So you‘re interested in jumping on board the electric vehicle revolution, but worried about doing so in a rural state like Wyoming? It‘s understandable to have concerns about limited charging access inhibiting travel across Wyoming‘s wide open spaces. However, changes underway along with cost savings from low electricity rates and tax incentives could make now an ideal time to cut the cord with gasoline for good.
Contrary to perception, Wyoming‘s EV infrastructure is steadily growing thanks to in influx of federal funding. And for in-town driving coupled with home charging, owning an EV provides the same reliability as a gas vehicle with far lower maintenance. This guide will get you up to speed on all those factors to consider before purchasing an electric ride in Wyoming.
Wyoming‘s Path to Statewide Charging Coverage
With a population density of just 5.8 people per square mile, building out EV infrastructure in Wyoming requires creativity and targeted federal support. Yet the pieces are falling into place to deliver reliable charging for both rural residents and travelers by 2030.
Wyoming currently has 371 public charging stations containing nearly 800 charging outlets according to the Department of Energy. The Wyoming Department of Transportation publicized plans in 2022 outlining how $24 million allocated over 5 years in National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula funding would expand fast charging coverage. See the planned locations here.
| Charging Type | Description | Charge Rate | Connector Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Use 120V household outlet for slow overnight charging | 1 – 2 kW | J1772 |
| Level 2 | Faster charging via 240V outlet | Up to 7.6 kW (typically 3 – 6 kW) | J1772 |
| DC Fast Charging | Direct current bypasses car‘s charger for quickest rate | 50 – 350 kW | CHAdeMO, CCS, Tesla |
The first priority involves installing at least one 4-port DC fast charging station every 50 miles along Interstates 25, 80, and 90. The plans even call for eventually locating four sites ready to scale up to 12 DC plugs as EV adoption grows. These efforts complement charging options already available near Wyoming‘s tourist destinations like Jackson and Yellowstone National Park.
The summary below highlights Wyoming‘s steadily improving charging landscape over the next decade:
- 2023 – 371 public charging stations / 794 ports statewide
- 2026 – 150+ anticipated new DC fast charging stations along interstates under NEVI funding
- 2030 – Projected 600+ charging stations and 2,500+ ports available
So while long trips across Wyoming remain challenging today in certain vehicles, expanded infrastructure will soon support statewide travel regardless of EV model. And improvements are already noticeable each year.
Just How Affordable is Charging an EV in Wyoming?
Here‘s where things get even more attractive. Wyoming ranks 3rd lowest nationally for electricity costs at an average $0.11 per kWh residential rate according to the Energy Information Administration. Combine inexpensive charging with the far lower maintenance costs of an EV, and it‘s easy to see why electric vehicles make financial sense in the long run.
Let‘s examine exact charging costs in Wyoming to fully replenish some popular electric models from low to low overnight:
| EV | Battery Size | Home Charge Cost | Public Charge Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Nissan Leaf | 62 kWh | $6.82 | $9.92 |
| 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV | 65 kWh | $7.15 | $10.40 |
| 2023 Kia Niro EV | 64.8 kWh | $7.13 | $10.37 |
| 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range | 82 kWh | $9.02 | $13.12 |
| 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning (Extended Range) | 131 kWh | $14.41 | $20.96 |
Rather affordable, wouldn‘t you say? Now compare that to current Wyoming gas prices averaging $3.50 per gallon. If you drove a truck like the Ford F-150 Lightning 20,000 miles per year at 70 MPGe, you would spend around $2,500 annually in electricity costs. Whereas a gas-powered F-150 would consume over 700 gallons to drive the same distance, costing roughly $4,200 per year when factoring current prices at the pump. The savings add up quickly.
Admittedly no state incentives soften EV pricing in Wyoming. But for a state with no vehicle taxes, the charging savings help offset higher upfront prices over time.
Federal Incentives Sweeten Wyoming‘s EV Appeal
Since Wyoming falls short on state EV rebates and credits, federal tax incentives provide the next best option for lowering prices. As of 2023, buyers can still claim:
- Up to $7,500 back in federal tax credits for new EV purchases
- Up to $4,000 tax credit when buying select used EVs under $25,000
Couple those savings with EV purchase financing or leasing starting around 2.24% APR, and suddenly electric vehicles compete cost-wise with economy ICE vehicles in some scenarios. While not cheap, carefully researching applicable federal credits and low interest rates (along with estimated charging costs) reveal attractive pricing on certain models.
The Outlook for EVs Continues Brightening in Wyoming
For a lightly populated flyover state, Wyoming continues laying impressive groundwork to support electric vehicle adoption and travel. Ongoing infrastructure expansion thanks to NEVI funding will bring reliable DC fast charging to the major interstates by 2026 at the latest.
Within a decade, prospective EV buyers can expect over 600 public charging stations containing some 2,500 charging ports available across Wyoming based on current projections. That level of convenience coupled with economical home charging from Wyoming‘s cheap residential electricity rates will only accelerate EV sales in the coming years.
As always, carefully considering your daily driving, ability to charge at home, and eligibility for federal tax incentives helps determine if buying electric makes sense financially. But from improving rural route fast charging to almost maintenance-free operation, the reasons to ditch gas for good keep growing in the Cowboy State.
