So you‘re interested in joining the electric revolution, but live in America‘s Dairyland? This in-depth guide examines if owning an EV makes sense for Wisconsin drivers based on upfront costs, available infrastructure and winter weather performance. Read on to gain expert insights as we crunch the numbers!
Overview
- Wisconsin lags most states with just 2,000 public charging plugs and minimal fast charging options outside cities
- Lack of financial incentives hurts, but used EVs can still save thousands over 5 years of ownership
- DC fast charging stations are expanding along highways under new funding programs
- Extreme cold impacts range, but careful pre-trip planning resolves most issues
- Urban residents with home charging enjoy the greatest benefits going electric
While barriers exist to mainstream adoption statewide, Electric Vehicles present a smart path forward for Milwaukee commuters and suburban families aiming to save on fuel and vehicle maintenance. Let‘s dive deeper across 5 key ownership factors:
Wisconsin‘s Work-In-Progress EV Infrastructure
Electrify America recently deemed Wisconsin the worst state for EV charging access. Strong words, but infrastructure data and funding history provides context on this blunt assessment:
- Approximately 2,300 public charging ports at roughly 950 locations as of 2022 – lagging Midwest peers
- Sites clustered near major cities with large gaps in rural areas
- Lacked federally approved stations until 2022 which prevented federal grants
- Awarded $79 million over 5 years under NEVI program to build out fast charging network
The positive trend is Governor Evers setting ambitious goals including registering 125,000 EVs by 2030. The state now has funding to contract vendors building sites along designated alternative fuel corridors spanning 400+ miles of interstate highways.
Table 1. Wisconsin Public Charging Infrastructure Goals
| Year | New DC Fast Charge Sites | New Level 2 Sites | Total DC Fast Plugs | Total Charging Sites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | Unknown | 16 | ~950 |
| 2025 | 114 | Unknown | 715 | 1,800 |
| 2030 | 390 | Unknown | 2,438 | 6,000 |
Early phases focus will be I-94 from Minnesota through Eau Claire to Milwaukee plus I-90/94 heading northwest from Madison. This will allow freeway travel between population hubs.
The ultimate aim is for drivers to have DC fast charging sites no more than 50 miles apart near highway exits. This would enable long distance electric travel across Wisconsin by 2030.
Purchase Price and Incentives
Upfront cost remains the largest barrier to EV adoption. Let‘s examine both new and used prices for some of today‘s best selling electric models:
Table 2. Popular Electric Vehicles Prices (Before Incentives)
| EV Model | Range | Base MSRP | Avg Used Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV | 259 mi | $31,500 | $25,000 |
| 2023 Nissan Leaf Plus | 215 mi | $36,145 | $22,000 |
| 2023 Kia Niro EV | 239 mi | $39,990 | $37,000 |
| 2023 Tesla Model 3 | 358 mi | $46,990 | $43,000 |
Used EVs save $5,000 to $15,000 compared to new while providing the latest tech upgrades over early 2010 models. Condition and battery capacity do vary when going used so careful inspection is recommended.
The lack of Wisconsin financial incentives definitely stings your bank account upfront versus other states:
- No cash rebates or tax credits offered like CA, NY and NJ
- $100 annual EV registration surcharge
- Extra $75 added to vehicle title transfer fee
On the flip side you can still claim the federal electric vehicle tax credit of $3,750 to $7,500 on new Tesla, GM, Nissan and Hyundai EVs. This applies at time of tax filing and gets deducted directly from your owed income tax.
When weighing EV costs also account for savings you‘ll realize on gasoline expenses, oil changes, engine repairs plus potential utility company rebates.
Electricity Costs: Charging Rates and Impact of Cold Weather
Operating an electric vehicle costs a fraction versus gas or diesel models – electricity is simply more efficient. But Wisconsin utility rates and winter temps do impact overall costs:
- Residential electricity price averages $0.12 per kWh in Wisconsin – on par with other Midwest states
- Each 100 miles driven requires approx 30 kWh for compact/midsize EVs
- Estimated yearly ‘fuel‘ cost range: $400 to $800 depending on miles
- Use time-of-day rates during home charging to maximize savings
Harsh winter weatherUnfortunately range and consumption both suffer in extreme cold and snow. Allow for a 25% reduction in max miles during Wisconsin winters:
- Cabin heating diverts power from battery propulsion
- Low temps sap battery performance and require more juice to heat pack
- Snow and ice create more tire and traction resistance
Carefully watch current range at start of trips. Know locations of charging sites in case added top offs become necessary. Give high voltage batteries extra time to warm internally when supercharging in cold weather.
Tip: Schedule charging to finish before you depart so battery temperature gets a boost from onboard systems vs. cold ambient air.
Environmental Benefits
While saving money provides immediate returns, preserving Wisconsin‘s natural beauty and resources makes going electric a common sense long term move. Every gas or diesel vehicle replaced delivers compounding benefits over its lifespan:
- Eliminates trips to dirty gas stations
- Cuts tailpipe emissions and smog producing particulates
- Improves air quality across cities increasing public health
- Reduces dependency on foreign fossil fuel markets
- Lowers national security costs protecting global petroleum supply chain
- Finally gives power back to consumers supporting domestic energy jobs
Adopting 125,000 EVs statewide by 2030 would save 135 million gallons of gasoline while avoiding 2 million metric tons of CO2 emissions per year. That‘s equivalent to:
- Taking 315,000 ICE vehicles off state roads permanently
- Planting 2.7 million mature trees
- Converting 341,000 homes to solar electricity
- Powering Madison‘s entire grid for 1 month+
Talk about moving the emissions needle and setting an example for flyover states to follow!
Conclusion – EVs Bring Savings Today with Infrastructure Catching Up
Limited charging options and lack of purchase incentives today presents hurdles Wisconsin hasn‘t quite cleared for mainstream adoption. But new funding aimed at interstate fast charging will connect cities long term.
Urban residents ready to ditch gas can realize significant cost savings now on affordable used EV models like the Bolt and Leaf – thousands less over 5 years accounting for fuel and maintenance.
Rural drivers and highway cruisers still need more infrastructure buildout supporting long trips. Carefully evaluate your daily commute and home charging access upfront.
With more Wisconsin drivers going electric this decade, public pressure can build to add state subsidies while cities continue installing public L2 chargers addressing urban range anxiety.
I predict over 60,000 EVs registered in Wisconsin by 2025 based on influx of used inventory even if new prices hover higher. As charging stations rollout exceeding DNR targets, EVs will move from novelty to increasingly commonplace across America‘s Dairyland through 2030.
So don‘t let skeptics claim winter weather makes EVs impractical in Wisconsin. For urban commuters and suburban families driving under 100 miles daily, now is the time to benefit from electric mobility while supporting cleaner air and energy independence!
