As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow in popularity across the United States, more and more drivers are considering making the switch from gas-powered cars. However, the experience of owning an EV can vary significantly from state to state, depending on factors like charging infrastructure, electricity costs, and available incentives.
In this article, we‘ll take an in-depth look at what it‘s like to own an electric vehicle in the state of Arkansas. We‘ll explore the current state of EV adoption and infrastructure, break down the costs of charging at home versus public stations, and examine the incentives (or lack thereof) available to Arkansas EV owners. By the end, you‘ll have a clear picture of the pros and cons of going electric in The Natural State.
EV Adoption and Infrastructure in Arkansas
According to data from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, the number of registered electric vehicles in Arkansas has grown significantly in recent years. As shown in the table below, EV registrations in the state increased by over 200% between 2017 and 2021.
| Year | Number of EVs Registered in Arkansas |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 410 |
| 2018 | 690 |
| 2019 | 980 |
| 2020 | 1,290 |
| 2021 | 1,610 |
Source: Alliance for Automotive Innovation, "Electric Vehicle Sales Dashboard," accessed March 2023.
Despite this growth, Arkansas still lags behind many other states when it comes to charging infrastructure. As of February 2023, there were only 417 public charging stations available statewide, according to data from the Alternative Fuels Data Center. The majority of these stations are concentrated in and around major cities like Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Bentonville.
However, Arkansas has taken steps in recent years to expand its EV charging network. In 2021, the state received $54 million in federal funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to build out its network of EV charging stations along major highways and corridors. This funding is expected to support the installation of charging stations every 50 miles along Arkansas‘ interstate highways, making long-distance EV travel more feasible.
"The expansion of EV charging infrastructure in Arkansas is a critical step towards increasing adoption of electric vehicles in the state," said Jennah Denney, Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Today‘s Power, Inc., a renewable energy company based in North Little Rock. "By making charging more accessible and convenient, we can help drivers feel more confident about making the switch to EVs."
Environmental Benefits of EVs in Arkansas
In addition to potential cost savings, one of the main reasons drivers choose to switch to electric vehicles is the environmental benefits. According to data from the U.S. Department of Energy, EVs produce significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions than traditional gas-powered cars, even when accounting for the electricity used to charge them.
In Arkansas, where the electricity grid is still heavily reliant on fossil fuels like coal and natural gas, the environmental benefits of EVs may be less pronounced than in states with cleaner energy mixes. However, as the state continues to invest in renewable energy sources like solar and wind, the carbon footprint of EV charging is expected to decrease over time.
Moreover, EVs can have a significant impact on local air quality, particularly in urban areas like Little Rock where traffic congestion and vehicle emissions are major contributors to air pollution. A 2020 report from the American Lung Association found that switching to EVs could prevent more than 10,000 premature deaths and avoid over $100 billion in health costs caused by air pollution in the United States each year.
"Electric vehicles have the potential to greatly improve air quality and public health in Arkansas, especially in our cities and along major transportation corridors," said Dr. Glen Hooks, Senior Campaign Representative at the Sierra Club‘s Arkansas Chapter. "By reducing tailpipe emissions and supporting the transition to cleaner electricity generation, EVs can help create a healthier future for all Arkansans."
The Cost of EV Ownership in Arkansas
For many drivers, the decision to switch to an electric vehicle comes down to cost. While EVs typically have higher upfront costs than comparable gas-powered cars, they can offer significant long-term savings in terms of fuel and maintenance expenses.
Electricity Costs
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average residential electricity rate in Arkansas was 10.19 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) as of November 2022. This is slightly lower than the national average of 11.27 cents per kWh.
To put this into perspective, let‘s consider the charging costs for a popular EV like the Tesla Model 3. The Long Range version of the Model 3 has a battery capacity of 82 kWh, which means it would cost about $8.36 to fully charge at home using Arkansas‘ average electricity rate (82 kWh x $0.1019 per kWh = $8.36).
Assuming the Model 3 gets an average of 358 miles per full charge, this works out to a cost of about 2.3 cents per mile. In comparison, a gas-powered car that gets 30 miles per gallon would cost about 11.7 cents per mile to fuel up at Arkansas‘ average gas price of $3.50 per gallon.
Of course, actual charging costs will vary depending on factors like the specific EV model, battery capacity, driving habits, and local electricity rates. Some Arkansas utilities also offer special EV charging rates or time-of-use pricing that can further reduce costs for EV owners.
Public Charging Costs
While at-home charging is usually the most convenient and cost-effective option for EV owners, there may be times when public charging is necessary. The cost of public charging in Arkansas varies depending on the provider and location, but it is generally more expensive than charging at home.
For example, the Electrify America network offers DC fast charging at several locations in Arkansas, with prices ranging from 31 cents to 43 cents per kWh depending on the station and membership level. This means that fully charging a Tesla Model 3 Long Range with an 82 kWh battery could cost anywhere from $25.42 to $35.26.
Other public charging networks like ChargePoint and EVgo have similar pricing structures, with rates typically falling between 25 cents and 50 cents per kWh. Some stations may also charge a flat fee per charging session or an hourly rate for parking.
Long-Term Cost Savings
Despite the higher upfront costs and variable public charging expenses, many EV owners in Arkansas report significant long-term savings compared to owning a gas-powered vehicle.
According to a 2020 report from the U.S. Department of Energy, the average EV owner can save between $800 and $1,000 per year on fuel costs compared to driving a similar gas-powered car. EVs also typically have lower maintenance costs due to having fewer moving parts and no need for regular oil changes or tune-ups.
"I‘ve owned my Tesla Model 3 for about two years now, and I estimate that I‘ve saved over $2,000 in fuel costs alone compared to my previous gas-powered car," said James Thompson, a Little Rock resident and EV enthusiast. "When you factor in the lower maintenance costs and the convenience of charging at home, it‘s hard to imagine going back to a traditional vehicle."
EV Incentives in Arkansas
One factor that can significantly impact the cost of owning an electric vehicle is the availability of incentives like tax credits, rebates, and grants. Unfortunately, Arkansas currently offers no state-level incentives for EV purchases or charging infrastructure.
However, Arkansas EV owners can still take advantage of the federal tax credit for electric vehicles. As of 2023, the credit is worth up to $7,500 for new EVs that meet certain criteria, such as being manufactured in North America and having a battery capacity of at least 7 kWh.
It‘s worth noting that the federal tax credit is set to phase out for some popular EV models like the Tesla Model 3 and Chevrolet Bolt as those manufacturers reach certain sales thresholds. As such, it‘s important for prospective EV buyers to research the current availability of the credit for their desired vehicle.
"The lack of state-level incentives for EVs in Arkansas is definitely a barrier to adoption," said Lauren Waldrip, Executive Director of the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association. "We‘re working with policymakers and stakeholders across the state to explore potential incentive programs that could make EVs more accessible and affordable for Arkansas drivers."
The Impact of EVs on Arkansas‘ Economy
In addition to the environmental and cost benefits, the growth of electric vehicles in Arkansas could have significant implications for the state‘s economy and job market.
According to a 2021 report from the Natural Resources Defense Council, transitioning to EVs could create over 1,800 new jobs in Arkansas by 2030, primarily in the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of EV charging infrastructure. The report also estimates that increased EV adoption could save Arkansas households a total of $226 million per year in fuel costs by 2030, money that could be reinvested in the local economy.
Moreover, as major automakers continue to invest in EV technology and shift their production towards electric models, states with a strong EV ecosystem and workforce may be better positioned to attract new businesses and industries.
"The growth of EVs presents a tremendous opportunity for Arkansas to diversify its economy and create new jobs in emerging sectors like advanced energy and clean transportation," said Dr. Megan Shea, a Senior Policy Analyst at the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. "By investing in EV infrastructure and workforce development today, Arkansas can position itself as a leader in the clean energy economy of tomorrow."
Challenges and Opportunities for Arkansas EV Owners
Despite the potential benefits, owning an electric vehicle in Arkansas is not without its challenges. The state‘s limited charging infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, can make long-distance travel difficult for EV owners. The additional $200 annual registration fee for EVs also adds to the overall cost of ownership, a burden that some advocates argue unfairly penalizes drivers who are trying to make a more environmentally-friendly choice.
However, there are also many reasons for optimism about the future of EVs in Arkansas. The state‘s targeted investments in charging infrastructure, growing national inventory of EV models, and potential for long-term cost savings are all factors that could drive increased adoption in the coming years.
For current and prospective EV owners in Arkansas, there are also many steps that can be taken to maximize the benefits of going electric. From taking advantage of off-peak charging rates and planning long trips around available charging stations to advocating for more EV-friendly policies and incentives at the state and local level, there are many ways for EV drivers to make the most of their experience.
"Owning an EV in Arkansas requires a bit of planning and flexibility, but it‘s also incredibly rewarding," said Emily Thompson, an EV owner and clean energy advocate based in Fayetteville. "By making the switch to electric, we‘re not only saving money and reducing our environmental impact, but we‘re also helping to create a cleaner, healthier future for our state. It‘s an exciting time to be part of the EV revolution."
Conclusion
Electric vehicles are a rapidly-growing segment of the transportation market, and their adoption in Arkansas is poised for significant growth in the coming years. While the state currently lags behind some other parts of the country in terms of charging infrastructure and incentives, targeted investments and policies could help accelerate the transition to EVs and create new economic opportunities for Arkansas residents.
For drivers considering making the switch to electric, it‘s important to carefully weigh the potential costs and benefits based on factors like driving habits, access to charging, and long-term financial goals. By understanding the current landscape and taking steps to minimize costs and maximize convenience, Arkansas EV owners can help drive the state towards a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future.
