Are you a Michigan driver considering going electric for your next vehicle purchase? EVs have rapidly improved in affordability, technology, and practicality in recent years. And Michigan is ramping up incentives and charging infrastructure to smooth the transition away from gas vehicles.
This comprehensive guide examines the current landscape for electric vehicle ownership in Michigan. It analyzes charging capabilities, cost factors, available incentives, and long term savings to demonstrate why 2023 is the year to get behind the wheel of an emissions-free EV.
Overview of Michigan‘s EV Market Growth
Michigan has seen rising EV adoption in recent years as more models offering extended range enter the mainstream market.
- Over 17,500 EVs were registered in the state as of 2019, a 125% increase since 2016
- EVs still represent a small portion (~0.2%) of total Michigan vehicles, but rapid ongoing growth is expected nationally through 2030
- Investments in charging infrastructure and financial incentives are also expanding to encourage EV purchases
For Michiganders, increased choice of EV makes and models at lower costs paired with state policy support makes 2023 an excellent year to get behind the wheel of an emissions-free electric vehicle.
Expansive and Growing EV Charging Network
Lack of public charging access has long hampered mainstream EV adoption. But Michigan has invested heavily in charging infrastructure and now offers robust coverage for intrastate travel:
- Over 5,000 public charging outlets are available across Michigan
- The vast majority provide Level 2 charging for EVs capable of adding 20+ miles of range per hour
- DC Fast Chargers are currently less common outside major cities but expand EV range extremely rapidly
- Grants up to $70,000 help support new DCFC installations
| City | Total Charging Outlets | DC Fast Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit | 1,237 | 253 |
| Traverse City | 736 | 19 |
| Grand Rapids | 717 | 69 |
| Ann Arbor | 507 | 29 |
| Troy | 330 | 24 |
| Lansing | 323 | 20 |
| Sterling Heights | 267 | 12 |
| Warren | 239 | 14 |
| Flint | 224 | 16 |
| Dearborn | 185 | 14 |
With major population centers thoroughly covered by charging stations and new locations constantly coming online, Michigan EV owners have plentiful charging capability for everyday needs and travel.
Affordable Electric Vehicle Charging Rates
installed in Michigan. As of 2023, most Michigan energy providers offer:
- Level 1 Home Charging: $0.15 – $0.20 per kWh
- Level 2 Home Charging: $0.10 – $0.35 per kWh
- Public Level 2 Charging: $0.25 – $0.50 per kWh
- Public DC Fast Charging: $0.30 – $0.45 per minute
These rates fare extremely well nationally, with Michigan‘s statewide average of $0.18 per kWh ranking near the lowest for charging costs. And many utilities offer special Time-of-Use rates as low as $0.05 per kWh during overnight hours to incentivize off-peak home charging.
| Battery Size | Full Charge @ $0.15 per kWh | Full Charge @ $0.30 per kWh |
|---|---|---|
| 50 kWh | $7.50 | $15 |
| 75 kWh | $11.25 | $22.50 |
| 100 kWh | $15 | $30 |
With most Michigan drivers paying under $0.20 per kWh for home charging, fueling an efficient EV proves far less expensive than gas vehicles. Public rates span a wider range but remain very reasonable relative to the national EV landscape.
Should I Buy? Total Cost of Ownership for Top EVs
Upfront sticker prices for EVs still run higher than comparable gas models – but how do lifetime ownership costs compare when factoring charging expenses plus maintenance savings?
Here are 5 year cost projections for 5 top selling electric vehicles in Michigan, assuming 10,000 miles of annual driving:
| EV Model | MSRP | Fuel Costs | Maintenance | Insurance | Tax Credits | Total 5 Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Chevy Bolt EV | $26,595 | $5,462 | $1,801 | $8,385 | $-7,500 | $34,743 |
| 2023 Nissan Leaf | $28,225 | $5,462 | $3,430 | $7,650 | $-7,500 | $37,267 |
| 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 | $38,790 | $8,193 | $3,067 | $9,687 | $-7,500 | $52,237 |
| 2023 Ford Mustang Mach E | $47,000 | $10,241 | $3,502 | $10,476 | $-7,500 | $63,719 |
| 2023 Tesla Model 3 RWD | $48,490 | $10,241 | $3,926 | $11,796 | $-3,750 | $70,703 |
- Fuel costs assume home charging rates of $0.15 per kWh
- Maintenance totals for gas equivalents range from $8,500 – $12,000
- Insurance, taxes and fees included for Michigan drivers
While still carrying premium price tags compared to economy gas vehicles, total cost of ownership prove very competitive – especially when factoring available federal tax credits up to $7,500. State and local incentives can drop totals even further.
Maximizing Savings Through Michigan EV Incentives
Michigan offers some of the best consumer incentives nationwide aimed at accelerating mainstream EV adoption:
Federal Tax Credits
- Up to $7,500 back when filing taxes after purchasing an eligible new EV
Michigan Charging Infrastructure Grants
- Up to $70,000 toward new public Level 3 DCFC chargers
- Helps expand fast charging network coverage statewide
Utility Rebate Programs
- $500+ for installing Level 2 home chargers
- Special Time-of-Use rates as low as $0.05 per kWh overnight
With total savings from incentives and gas savings exceeding $15,000 – $20,000 over 5 years of ownership, switching to electric increasingly pays for itself versus sticking with gas vehicles.
Final Takeaway: An EV is Within Reach in Michigan
Between the expanding charging network enabling travel across the state, low electrical rates for charging, generous purchase incentives, and advanced vehicle ranges – 2023 shapes up as the ideal year to join Michigan‘s accelerating transition to EVs.
Owning a Tesla may still feel financially out of reach – but modern electric vehicles from mainstream automakers like Ford, GM, VW and more make emissions-free driving accessible to far wider range of Michigan drivers thanks to state policies prioritizing rapid EV growth. Factor in the lack of oil changes plus long term savings on fuel and maintenance, and choosing electric should command serious consideration before signing your next vehicle purchase agreement.
Interested to learn more about the history of electric vehicles? Check out History Computer‘s EV background guide.
