So you‘re interested in joining the EV revolution sweeping the nation? Well if you call Idaho home, you likely have some questions before ditching gas for a greener ride. This detailed guide examines everything potential EV owners in the Gem State need to consider – from upfront costs to charging infrastructure to maximizing mileage in Idaho‘s rugged landscape. I‘ll be with you every mile of the way to ensure you have all the insights needed to make the smart, cost-saving switch to electric. Let‘s hit the road!
Overview: EVs in the Spud State
Idaho lags behind leading EV adoption states in terms of incentives and charging station density. You won‘t have the luxury of public chargers on every urban street corner. But for many in-town commuting needs, today‘s long-range electric vehicles present a smart option thanks to:
- Lower Ownership Costs: Between tax credits slashing purchase prices and far cheaper "fuel" costs, going electric saves Idaho drivers cold hard cash over gas guzzlers. We‘ll break down exact numbers later.
- Environmental Cred: EVs produce zero direct emissions – critical for preserving beloved Idaho landscapes and outdoor recreation.
- Strong Home Charging Potential: Over half of Idaho housing includes garage or carport access ideal for installing personal chargers.
So while rural drivers and long-haul travelers face steeper challenges, electric vehicles make sense for more Gem Staters than they realize. This guide examines the auto ownership considerations specific to Idaho – from upfront purchase and operating costs to charging infrastructure to maximizing mileage. Let‘s see if going electric can fit your lifestyle!
Idaho‘s Current EV Infrastructure
Compared to dense coastal states, Idaho ranks near the bottom for EV infrastructure with just over 500 public charging ports statewide. That translates to around 0.6 chargers per 100 square miles – 15 times less than leading state California.
Boise unsurprisingly has the highest concentration with 272 ports. But traverse outside population centers to destinations like Sun Valley or Island Park and stations become scarce with 50 to 100 mile gaps.
This map shows current locations of Idaho‘s public charging ports (larger dots = more ports):
[Map showing locations and concentrations of EV charging stations in Idaho with callouts listing port numbers for key cities]Clearly those depending heavily on public charging face challenges. But with advanced planning, even ambitious road trips through Idaho‘s iconic mountain country remain doable for capable long-range EVs. We‘ll discuss best practices later for nervous Nellies with range anxiety!
Charging Station Types
Not all charges are equal when it comes time to plug in. Idaho ports fall into three main categories:
Level 1: The slow trickle charge. While 462 Level 1 public ports exist, most reside at hotels and restaurants for customer accommodation. Don‘t plan road trips around these 110V outlets providing just 2-5 miles of range per hour plugged in.
Level 2: The workhorse for trip extension charging. 337 public Idaho ports fall into this 220V category including most shopping centers and public garages. Charging times vary widely but expect 10-25 miles range per hour.
DC Fast Charge: The fastest route to extending road trip range with 60-100 miles added within 15-30 minutes. But with only 100 statewide and peak congestion likely during travel seasons, planning counts.
Below I‘ve compiled detailed specs on charging speeds and costs for 5 top selling EV models:
| EV Model | Battery Size | Level 1 | Level 2 | DC Fast Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Leaf | 40 kWh | 3 mi/hr 10 hrs to full charge |
10 mi/hr 4 hrs to full charge |
75 mi in 30 min |
| Ford Mustang Mach E | 75 kWh | 3 mi/hr 25 hrs to full charge |
20 mi/hr 3.75 hrs to full charge |
61 mi in 10 min |
| Kia EV6 | 77.4 kWh | 3 mi/hr 25 hrs to full charge |
44 mi/hr 1.75 hrs to full charge |
70 mi in 5 min |
| Polestar 2 | 75 kWh | 4 mi/hr 18 hrs to full charge |
25 mi/hr 3 hrs to full charge |
55 mi in 10 min |
| Rivian R1T | Large Pack 135 kWh |
4 mi/hr 34 hrs to full charge |
28 mi/hr 4.75 hrs to full charge |
140 mi in 20 min |
As you assess EV options (we‘ll detail purchasing costs shortly), carefully consider charging capabilities ensuring they align with access to home, workplace or secondary public charging.
Cost of Buying and Owning an EV in Idaho
While purchase prices continue falling, EV sticker shock keeps some Idaho drivers from going electric. But between federal credits slashing upfront costs and far lower "fueling" bills over gas, EV ownership saves Gem State drivers serious cash long term. Let‘s dig into details!
EV Purchase Prices, Incentives and Tax Credits
First, the upfront purchase. While earlier EVs carried luxury brand price tags, recent models better targeting mid-market buyers help overcome sticker shock. Here‘s a sampling of 2023 EV options listing under $40k in base trims:
- Nissan Leaf S – $28,040
- Chevrolet Bolt EV – $26,595
- Hyundai Kona Electric – $34,000
- Kia EV6 Light – $40,900
- Volkswagen ID.4 Standard – $38,790
Note prices above do not yet factor available incentives bringing costs down further! All EVs currently qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit while supplies last. State and local subsidies also sometimes apply – but unfortunately not in Idaho.
Incorporating potential credits, you could be cruising home in one of the following rides for under $30k:
- Chevy Bolt EV: $19,095 net cost after $7,500 credit
- Nissan Leaf S: $20,540 after credit
That‘s now in line or even cheaper than many gas sedans and hatchbacks!
Estimated Charging Costs in Idaho
Next major factor – what you‘ll shell out in electricity costs over the vehicle‘s lifetime. Here too EVs shine saving owners big over rising gas prices.
Charging costs vary significantly by where and when you charge. Home charging runs only $0.11 per kWh in Idaho compared to $0.31 at public DC fast chargers.
Based on 15,000 annual miles with a mix of home and secondary public charging, we can forecast long term "fuel" costs for two popular EVs:
- Hyundai Kona (MRSP $34,000): $550 yearly charging cost
- Ford Mustang Mach E (MRSP $47,000): $820 yearly charging cost
Compare that to their gas counterparts:
- Gas-powered Hyundai Tuscon (24 mpg combined): $1,875 yearly fuel cost
- Gas-powered Ford Mustang (21 mpg combined): $2,930 yearly fuel cost
Over a 10 year period, switching to these EVs nets Idaho drivers major fuel savings:
- $14,200 for Hyundai Kona Electric owner
- $21,100 for Ford Mustang Mach E driver
Of the two examples, the Mach E carries higher upfront cost but greater long-term fuel savings worth factoring in.
Additional Ownership Cost Differences
Operational and maintenance costs beyond charging also favor EVs providing additional savings:
- Reduced repairs / maintenance: No oil changes, engine air filters, serpentine belt replacements, transmission fluid flushes etc. Certain items like 12V batteries and tires still require periodic replacement.
- Lower insurance premiums: EVs cost as much as 30% less per year to insure reflecting lower accident rates and repair costs. Always compare identical coverage when requesting EV quotes.
- No emissions testing fees: Idaho waives $10 biannual testing fees for EVs saving you $5 per vehicle per year.
In line or cheaper up front pricing combined with these significant long term savings make EV ownership a smart money move for Idaho. Now let‘s tackle range confidence…
Maximizing Your EV‘s Range Across Idaho
Idaho‘s wide open spaces coupled with an underdeveloped charging network understandably triggers range anxiety hesitating EV shoppers. But several strategies combined with the latest long-range models now on sales lots offer reassuring miles.
Home and Public Charging Planning
Over half Idaho households include residential garages or carports – ideal for installing Level 2 chargers (more affordable than you think!). For less than $500 plus electrician fees, today‘s convenient wall mounted units provide full overnight charging for most EV commuting needs.
Workplace charging options also continue expanding providing cheap daily plug-in potential. And savvy public charging app Route Planners (like PlugShare) identify hotels, restaurants and retailers offering complimentary EV charging across Idaho minimizing road trip costs.
Still, most rural destinations lack abundant fast charging slowing trip times. Carefully pre-planning multi-day excursions around current stations remains essential. The map below highlights an example Idaho RV route incorporating necessary DC fast charging stops:
[Idaho state map showing sample road trip route from Boise through Sun Valley, Teton Valley, Island Park and back incorporating optimal fast charging stop locations]Emergency and Backup Charging Options
Despite best laid plans, unexpected delays can still threaten to sap precious battery reserves. Several backup options provide security blankets avoiding getting stranded:
- Mobile Charging Services: Boise company QuickChargedispatches portable fast charging units to distressed EV drivers anywhere in the Treasure Valley 24/7. Rates run approx. $25 per charge plus mileage fees comparable to a tank of gas.
- PlugShare Charging Rescues: Thousands of PlugShare members nationwide volunteer as EV trail angels providing complimentary emergency charging to travelers in need. Hospitality goes both ways in the EV community!
- Solar generators: Compact portable panels convert plentiful Idaho sunshine into backup charging power. Jackery‘s 1000 Solar Generator packs folds into your trunk providing 4+ full smartphone charges and 80+ miles of added EV range in ideal conditions for under $1,300.
Temperature Effects on Range
Let‘s address the elephant in the room. Deep winter cold inevitably saps EV battery performance by 10-30% depending on conditions and battery thermal management systems. Driving style and using climate controls also impact range.
But equipped with the right EV model and preparations, Idaho winters need not trigger acute range anxiety compared to more temperate regions. For example, a rear-wheel-drive Ford Mustang Mach E gets an EPA rated 260 miles in mild conditions. Ford‘s predictive range modeling indicates roughly 220-230 winter miles for their RWD model under average conditions. AWD models maximize cold weather range further.
While ratings and ranges dropping 30% make headlines, such worst-case scenarios generally only occur in extreme subzero and snow conditions. You won‘t be roadtripping then anyhow!
Other cold weather EV ownership tips:
- Store parked EVs in home or public garages rather than surface lots
- Preheat vehicles while plugged in to reduce battery load
- Plan a bit more public charging stop buffer on winter excursions
- Consider installing Level 2 charger timers to finish charging by 7-8am to maximize battery efficiency
Follow those basic operating procedures and the latest long-range EVs shine year-round – even iconic Idaho winters!
Final Considerations Before Going Electric
For Idaho urban residents and in-town drivers no longer racking up 30,000 miles per year cruising the open road, purchasing an EV likely aligns with lifestyle needs while saving money long term. Just ensure home, work or secondary charging access provides needed kilowatts.
Frequent rural travelers and road trippers face steeper challenges unless remaining nearly exclusively on interstate corridors with existing DC fast charging sites. But more rural charging comes online each year. And new EVs launching over the next 24 months promise driving ranges exceeding 400+ miles between plug ins – hopefully easing even country cruising range anxiety.
I hope this comprehensive field guide to electric vehicle ownership prospects in Idaho proves helpful examining the pros and cons of going electric locally. Feel free to reach out with any other questions not addressed here – happy to chat EVs any time! Whatever route you take, safe travels across our beautiful Idaho landscapes.
Jasper Evitt
EV Enthusiast & Consultant
