What if your home or workplace do not have EV charging? If you don’t have access to charging at home or work, public charging stations are readily available, similar to gas stations for ICE vehicles. Many parking garages, retailers, hotels, and even some convenience stores now offer EV charging. Public EV chargers are easy to locate using apps like PlugShare, Google Maps, or the Blink Mobile App. Unlike gas stations, EV chargers are often located near businesses and entertainment venues, allowing you to shop, attend appointments, or relax while your car charges. Rather than only refueling once they reach a 25% fuel tank or lower, many EV drivers “top off” their range wherever they see a charging station.
“But what about range anxiety?” Range anxiety, the fear of running out of battery and getting stranded, is a common concern for new EV drivers. However, this anxiety typically fades with experience. In PlugInAmerica’s 2024 EV Driver Survey, while 69.8% of drivers reported concerns about battery range when they first bought or leased an EV, that concern dropped by about half once they started driving one.
There are two key reasons why range anxiety becomes range confidence:
Most modern EVs have ample range for typical driving needs, with a median range of 270 miles and a high of 516 miles in 2023.
The average U.S. driver travels only 29.1 to 39.7 miles per day, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
While Americans spend about an hour driving per day according to AAA, their actual commute distance is not much further than a few dozen miles away from home. While EV road trips require some planning, increased availability of charging stations and tools like PlugShare’s trip planner make it easy to keep your EV charged. Many hotels now offer EV charging, and as more states implement NEVI charging stations along highways, DC fast charging will become even more common over the next decade.
EVs Require Less Maintenance
Driving an ICE vehicle means not only weekly gas station visits but also regular maintenance, including annual oil changes. If you drive an ICE vehicle, not only must you visit a gas station weekly, but you must also visit your dealership or auto repair shop every year to change your engine oil. Depending on your vehicle’s age and maintenance schedule, you may also need to budget hundreds or thousands of dollars for other maintenance related to your engine or fuel tank.
But EVs have no engine oil. They also don’t have many other engine parts that can break or wear out and require replacement, such as such as spark plugs, air filters, fuel pumps, and exhaust components. With far fewer moving parts than an ICE vehicle (about two dozen compared to over 2,000 in a gas car), EVs have lower maintenance costs over their lifetime. Although electric cars still need tires, windshield wiper fluid, and cabin air filters, they are generally less expensive to maintain.
An EV’s transmission is single-speed, making it less complex and less prone to failure than a multi-speed gearbox. The most expensive part of an EV is its battery, but modern batteries are designed to last well beyond 100,000 miles, making replacement unlikely during your vehicle’s lifespan. In fact, EV batteries can be reused as energy storage in their second-life after no longer meeting the requirements for operating a vehicle!
The EV Driving Experience
Driving an EV is different from driving a gas car in exciting ways. Even standard EVs can rival high-performance ICE vehicles in terms of acceleration, responsiveness, and torque. Many drivers rediscover their love of driving behind the wheel of an EV.
One feature unique to EVs is regenerative braking, which can take some time to adjust to. When you press the brake, the EV’s motor runs in reverse, slowing the vehicle while generating electricity to recharge the battery. This process helps recapture energy and extends your driving range. In fact, because of regenerative braking, it’s often unnecessary to charge your EV to 100%, as you can recapture kinetic energy while driving.
Other Financial Benefits of Driving an EV
The initial price of an EV can be surprising to drivers who have never considered one before. Many of the newest and flashiest EV models are luxury vehicles, though prices have dropped in the last decade thanks to decreased battery prices. However, while the upfront cost may be higher, the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance, along with tax credits, make EVs a smart investment.
For eligible taxpayers, there are several financial incentives:
Starting in 2024, these credits are available at the point of purchase at authorized dealerships. However, restrictions may apply based on income, vehicle MSRP, battery components, and assembly location. Interested buyers may search for vehicle eligibility on Fueleconomy.gov.
If you don’t qualify for federal credits, you may still be eligible for state or local incentives. Use Blink’s Residential Incentives Finder to discover additional opportunities.
Other Perks of Driving an EV
Beyond tax credits, driving an EV offers other advantages. There are other benefits to driving an EV, as well. Some stores have preferred parking for EVs, and most EV charging stations are located close to the building. EV drivers may also continue to get discounted or free access to HOV (high-occupancy vehicle) lanes across the country through the end of 2025.
Additionally, many employers and businesses offer free charging to attract customers, employees, or tenants. You can easily locate public chargers using popular apps or request EV charging at your workplace.
Conclusion
Switching to an electric vehicle may feel intimidating, but Blink is here to help. Whether installing your own home charging station or using one of our thousands of charging stations worldwide, Blink is committed to helping you feel “range confident” with your new electric vehicle.
Do you manage a workplace, multifamily residence, or commercial property? Contact your Blink sales manager to learn how EV charging can benefit your business.
