The move towards electric vehicles (EVs) represents the future of driving for many states pursuing environmental sustainability. For eco-minded Vermont, this transition has already started gaining momentum. But which EVs actually appeal most to America’s second least populous state?
In this data deep-dive, I’ll analyze the EV sales figures and model preferences that stand out for Vermont based on the latest registration trends. Examining popular options like the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3 reveals how this rugged northern state balances priorities like range, winter handling and affordability in its shopping decisions. We’ll also project where Vermont’s EV market heads in the fast-changing years ahead as ownership expands.
Surging Sales Reflect Vermont’s EV Friendly Focus
Vermont sits at the leading edge of states embracing an electric vehicle future. Once known for maple syrup and Bernie Sanders, this progressive-voting New England state now sees EVs claiming a rapidly growing slice of annual auto sales.
Registration statistics from Drive Electric Vermont outline the trajectory:
- Over 5,000 EVs registered in Vermont as of 2022
- From 2015-2022, statewide EV registrations rose 460%
- EVs made up 0.8% of Vermont’s 608,000 registered light duty vehicles last year
- Including plug-in hybrid electrics (PHEVs), 2022 registrations exceed 9,400
Driving this momentum are Vermont’s incentives for purchasing electric. State legislation in 2020 set aggressive mandates for EV adoption, requiring 35% of annual new light vehicle sales be electric by 2026.
Buyers also benefit from rebates lowering upfront vehicle costs:
- Up to $4,000 incentive from the Incentive Program for New PEVs
- Up to $5,000 additional incentive offered for used EV purchases
With both regulatory pressure and financial incentives accelerating adoption, Vermont’s automotive landscape will only electrify further in the decade ahead.
The Top 5 EV Choices Aligned With Vermont Values
So which EV models actually appeal most to Vermont’s efficiency-valuing, Subaru-driving resident base? Analyzing the latest registration figures and dealership offerings reveals a set of five clear favorites:
The current top selling EVs in Vermont are:
- Nissan LEAF
- Chevrolet Bolt EV
- Tesla Model 3
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Hyundai Kona Electric
These vehicles check key boxes around range, features, pricing and brand familiarity that attract Vermont buyers evolving from internal combustion engine (ICE) cars to electric. Now let’s analyze the attributes making them locally popular choices.
Nissan LEAF – Range + Value Propels Sales
Claiming the top sales spot is the Nissan LEAF, which manages to blend practical range, livable features and value positioning to satisfy Vermont drivers. Reviewing specs explains its winning Vermont formula:
- 215 mile EPA-estimated range in LEAF Plus model
- 149 horsepower electric motor delivers brisk acceleration
- 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support
- Advanced driver assistance features including auto emergency braking
- $28,145 MSRP before federal tax credit eligibility
The LEAF strikes an optimal balance as an entry-level EV offering ample distance between charges and safety tech at a budget Vermont buyers can digest. For converting Subaru loyalists seeking green upgrades on a budget, Nissan builds a great case. The Japanese automaker’s savvy vehicle electrification strategy continues paying dividends.
Chevy Bolt EV – Range King With Crossover Appeal
Close behind Nissan in Vermont’s EV sales race, the Chevy Bolt EV employs range prowess and utility attributes in its state pitch. Chevrolet’s crossover hatch design teams nicely with small town sensibilities as well.
- 259 miles EPA-estimated range beats all models under $40k
- Low center of gravity battery placement enhances handling
- 10.2 inch touch display with wireless phone projection
- Optional advanced driver assistance up to GM’s Super Cruise
- $26,595 MSRP positions smart value for range
By maxing out miles per charge at this price point, Chevy lures efficiency-fixated Yankee State buyers. Technology like Super Cruise also resonates given Vermont’s long highway drives to ski resorts or big cities. For Green Mountain residents seeking to road trip electric on a budget, the Bolt makes a compelling case too.
Tesla Model 3 – Tech Icon Brings the Future North
Tesla’s meteoric rise this decade gets validated by Vermont registration trends showing the Model 3 as its runaway statewide best-seller. While the sticker shock of Teslas remains prohibitive for some, the brand attracts EV trailblazers here through engineering prowess demonstrated in metrics such as:
- 358 mile Long Range AWD variant meets road trip needs
- 3.1 second 0-60 mph time thrills performance fans
- Heat pump climate system sustains range in cold temps
- Over-the-air software updates enhance features
- Premium interior appointments and technologies
Tesla’s sales success in Vermont proves range confidence and technology leadership also drive EV decisions locally alongside affordability factors. The brand’s aura in consumer minds additionally helps explain its exceptional performance often defying traditional auto assumptions.
Volkswagen ID.4 – Familiar Form, Electric Function
Volkswagen arrived relatively late to the EV party compared to pioneers like Nissan and Tesla, but the German giant brings an attractive SUV option to Vermont aligned with local favorities. The ID.4 compact crossover demonstrates characteristic Volkswagen sensibilities adapted for battery-powered priorities:
- RWD and AWD options balance traction needs
- 247 mile max range covers most trips
- 3 years free fast charging via Electrify America network
- Digital cockpit and touch controls offer user-friendly experience
- Tow hitch and roof rails enable recreation activities
Early sales indicate the ID.4 resonates by translating features Vermont drivers want like flexible cargo utility into a more sustainable EV package. As VW ramps model diversity built on its modular electric platform introducing upcoming sedans, wagons and pickup models, we can expect its EV popularity to continue growing locally.
Hyundai Kona Electric – Attainable Miles Meet AWD Value
Rounding out Vermont’s top 5 is the Hyundai Kona Electric, a smartly-packaged subcompact SUV offering a balance of low-cost miles and confidence-inspiring traction. Its sales case combines:
- 258 mile EPA-estimated driving range
- 201 horsepower motor with 291 lb-ft torque
- Standard all-wheel drive enhances snow/ice handling
- SmartSense safety technologies including collision avoidance
- $33,500 starting MSRP creates attainable entry point
For Green Mountain folks wanting range and technology without breaking budgets, Hyundai positions the Kona Electric as a sensible choice. Combined with the automaker’s 10 year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, the value math adds up nicely. Hyundai’s bold electrification investment this decade makes it poised for more Vermont success ahead.
How Top EVs Align With Vermont Ownership Realities
Stepping back, we can see how the EV models selling best locally align with practical Vermont ownership considerations:
Sufficient Range – While most regular trips remain local, Vermont’s periodic long drives and cold weather range loss require 200+ mile batteries adopted by automakers here.
All-Wheel Drive – Surviving snowy backroads and icy uphills makes AWD a baseline requirement for many. Systems in the Model 3, ID.4 and Bolt manage winter traction well.
Charging Infrastructure – Vermont’s growing networks of 600+ public charging connectors, workplace chargers and destination stations enable range anxiety relief critical for EV adoption.
Incentive Availability – Between Vermont’s purchase rebates and federal tax credits offsetting costs by thousands, EV pricing becomes more attainable for budget-focused buyers.
Weather Resilience – Heating solutions and battery thermal systems keep top EVs humming in sub-zero temps better than earlier, more primitive generations.
Drivability through harsh winters ranks among the top priorities distinguishing Vermont’s EV preferences from warmer regions of America. Seeing models like the Leaf and Bolt thrive here proves electric mobility works in cold climates too with the right technology.
The Electric Route Forward
While still representing well under 5% of Vermont’s vehicles, the electric mobility wave builds momentum as evolving EV capabilities prove a natural match for the state’s landscapes and people.
Further growth milestones ahead point towards an all-electric future locally:
- Burlington Electric municipal utility targets 30% light duty EV adoption by 2030
- Green Mountain Power utility aims to save customers $2.6M yearly in fuel costs through EV programs
- Plug-in electric share of annual new vehicle registrations reached 5% in 2021
Additionally, Vermont’s renewable energy ethos steers policy and infrastructure to incentivize sustainability. Initiatives like statewide solar rollouts, renewable mix targets for utilities, and programs advancing local agriculture and environmental conservation attract residents sharing the state’s ideals for reducing environmental impact.
For eco-conscious Vermont, embracing electric vehicle adoption follows logically from its binds to green energy and nature appreciation transcending partisan divides. The EV model preferences prevailing locally demonstrate how sustainability can blend seamlessly with practical ownership realities as well in this rugged northern state.
Model Comparison Matrix
| EV Model | Range (miles) | 0-60 mph (sec) | Battery Size | Seating Capacity | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan LEAF | 215 | 7.4 | 62 kWh | 5 seats | $28,145 |
| Chevy Bolt EV | 259 | 6.5 | 65 kWh | 5 seats | $26,595 |
| Tesla Model 3 | 358 | 3.1 | 82 kWh | 5 seats | $57,990 |
| VW ID.4 | 247 | 8.6 | 82 kWh | 5 seats | $38,995 |
| Hyundai Kona | 258 | 6.6 | 64 kWh | 5 seats | $33,500 |
Perspective from Local EV Dealerships
“We continue to see strong interest from Vermont customers looking for greener transportation options with good winter handling. The rebates from Drive Electric Vermont combined with Nissan’s affordable pricing on the 2023 Leaf have sales exceeding our initial forecasts.” – Sales manager, Fairfield Nissan
“The Bolt EV’s range advantage versus other models under $30k really attracts efficiency-minded folks here in Vermont. Adding the available advanced driver assistance features for long highway drives makes it a perfect match for many new to EVs.” – Sales rep, Berlin City Chevrolet
“Volkswagen’s electric vehicle commitments globally help attract Vermont customers supporting sustainability as well. The ID.4 checks capability boxes like towing capacity and all-wheel drive that make it a unique EV entry.” – General manager, VW Burlington
Used EVs Gain Traction Expanding Access
While most attention centers on new electric vehicle purchases aided by government incentives, Vermont’s used EV market provides an often overlooked avenue enabling more budget-conscious participation in ownership.
Used EV lots with models like the Nissan Leaf, BMW i3 and various hybrids now dot communities from Brattleboro to St. Albans. Typically offering vehicles at least 5-7 years old, these provide functional electric transportation below $15,000 in many cases – important for cost-sensitive buyers.
Between incentives from Drive Electric Vermont adding thousands in discounts on qualifying used EVs and lower acquisition costs, pre-owned electric vehicles let Vermonters enjoy gas-free driving without breaking budgets.
Certified pre-owned programs from automakers additionally throw in extended warranty protections for qualifying models and mileage, further reducing risks. As early adopters flip leased vehicles after a few years, it opens accessible opportunities to enter the EV world for secondary buyers.
FAQs on Owning EVs in Vermont‘s Climate
How do modern EVs handle Vermont‘s cold winter weather and snow?
Key cold climate adaptations like battery thermal management, efficient heat pumps for warming cabins and dedicated winter testing enable EVs to cope much better than early generations did. However owners should still expect range impacts from battery efficiency loss and running heaters in subzero conditions. Investing in winter tires helps handling.
Where can I charge an EV around Vermont?
Vermont continues expanding its public charging network, with over 600 connector ports located at major destinations. Check apps like PlugShare to locate stations along your common routes. Home and workplace charging still satisfy the majority of owners‘ daily energy needs.
Do EVs make financial sense long term compared to gas cars?
While EVs carry higher upfront prices, owners save $800 to $1,500 yearly on fuel based on Vermont’s electricity rates. Lower maintenance requirements also add savings versus combustion engine vehicles. Incentives help shrink the cost gap as well, making EVs a smart money move over 5+ years of ownership.
