Electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Virginia has been accelerating rapidly in recent years. The number of registered EVs in the state has climbed exponentially, from just 3,100 in 2016 to over 50,000 by the end of 2021. Virginia now has over 56,600 EVs registered as of 2022 according to data from the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC), giving the state a 0.7% market share that puts it in the top half nationally for EV ownership.
Several factors are driving momentum for EVs in Virginia, including increasing consumer awareness of electric models, expanding public charging infrastructure enabled by Federal and state investments, as well as purchase incentives aimed at improving EV affordability.
This article explores the 6 most popular EV models owned by Virginia drivers based on 2022 registration data. We‘ll analyze the key attributes making these vehicles stand out in the Virginia market and help you understand why EV interest continues to build across the state.
Total Electric Vehicles Registered in Virginia
As mentioned above, Virginia has experienced exponential EV adoption growth in recent years. Just over 3,100 EVs were registered statewide back in 2016 according to AFDC stats. By 2018 that figure had already tripled to 9,900 vehicles. Growth remained strong even amidst the economic slowdown of COVID-19, with over 20,500 EVs registered by the end of 2020. The next year saw another 10,000 additional registrations, bringing Virginia‘s statewide EV fleet to around 30,700 vehicles in 2021.
2022 registration data shows no signs of slowing momentum. Another 25,900 EVs hit the road in Virginia this past year, raising total registrations to approximately 56,600 battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles statewide as of end of year 2022.
Much of this momentum comes thanks to strong Federal and state purchase incentives aimed at accelerating EV adoption. Virginia offers both individual income tax credits up to $5,500 for EV buyers as well as competitive financing rates through private lenders for qualified residents. These incentives coupled with declining battery prices have helped shrink the price premium on many electric models relative to gas counterparts.
On the infrastructure side, Virginia is investing over $106 million in Federal funding allocated through President Biden‘s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to continue building out EV charging stations over the next 5 years. With one of the most robust highway systems in the nation, expanding Virginia‘s charging networks will help reduce range anxiety for drivers considering an electric upgrade.
With all factors combined, expectations remain highly bullish on Virginia continuing to rapidly expand its EV footprint over both the short and long-term horizon.
Market Share of Electric Vehicles in Virginia
When indexed relative to total registered vehicles, Virginia‘s EV market share has climbed 7-fold over the past 6 years even as overall registrations declined. Back in 2016 EVs made up a negligible 0.02% of all registered vehicles in Virginia per AFDC records. As recently as 2020 that figure was still just 0.3%, but the exponential growth since has quickly vaulted Virginia‘s market share to around 0.7% by end of 2022.
To put Virginia‘s 0.7% market share into perspective, the US national average stood at 1.2% for 2022 while leading states like California already exceed 2.5% electric penetration. So even after this remarkable boom period Virginia remains in the middle of the pack in terms of EV adoption and has significant headroom for continued expansion in the years ahead.
Market share trends also underscore the recent acceleration in EV interest statewide. Virginia‘s 0.7% electric share nationally is already double its penetration rate from just two years ago in 2020. Continued progress on reducing EV sticker prices while expanding public charging access should let this rapid momentum carry forward over the balance of the decade.
The 6 Most Popular Electric Vehicles in Virginia
Now let‘s explore the specific EV models seeing the most success in the Virginia market presently based on current registration volumes. Due to Virginia DMV‘s privacy policy details on exact unit sales for individual models are not published publicly. However by analyzing national sales patterns we can deduce which EVs likely lead the Virginia market in order registrations.
The list contains options across segments, from sporty coupes to family SUVs and both mass market value plays alongside luxury marques. This diversity of preference shows Virginia has broad interest in electric mobility solutions both for personal transportation needs as well as local-area driving.
1. Tesla Model S
As the vehicle that pioneered the modern high-performance luxury EV blueprint back in 2012, Tesla‘s flagship Model S holds major brand cachet a decade later. The Model S offers sizzling performance from up to 1,020 horsepower, seating for 5 adults, vast 28 cubic feet of cargo room, and cutting edge tech features throughout.
Over 400 miles of driving range allows robust road trip capability that‘s backed by Tesla‘s vast proprietary Supercharger fast charging network. Desirable features like Autopilot advanced driver assistance and Tesla‘s video game-capable infotainment system underscore the envelop-pushing innovation that has become synonymous with the Tesla brand.
With 0-60 mph acceleration as quick as 1.99 seconds in top-end Plaid trim, it‘s no wonder the Model S remains among the most sought EVs nationwide including right here in Virginia. The Model S carries a starting price of $104,990 in base dual motor configuration.
2. Hyundai Ioniq 5
Hyundai‘s critically acclaimed Ioniq 5 crossover SUV represents an artful intersection of style, value and next generation electric capability as a 2023 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year finalist. The Ioniq 5 combines head-turning retro-modern aesthetics with an eco-friendly interior featuring sustainable materials throughout.
Versatile packaging gives the compact Ioniq 5 an impressively spacious cabin, while 800V ultra-fast charging allows adding 70 miles of range in just 5 minutes. Offered in single motor rear-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive configurations, the Ioniq 5‘s approachable pricing from $41,450 after Federal tax credit incentives make it an affordable entry point into premium EV ownership.
3. Kia EV6
Close cousin to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 under the hood, Kia‘s own dedicated EV6 impresses with athletic European-inspired styling and segment-leading features. Level 3 hands-free driving capability gives the EV6 mini-Tesla like talents thanks to an array of included driver assistance systems not typically found at its $42,115 base price point.
Up to 320 horsepower motivate the EV6 to 60 mph in as little as 5.2 seconds depending on trim, while real world driving range touches 300 miles. Collectively positioning the EV6 as a technology showcase wrapped in a sporty crossover body that neatly splits the difference between economy and luxury.
4. Tesla Model 3
Surely no list of top selling EVs is complete without including the category sales leader in Tesla‘s mass market Model 3 sedan. Now in its 6th model year globally with over 3 million units produced, the Model 3 remains the posterchild for long range, high tech electric mobility at accessible pricing.
Relentless demand since its 2017 launch underscores the Model 3‘s unique combination of virtues. EPA range is a TBD on latest models while performance varies from 0-60 mph in 6.1 down to 3.1 seconds for the Model 3 Performance. Tesla‘s cutting-edge infotainment experience with continual over-the-air updates keeps the Model 3 feeling fresh even half a decade from launch.
With pricing from $43,490 online, cost conscious buyers may still qualify for $7,500 Federal tax incentive along with state rebates making the Model 3 an intriguing electric option for Virginians seeking both excitement and value in their next vehicle.
5. Nissan Leaf
As the world‘s first mass-market modern electric car initially hitting roads globally back in 2010, Nissan‘s Leaf compact hatchback has stood the test of time as a budget-friendly EV choice. Now in its second generation as a 2023 model, the Leaf‘s simple formula focusing on essential transportation over flash still offers enduring appeal.
With seating for five and ample cargo flexibility from the hatchback bodystyle, the Leaf serves well-suited for suburban commuting duties. Running range lands around 150 miles from the standard 40 kWh battery or up to 215 miles if opting for the optional 60 kWh extended range battery. Factor in federal tax credits plus state incentives and the Leaf brings an accessible starting point into EV ownership from right around $20,000 here in Virginia.
6. Ford Mustang Mach-E
As the first fully-electric model to wear Ford‘s iconic Mustang stallion badge, expectations were sky-high for the Mustang Mach-E midsize crossover when arriving for 2021. Two years into its lifecycle, the Mach-E continues turning heads with its sleek styling inside and out capped by exhilarating performance credentials.
The Mach-E‘s modern tech-forward interior provides a cultivated escape from the ordinary, with available features like a massive 15.5” touchscreen display and advanced driver assistance capabilities pushing boundaries in its competitive set. Power output ranges from 266 hp to as robust as 480 hp, allowing acceleration as quick as 3.5 seconds to 60 mph.
Premium qualities like standard over-the-air updates and hands-free Ford BlueCruise highway driving mode reinforce the Mach-E’s cutting edge talents. With availability from around $45,000 in entry trims after factoring current incentives, Ford has successfully infused the Mustang magic into an electric SUV with strong appeal entering 2023.
EV Ownership Considerations for Virginia Drivers
For Virginia residents intrigued by the increasing EV options available today, several factors are important to weigh as you evaluate prospective purchases. Upfront pricing, estimated operating costs and charging considerations for your area should all come into play.
Many electric models remain at the higher end of sticker pricing, however between $7,500 Federal tax credits along with additional Virginia state rebates of up to $5,500 buying incentives can dramatically reduce effective starting prices. When calculated across projected lifecycle operating costs accounting for far lower electricity rates than gas prices per mile driven, EVs may actually save owners money in the long run.
Public charging infrastructure is continually expanding across the state, lessening range anxiety concerns for Virginia EV drivers. But at-home charging still provides the most convenient and affordable means of juice. Assess your home garage setup to understand if installing a wall connector is preferable over relying solely on the occasional public charging stop.
Weigh all variables collectively to determine the optimal EV solution fitting both your family‘s transportation needs as well as budget. The increasing model diversity in today‘s market means an attractively priced electric option awaits across vehicle segments.
Outlook for 2023 and Beyond
Virginia crossed an EV adoption tipping point over the past three years, with electric models transitioning rapidly from niche curiosity to mainstream acceptance. 2022 sales reaching north of 50,000 battery-electric vehicles registered statewide proves these are no longer tabbed strictly as coastal or West Coast phenomena either.
Incentives around purchase pricing, public charging infrastructure expansion plans, and consumer education campaigns statewide should combine to drive another highly promising year of EV sales growth across Virginia during 2023.
As the model diversity, real-world capabilities and improved affordability of modern electric vehicles continue advancing in parallel, this perfect storm of trends points toward vastly higher volumes of EVs cruising Virginia highways over the decade to come.
