Wisconsin hasn‘t kept pace with left-coast states when it comes to electric vehicle (EV) adoption. Just over 6,000 battery electrics roamed the roads as of 2021 according to state vehicle registrations. That‘s a mere 0.1% of the state‘s 5.8 million light-duty vehicles.
But transitioning from gas vehicles is not simply a matter of consumer preference. It requires large-scale coordination between governments, utilities, automakers and drivers. Wisconsin still lags behind in several key areas needed to incentivize and support EV ownership for the average resident.
The Current State of EV Adoption in Wisconsin
| State | Total EVs Registered | % Light-Duty EVs |
|---|---|---|
| California | 613,000 | 2.1% |
| Washington | 88,000 | 1.3% |
| Wisconsin | 6,100 | 0.1% |
Statistics from NESCAUM 2021 report on state-level ZEV registrations
Wisconsin counts just over 6,100 light-duty electric vehicles on the roads as of 2021. That equates to around 1 EV for every 1,000 conventional cars currently registered.
Growth may seem slow, but registrations continue rising annually. EV options also expand as automakers commit more resources toward electrification. So while the state hasn‘t reached an inflection point yet, the pieces align to hit an acceleration point within the next decade.
Factor 1 – Upfront Purchase Price
Ask 10 drivers why they haven‘t gone electric and 8 will probably cite the higher upfront cost. Electric vehicles carry price tags 25-50% greater than their gas-powered counterparts today.
Let‘s break down base prices across a range of popular 2021 EV models:
| Make & Model | Base MSRP |
|---|---|
| Nissan Leaf | $27,400 |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | $39,995 |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | $42,895 |
| Polestar 2 | $45,900 |
| Tesla Model Y | $62,990 |
Federal tax credits along with state and local incentives can help overcome cost barriers for early adopters. But widespread mainstream adoption requires sticker prices on par with $25,000 economy cars and loaded $45,000 trucks many Wisconsin families currently drive.
When Price Parity Arrives
The price handicap shrinks each year as battery costs fall and manufacturers scale production. Consulting firm AlixPartners predicts price parity could arrive by 2025 on average. In some segments like compact SUVs, electric drivetrains already equal or undercut legacy options when factoring incentives.
Within the next 5 years, EV offerings will outnumber gas models across many classes according to insiders. From budget commuter cars to rugged off-road trucks, electric options coming down the pipeline have traditional automakers on guard.
Factor 2 – Charging Infrastructure
Range anxiety poses another hurdle for converting gas vehicle owners to electric. While the state hosts over 2,000 public charging ports, coverage remains scattered limiting EV travel to key corridors.
Here‘s how Wisconsin‘s charging infrastructure stacks against regional peers according to 2021 data.
| State | EVs per Charging Port | Fast Charger Ports per 1,000 EVs |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 8.5 EVs per port | 3.2 |
| Illinois | 19 EVs per port | 2.8 |
| Michigan | 20 EVs per port | 4.7 |
| Wisconsin | 28 EVs per port | 1.1 |
Wisconsin falls behind with greater demand but less supply of charging capability. The state must double or triple fast charging ports over the next several years to adequately support current EV drivers, let alone future growth.
Upgrades take time between site design, equipment procurement and construction. But recent developments suggest movement in the right direction:
- Wisconsin applied for federal NEVI funding which helped states like Oregon and Virginia announce billion-dollar charging expansions last year. Awards still pending but would catalyze upgrades.
- Major charging networks like Electrify America and EVGo expanding high-powered fast chargers along highways and metro areas
- Local governments partnering with utilities to fund community charging hubs
Home and workplace charging handles the bulk of charging for most drivers today. But visible and reliable public infrastructure plays a key role easing anxiety over getting stranded with a dead battery.
Factor 3 – Vehicle Model Availability
Car buyers can choose from over 65 EV models today combining sedans, crossovers, trucks and SUVs. But availability remains tight in 2023 especially on hot sellers like Ford‘s electric F-150 Lightning.
For mainstream adoption, automakers need to exponentially scale production over the next decade. Almost all majors now pledge massive EV investments, though translating promises into dealer inventory takes time. Using insights from industry experts, let‘s look at models likely to land in Wisconsin driveways through 2025 and their charging attributes:
| Make & Model | Battery | Max Range (Est.) |
Charging | Price (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevy Equinox EV (2024) | 90 kWh | 300 mi | 120 kW max | $45,000 |
| Kia EV9 SUV (2024) | TBA | 250+ mi | 350 kW max | $65,000 |
| Polestar 3 SUV (Late 2023) | 111 kWh | 300+ mi | 250 kW max | $90,000 |
| Fisker Ocean SUV (Late 2023) | 80 kWh | 350 mi | 120 kW max | $40,000 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 Sedan (2024) | 77.4 kWh | 360+ mi | 350 kW max | $45,000 |
| VinFast VF 6 Sedan (Late 2023) | 106 kWh | 400 mi | DC Fast Charge | $60,000 |
New models arriving annually means more choice and competition. For Wisconsin buyers, look for enhanced cold weather range plus advanced fast-charging to minimize waiting on road trips.
Cost of Driving Electric in Wisconsin
Saving cash on maintenance and ‘fuel‘ entice drivers to electric despite higher upfront costs. But exactly how much does it cost to charge popular models in America‘s Dairyland?
Based on 2022 data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Wisconsin residents pay around 12 cents per kWh for home electricity. That‘s slightly below the national average. Public fast charging rates average around 24 cents plus session fees.
Here‘s a cost analysis for several top-selling electric vehicles based on 15,000 miles annually:
| EV Model | Battery Size | Electricity Cost @12 cents/kWh | Annual ‘Fuel‘ Savings vs. 30 MPG Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Leaf | 40 kWh | $720 | $1,200 |
| Hyundai Kona EV | 64 kWh | $1,150 | $1,200 |
| Tesla Model Y | 75 kWh | $1,350 | $1,800 |
| Ford F-150 Lightning (ER) | 131 kWh | $2,358 | $3,510 |
Analysis assumes 90% home charging, 10% public charging; gas car fuel cost @ $4/gallon
The Lightning drives home why EV tech works well for trucks. Hauling those batteries equates to huge torque for work purposes. For commuting needs, smaller EVs like the Leaf offer rock-bottom operating costs.
Across models, Wisconsinites can save thousands annually ditching gas with relatively inexpensive grid electricity. Though costs will rise slightly in coming years, electricity remains far more stable than volatile gasoline.
Support & Incentives – The Long Road Ahead
Despite recent momentum, Wisconsin still incentivizes combustion vehicles over EVs through annual registration fees. Progress awaits but the state must coordinate policies and infrastructure if it wants emissions reductions and in-state EV assembly promised by manufacturers like Foxconn.
Comprehensive adoption rests on three pillars:
- Incentives – Tax credits, rebates and non-monetary perks that achieve price parity with gas vehicles
- Infrastructure – Abundant charging stations offering convenience and confidence for residents and visitors of America‘s Dairyland
- Education – Initiatives to increase public awareness and showcase benefits to individuals and communities
Many neighboring states offer incentives Wisconsin lacks. But leagues of supporters continue applying pressure for parity policies. Groups like the Wisconsin EV Drivers Coalition provide invaluable boots-on-the-ground perspective and advocacy to unite consumers, business interests and policymakers.
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The Last Word – Why Wisconsin Needs EVs
Some argue EVs remain impractical for rural Americans due to range limits or long charging times. But the direction points toward a revolution whether we prepare proactively or kick our heels.
Electrification means jobs producing vehicles and batteries within Wisconsin borders. It means energy independence and boosting the resilient distributed grid. Cleaner air and health benefits that enhance quality of life across communities. And keeping hard-earned dollars in local economies rather than exporting out of state with imported gasoline.
For pragmatists, even if you doubt the climate efficacy, recognizing the economic potential early allows Wisconsin to lead the transition. Before other states attract next-generation manufacturing and mobility companies.
The choice belongs to all Cheeseheads. Just don‘t get left waiting at the charger.
I‘m ready to help drivers, businesses and communities navigate the road to transportation electrification. Subscribe to my newsletter below for the latest updates.
-Chris Edwards, Electric Vehicle Analyst
