Odds are you know someone who drives an electric vehicle (EV). Demand is skyrocketing, thanks to consumer concerns for the environment and government-sponsored incentives that make purchasing an EV more attractive than ever. If you own a home in the suburbs, the question is probably not if you plan to buy an EV, but when.
That equation changes a bit, however, if you aren’t living in a suburban home with a garage to house your own charging station. For urban dwellers, the opportunity to charge an EV becomes more complicated. Some cities are getting it right, however, and they serve as models for others to follow.
Here’s what to consider if you’re an urban dweller hoping to add an EV in your future.
Not all cities are created equal:
It probably comes as no surprise that climate-forward California is home to five of the top 10 EV-friendly cities, according to industry data aggregator iSeeCars. San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose serve as the nation’s top metro for EV owners, with just 465 residents per charger. At the other end of the spectrum are cities like Cleveland, OH, Houston, TX, and St. Louis, MO, which clocks in at the bottom with 5,787 residents per charger. When you slice and dice the types of chargers, the same cities hold their rankings, with San Francisco featuring the most Level 3 fast chargers.
Finding charging stations can be tricky:
If you live in a city, it’s important to know where your charging stations are in relation to your home and job. Do some homework before buying an EV to ensure topping off your battery will be practical. Some cities even have “charging deserts,” where stations are few and far between, particularly in low-income neighborhoods. Others are making steady progress, however, like New York, and Portland, OR, where city government is installing streetside charging. Other locations, like Los Angeles, are offering incentives to apartment and condo owners to install parking lot chargers. And still others are considering converting gas stations into charging stations.
Think about the cost to charge:
Another consideration before buying an EV is the cost for charging in a city rather than with a home-based charger. The average cost of fully charging an EV at a commercial charger is between $10 and $30. Keep in mind that costs will vary depending on the type of charger, level of charge, and type of battery.
The good news is that demand for EVs and charging stations is exploding, and cities are seeking solutions to make charging easier and more accessible. If your city isn’t ready for widespread EV adoption now, chances are it will be soon.