Ice roads and diesels define Alaska‘s rough and tumble transportation scene. But make way for EV upstarts electrifying the 49th state despite frigid isolation!
I guide you through the rapidly evolving landscape for electric vehicles braving America‘s coldest frontier – revealing consumer trends, model favorites, and the road ahead for Alaska‘s EV future in the land of the midnight sun.
Alaska‘s EV Market – Challenged But Charging Ahead
Vast distances between charging stations concern prospective EV buyers in Alaska. And where Southwestern states boast EV adoption nearing 15%, Alaska lags at just 0.09%. Still, EV registrations grow over 3% monthly with ownership incentives helping conquer gas budget worries.
Brian Smith of Anchorage traded his gas guzzling pickup for a Nissan Leaf. He explains: "Between federal tax credits and cost savings from cheap home charging, my EV puts $150 extra in my wallet each month!"
Alaska car buyers also turn to EVs for features beyond budget benefits:
- Instant torque off the line outperforming gas cars
- High-tech cockpits with WiFi and expansive touchscreens
- Almost non-existent maintenance without complex engines
By The Numbers: Alaska‘s Expanding Electric Fleet
| Year | Total EVs Registered | Growth %YOY |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 949 | N/A |
| 2020 | 1,493 | 57% |
| 2021 | 1,887 | 26% |
| Current | 2,290 | 21% |
Registrations data reveals a few key trends:
- 21% annual registration growth suggests increasing consumer adoption
- Strong preference for battery electric models (1,290) over just 1,000 plugin hybrid EVs
- EV share of total registered vehicles reached 0.26% in 2022 – while still low, indicates growing choice for electrified mobility
Positive indicators indeed. But which EV models specifically rise to the challenge of formidable Alaskan landscapes? Let‘s uncover the top choices powering across tundra, forests, and mountains powered by electricity alone.
2023‘s Most Popular Electric Vehicles in Alaska
Combining registration data with statewide sales numbers reveals Alaska‘s EV preferences:
1. Tesla Model Y
Tesla continues domination as Alaska‘s leading EV maker thanks to cutting-edge tech. The AWD Model Y Crossover navigates backroads with two independent motors while driver assist features handle tedious highway hauls. Seamless access to Tesla‘s Supercharger network keeps owners roaming beyond cities.
Alice Juneau swapped her Subaru Outback for adventuring in her long-range Model Y instead: "I feel so hi-tech driving this spaceship! We snowboard in Girdwood and charge for free at the Tesla Superchargers there."
Price: $65,990
Range: 330 Miles
2. Ford F-150 Lightning
Rugged American icons, Alaskan pickup trucks haul adventurers near and far. The electric Lightning nets covetous glances for wicked fast 563 horsepower allowing 10,000 pound trailers to be towed effortlessly while still smoothly navigating cities. No gaps in torque also help challenging backroads driving.
Price: $55,974
Range: 320 miles (extended)
3. Volkswagen ID.4
The budget-friendly ID.4 compact SUV contains versatile storage for outdoor gear during weekend getaways while neatly parking around town. Smart styling inside and out appeals to young urban professionals while AWD provides stability across all terrain.
Mark and Alicia Taylor of Fairbanks traded their VW Atlas for an ID.4. Despite having a toddler, they still feel comfortable road tripping thanks to long range: "We drove all the way to Denali and back on one charge! The ID.4 is so quiet our daughter naps the whole drive."
Price $41,190
Range: 250 miles
4. Nissan Leaf
As Alaska‘s long time EV deal, Nissan Leafs fill smaller communities thanks to sub-$30,000 pricing. Despite just 150 mile ranges, lower daily mileage needs for more centralized living makes frequent charging a non-issue.
Price: $28,995
Range: 150 miles
5. Rivian R1T
New EV pickup darling Rivian attracts adventurous early adopters. The R1T pickup offers around 300 miles driving while maxing out at tank-like torque: 835 lb-ft. Sophisticated driving aids handle tedious terrain allowing owners to look out over mountains instead of just focused on rocky paths ahead. Prices still limit widespread adoption.
Price: $78,000
Range: 314 miles
Alaska‘s top EVs all utilize advanced technology mitigating range anxiety and hazardous driving across slippery terrain during long winters. Extended range and powerful torque satisfay Alaska‘s unique transportation needs while keeping owners connected and comfortable on the go.
Now let‘s examine what fuels this small but surging transition toward electric mobility in the 49th state.
Why EVs Are Sparking in The Last Frontier
Frigid weather limits national EV growth as cold saps batteries, but Alaska balances this with virtues benefiting adoption:
Cheaper Electricity – Hydro power and natural gas generation keeps kilowatt-hour costs below $0.20 for many areas – allowing EVs to be charged inexpensively.
Outdoor Culture – Alaskans take advantage of instant acceleration and quiet rides to reach remote hiking and hunting locations gas vehicles can‘t access.
Increasing Range – As batteries improve cold weather tolerance and pack in more cells, range anxiety diminishes for Alaska‘s long distances. 2023 models often exceed 250 miles capacity.
Government Support – Alaska offers electric bill credits funding home charger installation along with rebates of $1,000 – $2,000 on EV purchases to incentivize low emission vehicles.
But every silver lining holds a cloud. EV limitations still hinder faster adoption growth in the 49th state requiring some clever adaptations…
Charging Solutions to Tame Alaska‘s Cold
Sub-zero temperatures sap EV battery capacities by around 30%, concerning new owners. But with savvy preparation, Alaska‘s cold loses its bite:
Battery Warmers – Heating elements around battery packs keep cells warmer, reducing power losses. Warmers minimize range loss down to just 8% in extreme cold.
Insulated Garages – Parking EVs in insulated rather than outside cuts passive battery cooling between drives, preserving range.
DC Fast Charging – Superchargers and DC stations add 60+ miles range in just 5-10 minutes. This allows quick top-ups when needing full range.
Level 2 Charger Upgrades – 240 volt, 40 amp home outlets recharge EVs overnight 3-4x quicker than standard 120v plugs.
Battery Preconditioning – Tesla vehicles feature system routing power to warm batteries when destinations are inputted into navigation systems while still plugged in. Cells then reach ideal temperatures once driving starts.
Get our top tips for preparing your EV to take on Alaska‘s icy roads!
Download Alaska EV Winter Preparation Checklist >
While barriers exist to EV adoption in Alaska‘s challenging climate, both automakers and owners continue pioneering adaptations allowing electrified travel from Deadhorse to Homer.
The Road Ahead: Alaska‘s Electric Vehicle Future
Gas prices will always swing wildly given Alaska‘s detached location. So even as oil flows from the North Slope, economics increasingly favor EVs.
The Alaska Energy Authority estimates EVs cruising Alaska‘s vast stretches will rocket from over 2,000 today to between 7,000 and 14,000 vehicles by 2030 based on current adoption rates.
Alaska also pushes toward powering transportation from its immense renewable energy resources:
- Alaska Senate Bill 160: Establishes targets for 300 public EV charging stations by 2027 to enable extended travel
- Kodiak Electric Association: Plans 18 new DC fast chargers on Kodiak Island for 20% of cars to be electric by 2030
- Anchorage Solar Project: Installing solar power canopy over Ted Stevens Airport parking to generate clean energy for onsite EV charging
Frigid today but forecasts now see Alaska plugging into an electrified transportation future – especially as extreme cold and off-grid mobility drives innovation benefitting EVs across America.
Ready to make the EV switch yourself or finally take a test drive? Check out our guide to find winter-ready electric vehicles available near you along with local incentives.
