So you‘re interested in purchasing an electric vehicle and live in the great state of Oklahoma? As more drivers consider going electric for their next car, truck or SUV purchase, key questions arise about costs, charging logistics, and availability for local owners. This comprehensive guide aims to help potential EV buyers across the Sooner State navigate the landscape of owning and powering up an electric vehicle in Oklahoma today.
Should You Buy an Electric Vehicle in Oklahoma?
As an Oklahoma driver looking into EVs, two major factors likely stand out:
- Available Charging Stations: Can I conveniently power up while driving around the state?
- Affordability: Will charging or owning an EV save me money compared to gas vehicles?
The good news is that Oklahoma offers a few distinct advantages if you decide to go electric for your next vehicle purchase:
- Cheap electricity rates for charging up your EV at home or around town
- A small but growing network of public charging ports around the state
- Potential long-term savings over gas-powered models
While infrastructure remains limited compared to leading EV states, continued expansion paired with low charging costs in Oklahoma have driven steady increases in electric vehicle registrations locally year over year:
| Year | EV Registrations |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 7,500 |
| 2022 | 10,700 |
Let‘s explore the key factors shaping the EV ownership experience closer in Oklahoma today…
Charging Infrastructure Status
Public charging ports allow you to conveniently top up your EV‘s battery while running errands around town. And stations are becoming easier to access in regions across Oklahoma:
There are currently 975 total public charging ports available statewide as of early 2023, providing essential infrastructure to keep your electric vehicle powered up on the go [1].
The following table summarizes the different types of EV charging ports and connectors across Oklahoma‘s public network:
| Station Type | Charging Speed | Number of Ports | Connector Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Slow | 6 | J1772 |
| Level 2 | Moderate | 315 | J1772, Tesla |
| DC Fast Charging | Fast | 654 | CCS/SAE, CHAdeMO, Tesla |
J1772 and CCS connectors work for most non-Tesla models. As an EV owner, you‘ll want to confirm which plug type(s) your vehicle is compatible with before hitting the road.
Geographically, most charging stations are concentrated around larger metros:
- Oklahoma City Metro: 379 ports
- Tulsa Metro: 248 ports
- Norman: 48 ports
- Broken Arrow: 28 ports
And installation continues, with 67 new fast charging ports funded to be installed along major highways to connect communities across the state [4].
So convenience steadily improves as options to charge your EV on the go grow yearly.
Just How Affordable is Charging in Oklahoma?
One major perk for drivers in Oklahoma is the cost to power up your EV stays well below the rates seen in most other states.
Electricity prices here come in roughly 12.5% below the national average [5]. For EV owners, that translates directly into savings at the charging station.
Let‘s compare what it costs annually to fuel some of today‘s most popular electric models locally against average gas vehicles:
| EV Model | Annual Charging Cost | Gas Car Comparison (15,000 miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | $546 | Toyota Camry: $2,235 |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | $630 | Honda CR-V: $2,235 |
| Chevrolet Bolt | $504 | Toyota RAV4: $2,235 |
Over a 5-year ownership period in Oklahoma, driving electric provides potential fuel savings up to $5,000+ compared to average gasoline-powered models.
And with far fewer moving parts than gas engines, maintenance on EVs stays minimal – just tire rotations and annual inspections with most electric models. That drives additional savings over time.
In other words, going electric lets Oklahoma drivers tap into our lower statewide electricity prices for a more affordable ride over the long run.
Purchase Incentives Available
On the downside, state and local governments currently offer very few financial incentives targeted specifically towards electric vehicle buyers in Oklahoma.
However, one option to help offset your EV‘s upfront sticker price is the federal electric vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500 [11]. The size of the credit depends on the vehicle‘s battery capacity and where final assembly occurs. Most new EVs on the market qualify for some credit amount.
So new car shoppers can potentially knock thousands of dollars off their tax bill to help counter EV pricing that still trends higher than comparable gas models in many cases. That benefit combined with the lower charging rates makes transitioning to electric transportation more accessible.
Action Tip:
Confirm your desired EV model‘s eligibility and credit amount when considering overall long-term costs before purchase.
The Forecast Calls for Growth
While electric vehicles still claim under 1% share of passenger vehicles on Oklahoma roads today, adoption trends point clearly toward a ramping EV future:
- New EV registrations have grown over 40% annually the last two years running [2]
- Major brands like Ford, Chevrolet, Volkswagen and Tesla now offer multiple models targeting different budgets and use cases
- Canoo, an electric pickup and SUV startup, will begin manufacturing just outside Tulsa starting late 2023 [8]
As charging infrastructure continues expanding and more models become available locally, expect to see far greater EV presence on Oklahoma highways in coming years.
Let‘s Go for a (Electric) Ride
For drivers across the Sooner State, owning an electric vehicle means:
✅ Saving money on fuel costs thanks to cheap statewide electricity pricing
✅ Conveniently powering up at a small but growing network of charging stations
✅ Potentially qualifying for a sizable one-time tax credit depending on your EV model
✅ Contributing to better local air quality with zero-emissions transportation
While sparse infrastructure and model availability remain hurdles, the upsides unique to Oklahoma mean EV ownership looks increasingly smart for area drivers ready to ride the electrified road ahead.
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