Are you EV compatible?
by Dan Kaneko | Sept. 28, 2021
If you have little experience with electric vehicles like me, the idea of switching over from a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle can seem overwhelming. But with a growing selection of models to choose from and increased efforts to improve charging infrastructure, it’s now easier than ever to find an EV that fits your lifestyle. As we continue to celebrate National Drive Electric Week, we’ll discuss a few factors to consider if you’re thinking about going electric.
Know your range
While EV technology is rapidly improving, range anxiety remains one of the biggest concerns for first time electric vehicle buyers. Knowing this, I did some quick research to learn more about the ranges of various EV models. The Nissan Leaf, which starts with 149 miles of range, has more than enough charge for my daily commute. If you have a longer daily commute, you may want to look at EV models with greater range, like the Tesla Model S, which can go nearly 350 miles on a full charge.
Figure out your charging options
For those of us who live in a single-family home, there won’t be any worries about getting an overnight charge. If you live in a condo or other multifamily building, it may be a bigger challenge to find a place to plug in. Many parking garages and shopping centers offer access to AC level 2 (240-volt) chargers, although it may require several hours to get a full charge. DC fast chargers, like the ones owned and operated by Hawaiian Electric at shopping centers across our service territory, can offer a near-full charge in just 15–30 minutes! You can find a fast charging station near you on our website. Hawaiian Electric also plans to add more fast charging stations soon. You can provide your feedback and drop a pin where you’d like to see a fast charging station at hawaiianelectric.com/chargeuphi.
Save on fuel costs
The cost per mile to drive a typical EV is lower than driving a typical gasoline or diesel-powered vehicle. You can view the rates of our fast charging stations on our website to get an idea what it may cost you to fuel your EV.
Check for tax credits and incentives
Federal tax credits may be available for qualifying NEW Electric Vehicles, but you’ll need to do some research to make sure the vehicle you’re interested in is still eligible. Tesla is one example that is no longer eligible for the credit due to the amount of vehicles that have already been sold. For more details on federal and state incentives, please visit the U.S. Department of Energy website at https://afdc.energy.gov/laws. Consult your personal financial advisor or tax preparer if you have questions.
Does the vehicle meet your needs?
As with any vehicle, you’ll want to choose a car that meets the space requirements for you and your family. When possible, take it for a test drive to see that it drives to your liking and comes with all the features you’ll require for your lifestyle.
For more information on electric vehicles, you can visit our website.
Dan Kaneko is a digital communications and social media specialist at Hawaiian Electric Company.
