TOP EV PREDICTIONS FOR 2023

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With the new year just beginning, let’s quickly examine the EV market and explore the changes for the year ahead.

TOP 10 PREDICTIONS FOR EVS IN 2023

NREL,-owned electric vehicles (EVs) below solar by U.S. Department of Energy is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0

10. Gas prices will rise again, but not to peak 2022 levels. Many drivers will resume an investigation into electric vehicles as a long-term alternative. Read more https://atomic-temporary-200822588.wpcomstaging.com/2022/06/03/how-to-deal-with-gas-prices-evs-and-the-road-ahead/
11. Electricity rates will continue to rise nationally, making the switch to electric vehicles more complicated for many. Read more https://atomic-temporary-200822588.wpcomstaging.com/2022/12/09/the-electric-vehicle-equation/
12. New car prices will continue to rise and EV models will see price increases mirror this inflationary cycle. For example, the cheapest EV just became more expensive. Read more https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a42388138/2023-chevrolet-bolt-ev-euv-prices-increased/
13. EV rebates will expand at the federal level with $7500 tax rebates expanded to most models. Read more https://atomic-temporary-200822588.wpcomstaging.com/2022/08/19/free-money/
14. State and city rebates for EV charger installation will expand, making residential and commercial adoption more appealing. Find out more at https://ev-lectron.com/pages/tax-rebate
15. Tesla’s Cybertruck will finally be produced. However, with over 1.5 million pre-orders, most will have already moved on to other models or abandoned Tesla. Regardless, all Cybertrucks made will be sold for years as demand will outstrip supply. Order one here https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck
16. GM’s Ultium battery platform will appease many concerned with range. https://www.gm.com/ultium While not Lucid-range, new offerings will surpass many competitors.
17. Toyota, Mazda, Honda, and Subaru will cautiously test the EV market but will focus more on hybrid technologies.
18. Hyundai, Kia, GM, Ford, Volvo, Stellantis, BMW, and Audi will plow ahead with new models; effectively spearheading the push for the mass adoption of electric vehicles.
19. Consumers will cautiously examine EV offerings and explore charging options at home while a growing national network of public charging expands. Meanwhile, rapid federal and state programs, coupled with private enterprise will result in a massive array of charging options. Unfortunately, it will take years to create an array of charging that will allow for long-range trips throughout all of America’s immense landscape.https://atomic-temporary-200822588.wpcomstaging.com/2022/11/22/answers-to-the-top-ev-charging-faqs/

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BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE: COLD WEATHER AND FUEL ECONOMY

The U.S. Department of Energy has researched and summarized the impact of cold weather and winter driving on a vehicle’s fuel economy.

“Cold weather and winter driving conditions can reduce your fuel economy significantly.“

fueleconomy.gov

AUTOS AND WINTER WEATHER

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It is no secret that weather impacts the efficiency of machinery and equipment of all types.

Conventional Cars

Department of Energy findings show that in city driving, an internal combustion engine vehicle loses 15% gas mileage when outside temperatures fall from 77 degrees Fahrenheit to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Up to 25%, fuel economy loss can occur when trips occur with under 5 miles of driving at a time, preventing the engine from warming fully. As a note, any car that is left at idle to warm up is achieving 0 m.p.g. fuel economy.

In summary, expect conventional gasoline vehicles to suffer a 10% to 20% fuel economy loss in city driving and a 15% to 33% loss on short trips. Extreme cold temperatures will exacerbate the diminished fuel economy.

Electric Vehicles and Hybrids

The impact on battery-assisted hybrids and fully electric vehicles is typically greater. Estimated fuel economy in similar weather conditions can drop about 30% to 34%.

Cold weather can affect the performance of electric vehicles (EVs) in a few ways. One of the main concerns is the impact of low temperatures on the battery. Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in EVs, can lose some of their capacity to hold a charge in cold temperatures.

This means that an EV’s range may be reduced in cold weather, as the battery will not hold as much charge as it would at higher temperatures.

Overall, EV fuel economy can drop up to 39% in mixed city/highway driving, and range can drop by as much as 41%. Up to 2/3 of the additional energy used is directed to heat the vehicle cabin. The range of fuel economy loss is 20% to 40% in urban driving and 25% to 45% on short trips.

One bright spot is when the cabin heater is not in use, EV fuel economy is only 8% lower at 20°F than at 75°F. Similarly, the total driving range lowered by about 12%. Top EV questions answered: https://americacharged402453129.wordpress.com/ev-and-charging-faqs/

Cold Weather Tips for EV Owners

To achieve maximum range and fuel economy, even during cold weather, it’s important to follow these driving tips:

1. Plan ahead: Before setting out on a long trip, make sure to fully charge the battery and plan your route to include charging stops if necessary.
2. Use the “preconditioning” feature: Many EVs have a feature that allows you to precondition the cabin temperature and battery temperature before you start driving. This can help to warm up the battery and ensure that it is at an optimal temperature for driving.
3. Use seat and steering wheel heaters: If your EV has seat and steering wheel heaters, be sure to use them to stay warm while driving.
4. Check tire pressure: Cold temperatures can cause a drop in tire pressure, so be sure to check and inflate your tires to the recommended pressure.
5. Keep an eye on the battery level: Pay attention to the battery level and be prepared to stop and charge if necessary. It’s a good idea to have a backup plan in case you run out of charge.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your EV performs optimally in cold weather.

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Do You Know Where and How to Charge an Electric Vehicle?

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EV Charging Basics

To charge an electric vehicle (EV), you will need to plug it into a charging station or outlet using the charging cable that came with the vehicle. The type of charging station or outlet you use will depend on the type of EV you have and the type of charging equipment you have access to.

If you have a Level 1 charger for your vehicle, you can use it to charge with a standard 110-volt outlet, which is the type of outlet you typically find in most homes. This type of charging is slow, however, and it may take many hours to fully charge your EV.

If you have a Level 2 charger for your vehicle, you can use it to charge it using a 240-volt outlet, which is the type of outlet used for appliances like stoves and dryers. This type of charging is faster and may take several hours to fully charge your electric vehicle.

If you have access to a Level 3 EV charger, you can recharge your battery rapidly. These fast charging stations use high-voltage direct current (DC) to charge the battery quickly, and they can typically recharge an EV to 80% in 30 minutes or less.

To charge your EV, simply plug the charging cable into the charging port on your vehicle and then plug the other end into the charging station or outlet. The EV’s charging system will automatically start charging the battery, and you can monitor the charging process using the auto’s dashboard display or a smartphone app.

EV Charging Locations

There are numerous places where you can charge an electric vehicle (EV), including at home, at public charging stations, and at commercial and workplace charging stations.

If you have a garage or driveway, you can install a charging station at your home. This allows you to easily charge your EV overnight, so it’s ready to go in the morning. Home charging stations are typically Level 2, which means they use a 240-volt outlet to charge the EV’s battery.

If you don’t have a charging station at home, or if you need to charge your EV while you’re on the go, you can use public charging stations. These are located in various public places, such as shopping malls, parking garages, and along highways. Public charging stations come in different levels, from Level 1 (110-volt outlets) to Level 3 (DC fast charging stations).

You can also use commercial and workplace charging stations to charge your EV. Many businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores, offer charging stations for their customers or employees. Some of these stations may be free to use, while others may require a fee or membership.

To find charging stations near you, you can use a smartphone app or website that shows the locations of charging stations in your area. Some popular apps and websites for finding charging stations include PlugShare, ChargePoint, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center.

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EV Model Spotlight

The Electric Vehicle Equation

Hyundai Ioniq EV. Photo by Hyundai Motor Group on Pexels.com

It has been estimated that electric cars have saved about 700 million gallons of gasoline. With over 2 million EVs on the road in the U.S., the savings appears significant. This sizable number becomes dwarfed by the fact that there are 270 million vehicles registered in the U.S.

EV Fuel Savings

EV owners have already realized fuel savings. To be clear, EV users who have a home charger (level 2) save money recharging at national electric rates versus the price of gasoline.

The cost of the vehicle, insurance rates and other factors can certainly impact the equation, but the savings can be realized, especially over the life of the vehicle.

Most EV owners charge their vehicles at home, using a standard 120-volt outlet or a dedicated 240-volt charging station. The cost of charging an EV at home depends on your local electricity rates, but it typically ranges from $0.10 to $0.25 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), depending on where you live and the time of day you are charging.

If you need to charge your EV while on the go, you can use a public charging station. These stations are typically more powerful than home charging stations, and can charge an EV battery much faster. The cost of using a public charging station also varies depending on location, but it typically ranges from $0.20 to $0.50 per kWh.

Overall, the cost of charging an EV is typically lower than the cost of fueling a gas-powered vehicle, and many EV owners find that they save money on fuel costs over the long term.

It should be noted that the cost of charging an electric vehicle (EV) varies depending on a number of factors, including the type of EV, the size of the battery, and the type of charging station being used.

In general, however, it is typically less expensive to charge an EV than it is to fuel a gas-powered vehicle.

EV Range

Recent and ongoing developments in EV batteries have led to significant advances in EV range. The range of an EV can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size of its battery, the efficiency of its electric motor, and the terrain and weather conditions.

Some EVs have a range of just a few hundred miles, while others can go more than 400 miles on a single charge. See our article below for range possibilities.

EV Range Guide

EV Range and Charging Locations

The Federal Highway Administration notes there are almost 47,000 charging station locations nationally. With an estimated 120,000 charging ports, Tesla, GM and other auto manufacturers are rapidly leading enhancements nationally.

Since only 26,000 ports at roughly 6,500 stations classify as level 3 “fast chargers”, more chargers are clearly required to accommodate America’s mobile society. With an ambitious federal highway plan and commercial projects beginning daily, the network will grow exponentially.

Where are the chargers near you? Find out!

Loading alternative fueling station locator…

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EV Status

Electric vehicles make up 3% of the cars on the road today, but account for 5% of all new vehicle sales. The rapid expansion of this consumer technology will only continue to grow.

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Answers to the Top EV Charging FAQs

EV and Charging FAQs

Where do I charge an EV in public?

Public chargers are being constructed daily. With tens of thousands nationally, find the closest to you:

Loading alternative fueling station locator…

window.afdcStationsOptions = {“country”:”all”,”localeCountry”:”US”,”path”:”/find/nearest”,”query”:{“fuel”:[“ELEC”]}}https://widgets.nrel.gov/afdc/station-locator/assets/embed.jsPlease enable JavaScript to view the alternative fueling station locator.

How long does an electric car take to charge at a public charger?

Charging speed depends on an assortment of elements including the current battery percentage the peak rate that the vehicle can accept, and the ultimate rate that the charging equipment can provide. Typically, a 20-80% charge will take about 30 minutes, on average, regardless, some cars may charge faster or slower.

Rates of charge in miles per minute range from 3-20 miles per minute.

How do I charge an EV at home?

Most people who buy an EV, install a level 2 charger in a garage, driveway, or side of the home. Level 1 chargers are typically included with vehicle purchases but are very slow (5 miles of charge/hour) and are sufficient if the vehicle will be used infrequently, or only for short trips.

What are the basics of level 2 chargers?

Level 2 chargers require a 240-volt outlet (electric clothes dryer equivalent). Some homeowners may need to upgrade their electrical panel if they have an older or under powered home. A licensed electrician is in order. Chargers are typically installed in garages but can be mounted on pedestals in driveways, along curbs, or on the side of buildings.

What can I expect from a level 2 charger?

Charging capabilities are between 25-30 miles per hour, so most EVs will fully charge overnight. This means, every day, you can start off with a full battery and pursue maximum range.

How much does it cost to install an EV charger at my house?

Typical level 2 chargers can be installed for as little as $500 with most installed under $2000 with site work. Panel upgrades will cost more.

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Dodge’s Muscle Car Replacement

SHOULD I BUY AN EV?

2024 Chevy Equinox EV, courtesy of GM.

EV CONSIDERATIONS

The decision is becoming a prime focus for many Americans. With an increase in EV models, mass media coverage, and exponential sales, the topic is more and more relevant.

EV COST

Reports that EVs cost more than gas-powered vehicles can be misleading. With average prices of all models offered used, it is true that EVs retail at higher prices. However, that does not necessarily mean that an electric vehicle costs more. There are many EV models that are cheaper than their ICE counterparts.

Budget options exist, as a Nissan Leaf sells for $28k and a Chevy Bolt for $25k (MSRP before taxes and fees). Chevy is building a 2024 Equinox EV SUV for approximately $30k. Compare this with the Lucid Air luxury EV sedan starts at $87k and top models start at $249k. The Tesla Model S starts at $97k and the GMC Hummer EV starts at $110k.

Similar Pricing

Example: The 2024 Chevy Silverado EV truck has a starting M.S.R.P. of $42k, whereas the 2023 Chevy Silverado (gas-powered) has a starting price of $42k! These are both crew cabs with short beds. Clearly, there are cheaper options, comparable choices, and those that are more expensive.

EV PERFORMANCE

With most 0-60 times under 6 seconds (and some under 2 seconds!), electric vehicles are blazing fast. Handling and comfort are comparable, if not better, with minimal noise.

EV CHARGING

Charging is an important concern, as charging infrastructure is growing rapidly, but still not at a level to meet the needs of highly mobile- individuals and businesses. As there are more than 113,000 public chargers in America, the concern would seem to be minimal. Yet, most are in dense cities, shopping centers, and major highway rest areas. Residential charging minimizes this concern for daily use.

Residential Charging Options

What type of EV charger do I need?

Are you still confused about the basics of EV charging?

EV and Charging FAQs

YOUR UPDATE

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EV Range Guide

EV range is one of the biggest concerns consumers have when considering purchasing an electric vehicle. We have compiled a list of the top fully-electric trucks, crossovers, SUVs, and cars with the maximum ranges researched. EV performance is unmatched, but charging remains the chief obstacle to widespread adoption.

EV RANGE

Electrical vehicle range is often the most concerning feature for consumers. Charging time and availability is the most pressing topic and the subject of our next analysis. Enter your email for next week’s article.

The following are current mileage ranges sourced from each manufacturer’s website. Mileage is the EPA’s estimated range of top models (think: best battery) under normal conditions.

MAXIMUM RANGE BY VEHICLE CLASS

Model	Class	Range
F-150 Lightning	truck	320
Silverado EV (available next fall)	truck	400
Rivian R1T	truck	400
GMC Hummer	SUV	329
Chevy Blazer(available next fall)	SUV	320
Rivian R1S	SUV	320
Mustang Mach-E	crossover	260
Chevy Equinox (available next fall)	crossover	300
Volkswagen ID.4	crossover	275
Hyundai Kona	crossover	258
Tesla Model X	crossover	348
Tesla Model Y	crossover	330
Nissan Leaf	car	212
Chevy Bolt	car	259
Tesla Model S	car	405
Tesla Model 3	car	358
Lucid Air	car	500

America Charged Original

The results are clear. Vehicle ranges for smaller, less expensive models like the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Bolt, and Hyundai Kona are limited and may not be ideal for long trips. Middle-of-the-pack vehicles like the Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4 are better positioned for smaller trips and daily use. Available trucks have good range, but this does not factor in towing and hauling, which significantly reduces range. Tesla models and high-end vehicles will provide the best range and suitability for longer trips.

F-150 Lightning

GMC Sierra EV

Tesla Model Y

GMC Hummer EV

Chevy Equinox EV

Rivian R1T

The State of Electrical Vehicles

GMC SIERRA EV Photo courtesy of GM

New EV Models

Teslas and Hummer EV models have been in the news, but the hottest EVs are the trucks. America’s passion for pickup trucks has been mirrored in the electric vehicle market. Ford’s F-150 Lightning sales and reviews have been impressive. Following suit is General Motors with the Silverado and GMC Sierra EVs.

The highly anticipated Sierra EV will have a sub 4 seconds and a range of over 400 miles (ca. 644 km) on a full charge during average conditions (not towing, dramatic temperatures, etc.) This 754 horsepower machine is certainly costly at $107k for the top-tier Denali model. Towing is rated to tow 9,500 pounds (ca. 4,309 kilograms) with a payload capacity of 1,300 pounds (ca. 590 kilograms).

The Silverado EV and Sierra EV will offer work-level trims beginning around $40-50k, respectively.

Charging Stations

Tesla has led the fast charger network with over 35,000 worldwide. Over 6,000 non-Tesla fast charging stations have already been installed.

As of this article, 51,648 public charging stations exist in the United States. Find the ones near YOU:

https://afdc.energy.gov/stations/#/analyze?country=US&fuel=ELEC&ev_levels=all&access=public&access=private&show_map=true

Home Charging

Installation of a fast, home charger is affordable and an easy, electrician-completed project.

What type of EV charger do I need?

EV Costs and Pricing

With high gas prices and rising electricity costs, home recharging is still cheaper than refueling at the pump. Initial prices of EVs are higher on average across model lines, but maintenance costs are predictably lower.

The truth about ev charging v. gas prices

Budget options exist, as a Nissan Leaf sells for $28k and a Chevy Bolt for $25k (MSRP before taxes and fees). Chevy is building a 2024 Equinox EV SUV for approximately $30k.

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What type of EV charger do I need?

F-150 Lighting

Charging Basics

EVs come from the factory with a level 1 charging plug. For most, that will be insufficient. Similarly, going to a level 3 fast charger daily is likely out of the question unless one is installed at your place of work AND you have a short commute home.

Charger Level	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
Typical Power Output	1 kW	7 kW – 19 kW	50 – 350 kW
Estimated PHEV Charge Time from Empty2	5 – 6 hours	1 – 2 hours	N/A
Estimated BEV Charge Time from Empty3	40 – 50 hours	4 – 10 hours	20 minutes – 1 hour4
Estimated Electric Range per Hour of Charging	2 – 5 miles	10 – 20 miles	180 – 240 miles
Typical Locations	Home	Home, Workplace, and Public	Public

https://www.transportation.gov/

EV Charging Solution

For most residential owners of electric vehicles, installation of a level 2 charger at home is ideal. Level 2 chargers are affordably priced and will enable a fast-overnight charge at the convenience of your home.

STAY INFORMED OF EV CHARGING AND MODEL NEWS

Charger Spotlight

Wifi-enabled ChargePoint Flex

We are especially impressed with ChargePoint’s Flex home charger. This level 2 is convenient and high-powered. Stock investors may wish to take note as well.

https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/CHPT

https://www.chargepoint.com/drivers/home

Free Money?

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Money and Prices

With recent tax credit legislation finalized, many people will undoubtedly rethink the decision on whether to purchase an EV. The legislation extends and tweaks a federal tax rebate program allowing $7500 on new EV purchases. With manufacturing location restrictions and price ceilings, many sought-after vehicles qualify, including:

• Cadillac Lyric
• Chevy Bolt EV
• Chevy Silverado EV (out in Spring 2023)
• Ford F-150 Lightning
• Ford Mustang Mach-E
• GMC Hummer EV
• Lucid Air
• Nissan Leaf
• Rivian R1S (suv)
• Rivian R1T (truck)
• Tesla Model 3
• Tesla Cybertruck (out in 2023)
• Tesla Model X
• Tesla Model Y
• Volkswagen ID.4

With a premium for electric over gas models and savings at the recharger over the pump, is an EV right for you?

The truth about ev charging v. gas prices