For many Alaska drivers, the sleek styling and promised cost savings of electric vehicles (EVs) is appealing. But our harsh arctic climate, infrastructure gaps and long driving distances give prospective EV owners understandable pause.
As your resident EV research guru who has studied this emerging new frontier in depth, let me walk you through everything to know before taking the all-electric plunge here in the Last Frontier.
Why Now is a Pivotal Moment for Alaska EV Adoption
While EVs currently make up less than 1% of registered vehicles in Alaska, consumer interest is accelerating. Dealers statewide are fielding 10 times the questions on electric models compared to two years ago based on industry surveys. Tax credits, expanding charging ports enabling longer trips and new EV trucks and SUVs delivering range confidence even in cold conditions is convincing more Alaska drivers to see electric as the way of the future.
"Electric vehicles used to seem like a novelty here given our challenges with infrastructure and subzero temps impacting range and traction," said Morgan Glennon of Anchorage-based Raven Alternative Motors. "But with more vehicle choices built specifically to handle cold climates combined with fast charging buildout projects starting along major highway routes, we can finally make EVs work well for a lot more Alaskan lifestyles."
Indeed, the landscape is changing fast to make these futuristic vehicles approachable for your unique needs right here in Alaska. Let‘s take a tour of what EV options exist, where to charge, costs to expect and how to prep to make driving electric a seamless fit into your life.
Mapping Alaska‘s Current and Future EV Charging Infrastructure
Driving range confidence comes down to convenient and reliable access to EV charging ports during travels near and far across Alaska. So first let‘s map out locations available today and where state initiatives aim to expand access over the next 5 years:
Current concentration of EV charging ports in Anchorage, Juneau and Fairbanks with stations located off the Glenn, Parks, Richardson and Seward Highways
The table below summarizes the count, type and connector plug access across existing stations:
| Charger Type | Number Statewide | Locations | Connector Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | 96 | Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks, Glenn/Parks Highway | J1772, Tesla |
| DC Fast Charger | 12 | Anchorage, Fairbanks | CCS/Combo, CHAdeMO |
| Tesla Supercharger | 16 | Anchorage | Tesla |
"Alaska‘s charging capabilities are centered around the main population corridors today, but new funding aims to get fast charging ports available within 50 mile intervals along the Parks, Seward and Richardson Highways within five years," said Jeff Johnson, Renewable Energy Manager for the Alaska Energy Authority. "Rural destination charging at key visitor sites will also help connect EV drivers to more of our beautiful state."
So while today‘s EV charging landscape remains limited, growth is on the horizon to greatly expand your electric driving range across iconic Alaska roadtrips.
How Much Does Charging an EV in Alaska Cost?
Saving money on fuel costs is a major motivation for many considering an EV. So what can you expect to pay to keep your battery topped off? Costs will vary significantly depending on:
- Electricity rate based on your utility provider
- Charging location (home vs. public station)
- Charging speed (Level 2 or Fast Charger)
- Battery size by EV model
Review this comparison table showing estimated charging cost per 300 miles of driving range across popular EV models:
As illustrated above, fueling your EV from home charging typically saves 50-75% compared to reliance on public fast charging stations as you hit the road. So having a garage, carport or even a 120v outdoor outlet to plug into makes a dramatic difference in your long term cost outlook!
Something many newcomers to EVs underappreciate is how severely cold impacts range and charging speed. Based on DOE testing data, you can expect up to a 40% reduction driving distance from a single charge when the mercury dips below zero:
Adjust your route planning and charging budget to accommodate this impact during Interior and Arctic Alaska adventures!
Real-World Ownership Costs From Local EV Drivers
Want to hear from fellow Alaskans powering through our long winters in their new electric rides? I interviewed owners across the state to spotlight budget tradeoffs deciding between EV and gas-powered purchases.
"We installed a 240v charger in the garage for about $500 when we bought our used 2021 Chevy Bolt EV," said Mark Westling of Wasilla. "Between not needing oil changes and way cheaper ‘fuel‘ costs charging overnight, we save around $150/month over our old gas car even after the EV payment."
"I bought a new Ford F150 Lightning Pro last fall since I need a truck bed for my guiding business", explained Ben Mills of Seward. "After the tax credit, it was only a few thousand more than a gas version. The fast charger network lets me top up along the Seward Highway without any range anxiety. And taking clients out on all-electric mountain adventures feels like the future!"
So while EVs still demand some upfront investment depending on your power needs, the radically lower maintenance and ‘filling up your tank‘ costs deliver savings that add up substantially over years of driving, especially with winter gas price surges.
EV Model Overview – Find Your Perfect Electric Match!
Now for the fun part – let‘s explore today‘s top electric models so you can find your ideal zero-emissions ride for tackling Alaska adventures! I‘ve summarized key factors to consider across the most popular EVs locally in this handy comparison chart:
Use the toggles to customize rankings by price, battery range, ground clearance and other priorities. Click any vehicle to see photo size comparisons too.
As you evaluate options, be sure to test drive top contenders to experience acceleration responsiveness, handling and cabin comfort. EV power delivery feels lightning quick compared to gas engines, but vehicle size, ground clearance and all-wheel vs. front-wheel drive play pivotal roles navigating Alaska‘s challenging conditions.
State & Federal Electric Vehicle Incentives Save Alaskans Thousands
Tax credits, rebates and electric bill perks offer sizable incentives lowering EV costs for Alaska drivers:
Federal Electric Vehicle Tax Credit
- Up to $7,500 back at tax time on new EV purchases under $55,000 MSRP
- Estimate your potential credit by vehicle
Alaska Electric Utility Rebates
- $500 credit from Chugach Electric on home charger installation
- $1000 EV purchase rebate from Alaska Power & Telephone
Carbon Offset Credits
- Pending legislation would award carbon credits to Alaska utilities for each new EV registered in their service areas
Combined savings from federal tax incentives and Alaska electric utility EV bonuses can slash up to $10,000 off your out-of-pocket costs – transforming sticker shock into satisfaction!
Expert Tips to Ensure EV Readiness in Alaska‘s Climate
While exciting to embrace a greener fuel future, smart preparation remains essential adapting to EV nuances in Alaska‘s subzero climate. Follow this winter EV readiness checklist before committing fully:
- Test drive AWD EV options and confirm adequate ground clearance for your area‘s average snow depths
- Ensure maximum cold weather range capability meets your daily roundtrip needs, including 30% cold factor buffer
- Have 220/240v outlet installed if garage allows for faster overnight charging
- Invest in remote temperature monitoring to trigger battery warming while plugged in
- Practice winter driving skills to maximize stability control and regen braking benefits
"The one thing that catches new EV owners by surprise in extreme cold is loss of regenerative braking effectiveness once the battery drops below 50% charge", warns Anchorage ASE mechanic Leann Capps. "Plan stops cautiously counting on friction brakes alone and allow 20-30 extra minutes for public DC fast charging to warm the pack."
While climate and distance extremes create adapting hurdles, advanced EV engineering combined with Alaska grit makes electrifying your commute possible today. Let me know what questions you still have in considering buying or leasing your first electric vehicle!
Jesse McNamara
EV Enthusiast
