. But at least Hawaiian taxpayers remain eligible for a federal tax credit up to $7,500 when you file your returns in April. Consult your specific EV‘s details, as the incentives gradually phase out once an automaker sells over 200,000 total electric vehicles.
The trend is positive nationwide, with over $7 billion allocated towards building EV chargers under President Biden‘s Infrastructure Package. This year Hawaii received $12 million to expand fast charging capability, with over $50 million due to our state through 2027 as the rollout accelerates.
Saving Money Charging Your EV at Home
Based on the current gaps in Hawaii‘s public charging network, experts strongly recommend new EV owners equip their home for overnight charging whenever possible. This provides maximum flexibility and cost savings given residential electrical rates.
Charging times and installation costs vary depending on your home‘s setup. With a regular 120-volt household outlet and the EV‘s included cordset, you can add roughly 20-30 miles of range overnight. Upgrading to a 240-volt Level 2 system (like for a washer/dryer) delivers 10-30 miles per hour of charging.
Hawaii Energy offers generous rebates up to $500 when you install a smart Level 2 EVSE system, dropping upfront costs. On the Big Island where I live, that savings goes a long way!
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[Additional sections with home charging analysis, driving habit recommendations, and conclusions]Ready to Join the EV Movement?
Based on my in-depth analysis, electric vehicles make tremendous financial and practical sense here in Hawaii despite our lack of widespread public charging compared to progressive states on the mainland. Make sure to consider your regular driving needs, take advantage of available rebates, and equip your home for charging when possible. With help from forward-thinking local policymakers, our public infrastructure will catch up in due time as well.
I‘m always happy to chat more about my experience owning an EV here or walk you through the financial calculations. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions before you make the exciting switch to sustainable electric driving!
A hui hou (until we meet again),
[Your name]
