Fellow Utahns, are you considering buying an electric vehicle (EV) but still unsure whether our state provides a friendly environment for EVs? Well, let me assure you, as a long-time EV driver and renewable energy expert based in Salt Lake City, Utah offers the ideal ecosystem for affordable and enjoyable electric mobility!
In this comprehensive guide derived from firsthand experience, I will overview everything you need to know about:
- Utah‘s expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure
- Total cost comparisons with gas cars and EV incentives
- Charging costs and specs for popular EV models now available
- Projections for more exciting new EVs suited for Utahns
- Best practices for hassle-free road trips across the state
- Powering your EV from solar panels and time-of-use rates
- Experiencing Utah‘s natural beauty in whisper-quiet comfort
Let‘s get rolling on the route to sustainable electric transportation!
Charging Up Across Utah
As an EV owner driving around Utah regularly, I‘ve directly witnessed the ongoing growth in public charging stations. Statewide, there are over 2,000 public chargers, with the densest concentrations found along the Wasatch Front.
| Charger Type | Voltage | Max Charge Rate | Time to Add ~100 Miles | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | 240V | 7 kW | 10+ hours | Homes, workplaces, public lots |
| DC Fast | 480V | 50 kW | 30 minutes | Highways, resorts, shopping |
| Supercharger | 480V | 250 kW | 15 minutes | Along major highways |
[Image depicting Utah‘s existing and planned charging network.]
The Utah Department of Transportation does an excellent job tracking locations of all public charging stations across the state. I‘ve had consistently reliable experiences charging at Electrify America, ChargePoint, EVgo and Tesla stations while road tripping from Salt Lake to destinations like Park City, Moab, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.
Our family also installed a ChargePoint Home Flex charger running off solar panels in our garage for easy overnight charging. This covers nearly all local daily driving, with DC fast charging stations available for longer trips.
EV Ownership Cost Savings
Choosing to buy a Tesla Model 3 Long Range in 2019 was the best financial decision I‘ve made regarding personal transportation. Here‘s a cost comparison versus a comparable gas-powered luxury sedan over 5 years:
| Category | Tesla Model 3 | Audi A4 Quattro |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $48,990 | $41,300 |
| Incentives & Savings | $9,500 | – |
| Effective Price | $39,490 | $41,300 |
| Electricity / Gas Costs | $3,300 | $15,500 |
| Total 5 Year Cost | $42,790 | $56,800 |
As you can see, the Tesla comes out more than $14,000 cheaper over just 5 years despite its higher initial sticker price. And I haven‘t even factored in lower maintenance costs since EVs have far fewer mechanical parts. Nor does this account for potential savings from solar powering my EV.
Clearly, in addition to the positive environmental impact, driving electric provides outstanding savings for Utah families and businesses! This economic edge will only keep growing as technological innovations lower EV battery prices each year…
Latest and Upcoming Electric Models
Beyond just savings, what excites me most is seeing automakers compete to create ever-more capable and cool electric rides. 2023 is shaping up to be a breakout year, with multiple intriguing new EV options tailored for Utah‘s adventurous outdoor-loving culture:
Rivian R1S
Eagerly anticipated, the R1S promises to be the ultimate electric adventure mobile with up to 316 miles of range. Its rugged build and clever storage solutions can haul your gear to backcountry trailheads. Available in Utah by mid-2023 starting around $78,000 before federal tax credits.
Audi Q8 E-Tron
For luxury SUV seekers, Audi‘s first electric delivers Everything you expect in refinement and technology. A cutting-edge driving assistance system enables hands-free highway driving. Pricing starts around $97,000 before incentives.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Hyundai aims to disrupt the electric sedan space by infusing futuristic styling into this sporty 4-door set for summer 2023 release. Target range reaches 350 miles courtesy of an ultra-slippery shape allowing easy highway driving across Utah.
As you can see, automakers now acknowledge that the EV revolution has arrived! Given Utah‘s abundant solar and wind resources, we find ourselves at the epicenter of this opportunity to embrace sustainable transportation…
Charging Your EV on Solar Power
Installing rooftop solar panels creates the ultimate clean mobility combo when paired with an EV. Solar energy production aligns well with peak residential charging times. After upgrading to a larger 8 kW solar array, I‘ve achieved:
- 100% solar-powered local EV driving
- Access to cheaper time-of-use electricity rates
- Backup home power during grid outages
Based on Rocky Mountain Power‘s net metering agreement, any excess solar electricity produced gets credited back on my bill at the full retail rate.
Effectively, this exempts me entirely from paying for home EV charging! Even as more Utahn transition to EVs, our renewable potential can support these loads. Solar panels represent a smart investment into energy independence…
Road Trippin‘ – Best EV Practices
Since range anxiety deters many prospective EV buyers, I want to share travel tips I‘ve learned:
- Use apps like PlugShare to map routes with charging stops
- Plan charging stops of 20-30 minutes every 2-3 hours
- Charge more frequently in cold weather as range decreases
- Preheating the cabin while plugged in reduces energy drain
- For long trips, schedule charging stops to use restrooms/meals
- Top up to 80-90% charge for fastest road trip charging
Admittedly, EVs require more planning compared to gas cars for long mountain drives. But this minor adjustment opens the door to cleaner transportation aligning with Utah‘s natural beauty! Ultimately by adopting small changes in our habits and mindsets, we build towards a brighter collective future. Are you ready to take the electric leap?
Sincerely Yours,
[Author Bio Goes Here]
