Are electric vehicles practical yet across the sprawling Cornhusker State? This comprehensive guide examines everything potential EV owners in Nebraska need to know in 2023.
Overview of EVs in Nebraska
Out of 1.9 million registered vehicles in Nebraska, only 3,769 are fully electric as of 2022. So EVs still make up just 0.2% of the statewide fleet.
However, annual EV registrations are growing over 20% year-over-year. In 2021 alone, 700 new electric vehicles hit Nebraska roads.
Nebraska still lags behind regional peers like Iowa (1.1% EVs) and Colorado (2.4% EVs) in adoption. But continued investments in charging infrastructure and purchase incentives seek to close this gap.
Nebraska New EV Registrations By Year
| Year | New Registrations | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 352 | – |
| 2019 | 515 | 46% |
| 2020 | 593 | 15% |
| 2021 | 703 | 19% |
The state‘s 2022 National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) plan sets a goal for registering 107,000 light-duty EVs by 2030. This will require a drastic hockey stick growth curve over the next 7 years.
Ambitious targets aside, gradually expanding public charging and brand awareness should still drive steady if slower EV adoption statewide.
State of EV Charging Infrastructure
Charging availability is central for any prospective EV buyer. Can I conveniently plug in to ‘refuel‘ when commuting around town or on road trips across the state?
Nebraska currently has 139 public charging stations statewide based on data from the US Dept of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center. This includes 92 Level 2 stations best for topping off your battery while shopping or dining.
Higher speed DC fast chargers essential for enabling long distance trips number 47 statewide. While still limited, this at least offers minimum coverage for intercity travel assuming careful route planning.
Here‘s how Nebraska‘s charging landscape today compares on a per capita basis nationally and among Midwestern states:
Public EV Charging Stations Per Capita
| State | Charging Sites per 100k Residents | DCFC Sites per 100k Residents |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 7.9 | 3.5 |
| Wisconsin | 6.2 | 1.7 |
| Minnesota | 5.5 | 1.8 |
| Colorado | 14.9 | 5.4 |
| Nebraska | 7.2 | 2.4 |
So we currently rank 3rd regionally for charging accessibility based on population. Colorado continues to lead neighboring states by a wide margin.
Critically, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides guaranteed funding via the NEVI program to build up interstate charging coverage over five years.
Nebraska‘s plan identifies these target highway corridors and communities for new DC fast charger installations by 2027:
- Interstate 80 (Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, North Platte)
- Interstate 76 (Sterling, Ogallala, Chappell)
- Interstate 129 (Omaha)
- Highway 75 (Nebraska City, Auburn)
- Highway 20 (Chadron, Valentine, O‘Neill)
- Alliance, Scottsbluff
Strategic sites along these major travel routes into and across Nebraska should alleviate range anxiety concerns for both residents and visitors driving electric.
Cost to Own the Most Popular Electric Vehicles
Upfront sticker prices for EVs still run higher than comparable gas models — but how much more expensive are they to own long term?
Let‘s analyze 5 year total cost of ownership estimates in Nebraska for the state‘s current top selling EV models.
5 Year Total Cost of Ownership
| EV Model | Base MSRP | Incentives | Electricity Cost | Public Charging | Est. 5 Year TCO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model 3 RWD | $43,000 | $8,500 | $4,000 | $1,500 | $43,500 |
| 2023 Chevy Bolt EV | $27,495 | $10,000 | $3,120 | $900 | $29,000 |
| 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 | $42,115 | $4,000 | $3,900 | $1,200 | $45,500 |
| 2023 Kia EV6 Wind RWD | $42,115 | $4,000 | $3,680 | $1,440 | $45,500 |
Tesla and Hyundai/Kia‘s latest models cost right around $45,000 after 5 years accounting for incentives. Chevy‘s incredibly practical Bolt EV shakes out as the value leader at just $29,000 total.
For comparison, a top selling gas compact SUV like the Toyota RAV4 LE AWD costs around $38,500 over the same ownership period.
So while upfront prices skew higher, Nebraska‘s low electricity rates and EV incentives help minimize the long term premium to own electric. And we haven‘t even factored significant savings on maintenance and ‘fuel‘ costs versus gas yet.
Est. Fuel Savings vs. Gas Counterpart
| EV Model | Electric ‘Fuel‘ Cost | Gas Equivalent ‘Fuel‘ Cost | 5 Year Fuel Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevy Bolt EV | $3,120 | $8,550 | $5,430 |
| Kia EV6 Wind RWD | $3,680 | $10,440 | $6,760 |
With gas prices nearly double the ~$0.10 per kWh average electricity rate in Nebraska, fueling an efficient EV can save over $5,000 compared to a 30 mpg compact crossover.
Lower maintenance requirements also save EV owners $1,500+ over 5 years without oil changes, engine air filters, tune ups, and less brake pad replacements.
Add it all up and a Chevy Bolt EV or Kia EV6 costs essentially the same to own long term as a RAV4 or CR-V in Nebraska. The state‘s low operational costs help offset higher upfront EV prices over time.
Nebraska Electric Vehicle Purchase & Charging Incentives
Nebraska wants to encourage more residents to go electric. The state offers a few incentives that directly reduce EV ownership costs:
- Electric Vehicle Tax Credit – $4,000 back at time of purchase/lease for new all-electric vehicles
- Home Charger Installation Rebate – $500 rebate for installing a 240V Level 2 charger
- No Sales Tax – Full exemption from Nebraska‘s average 5.5% sales tax rate
These savings reduce the effective purchase price by around $5,000 for buyers – enough to wipe away the EV premium for many models. Some local utilities provide additional rebates for home charger installation as well.
The state also boasts electricity rates tied for 14th lowest nationally at just over $0.10 per kWh. This keeps ‘fueling‘ costs extremely affordable for EV owners charging at home. Nebraska‘s power mix is also getting cleaner over time with nearly 30% coming from wind and solar in 2022.
How does this combination of low rates and state EV incentives stack up regionally?
Midwest State Electric Vehicle Incentives
| State | State Tax Credit | Home Charger Rebate | Electric Rate per kWh | Clean Grid Mix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $3,000 | Max $500 | $0.13 | 48% |
| Wisconsin | NONE | NONE | $0.14 | 18% |
| Minnesota | Up to $2,000 | Max $500 | $0.13 | 29% |
| Nebraska | $4,000 | $500 | $0.11 | 41% |
Nebraska comes out very favorably compared to neighbors – offering the most generous EV purchase rebate along with ultra-affordable home charging potential. Your operating costs will be lower owning an electric vehicle in the Cornhusker State.
Between purchase incentives knocking $4,500+ off sticker prices and cheap ‘fueling‘, the effective cost of switching to electric works out to near cost parity with gas models.
The Reality of Owning an EV in Nebraska From Owners
Numbers can show trends, but what‘s the actual experience transitioning to electric like for drivers across the state?
"We‘ve put 25,000 miles on our Chevy Bolt EV purchased in 2021. My husband was skeptical of EVs, but saving so much on gas sold him." – Tina S., Omaha
"Road trips are easier than I expected thanks to new fast charging stations opening. Only had to wait once during a 4th of July trip along I-80." – Mark J., Kearney
"I can charge easily overnight and at free stations around Lincoln. Haven‘t paid a cent for daily ‘fuel‘ in 8 months!" – Leah P., Lincoln
Most Nebraska EV owners report smooth daily driving with accessible public and home charging. But trips between less populated regions still require planning ahead to ensure sufficient range and charging stops. This should continue improving given NEVI investment commitments along state travel corridors.
And exciting new options tailored for Midwest winters are coming soon. The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer EV small SUV and Ford F-150 Lightning Pro electric truck offer ample range and AWD traction. Consumer choices keep expanding rapidly.
The Bottom Line – Are EVs Viable Yet in Nebraska?
Nebraska has significant room for progress enabling mass EV adoption long term. But the state is taking steps in the right direction:
- Home charging costs are ultra-affordable thanks to low Midwest electricity rates
- Generous purchase incentives help offset higher EV sticker prices
- Targeted charging infrastructure expansions underway along major travel routes
Urban residents and in-state travelers needing 200+ miles of range find EVs work quite well already. Rural owners still face some coverage gaps charging out West.
As more models launch tailored for Midwest conditions and charging continues improving, EV viability keeps increasing yearly across Nebraska.
Within the next 5 years, most state residents should find an electric vehicle realistically meets their needs. And one that costs little more per month than a gas counterpart thanks to low operational costs here.
So while early, Nebraska looks positioned to accelerate EV adoption on pace with the country this decade.
