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The 5 Most Popular EVs in Alaska

Updated: August 10, 2023 by Kevin Wood

Are you looking for the most popular EVs in Alaska? Throughout the US and the state of Alaska, electric vehicles are getting more popular. Even with its cold temperatures, winter weather, and long stretches between charging stations, Alaskans continue to buy and drive electric vehicles.

Electric vehicles aren’t just for the environmentally-minded. They’ve won drivers over with their low maintenance, fast acceleration, and modern features. Whether it’s a daily commuter, or a car for weekend getaways, EVs are here to stay.

The terrain and sparse population of Alaska pose unique challenges compared to other states, but for owners of EVs, the pros outweigh the cons. If you’ve been curious about the most popular EVs in Alaska, then this post is for you. We’ll take a look at how many electric vehicles are sold throughout Alaska, and highlight which electric vehicles are the most popular.

Total Electric Vehicles Sold in Alaska

Alaska has some of the lowest EV registration numbers in the US, but it also has a smaller population too. However, even with its lower numbers it still has more registered EVs than 6 other states, including Montana, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Today, Alaska has just over 2,300 EVs registered throughout the state. In terms of electric-only vehicles, there’s a total of 1,290 registered in Alaska. This figure has also grown by more than 120% since June 2021.

The registered electric vehicles are a mix of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) that run solely on electricity from stored batteries and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) that have a limited electric range along with an internal combustion drive train. BEVs are seeing faster growth than the PHEV alternatives.

Total EV Sales in Alaska

Overall, Alaska’s electric vehicle market makes up a tiny fraction of its total number of registered vehicles. In some states, the number of registered EVs is as high as 39%, but in Alaska, this number is just 0.09%. Out of the 890,000 registered vehicles, just 1,290 are electric-only EVs and an additional 1,000 are plug-in hybrids.

Top 5 Most Popular Electric Vehicles in Alaska

Let’s take a closer look at five of Alaska’s most popular EVs.

Tesla Model Y

One of the most popular EVs in Alaska is the Tesla Model Y. This model can go 0 to 60 in under 4.8 seconds and boasts an 81kWh 350 V lithium-ion battery that gets around 330 miles per charge. Charging your vehicle battery will take around 8 hours, and will be around $9.75 to $28.50 per charge, depending on if it’s a public or private charge. It also features a dual AWD motor, which can help make driving during icy and snowy winter conditions much easier. The base model has a starting price point of $52,990.

Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is another popular choice for Alaska residents. Launched by Tesla in 2017, this mid-range option is a great alternative to the more expensive Model S and Model Y. This version is popular for its great range, stylish design, and technology features. Plus, with its acceleration of 3.1 seconds from 0-60mph, merging will never be an issue. The Model 3 has also received outstanding reviews for its safety features, including a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The base model starts at $41,990.

Chevy Bolt

The Chevy Bolt is another very popular model. It’s one of the more affordable EVs, with a starting price of only $26,500, which makes it similar in price to new gas-powered vehicles. It boasts a long range of 259 miles from a single charge, which is great for Alaskan roads where charging stations may not be as readily available. Also, it’s smaller in size, which makes parking and navigating the roads quite easy.

Nissan Leaf

Another popular electric vehicle in Alaska is the Nissan Leaf. Although not as widespread throughout the entire state, it remains the most popular EV in the city of Sitka. Within the city, there are on average 15 Nissan Leafs for every 1,000 people. Since the city is fairly centralized to downtown, it’s perfect for the Leaf, which has a lower range of just over 200 miles per charge. It also offers a lower entry point into the EV market, with a starting price just above $28,000.

Ford F-150 Lightning

The Ford-F150 Lightning is a relatively new addition to the EV world. As opposed to other SUV EVs, this model gives you the power and feel of a gas-powered truck. Depending on the model you choose, you get a 98 kWh or 131 kWh battery, which offers 230 to 320 miles per charge. Plus, the EV F-150 can be charged on a 120V or 240V outlet, which gives you more versatility. Finally, the truck boasts a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds. Prices range from $59,974 to $98,074, depending on the package and options you choose.

Most Popular EVs in Alaska: Wrapping Up

In conclusion, Alaska’s most popular electric vehicles are efficient and reliable choices to help get around Alaska, no matter the weather. The EVs featured have a solid battery range, advanced technology features, and even AWD availability for the harsh winter months. Plus, there’s a variety of price points and incentives to help fit your budget.

You can also expect the future of EVs to be quite bright in Alaska. The Alaska Energy Authority is proposing a lot of future development for charging stations across the state. Hopeful estimates put the total number of electric vehicles in Alaska between 7,000 to 14,000 by 2026.

The 5 Most Popular EVs in Alaska FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are the most popular electric vehicles in Alaska?

The most popular electric vehicles in Alaska are the Tesla Model Y and Model 3. Tesla has proven to be a leader in the EV market across the US and Alaska is no different.

How does charging an electric vehicle in Alaska work?

Alaska has a small, but growing, network of charging stations that are both private and public. Generally, charging an electric vehicle involves plugging your car into one of these stations, which can take minutes to several hours to charge. Some owners also opt for at-home charging stations that charge directly from an at-home power bank. Since some places in Alaska operate from hydro-power, electricity can be cheap and plentiful.

How does owning an electric vehicle compared to a gas-powered vehicle in Alaska?

The initial cost of an electric vehicle might be higher, compared to a gas-powered vehicle, but long-term ownership costs tend to be cheaper. In the long-term, vehicle maintenance and fuel costs will be substantially lower. Plus, there are a variety of incentives and rebates that help to offset the initial expense of purchasing an EV.

What is the future of electric vehicles in Alaska?

The future of electric vehicles in Alaska seems bright. Year after year, the number of EVs on the road continue to grow. Plus, with the state’s investment into additional charging stations, there will be fewer roadblocks to commuting longer distances.

Does Alaska offer incentives for buying electric vehicles?

Yes, aside from federal incentives, Alaska offers a Residential Electric Vehicle Charging Station Credit, which provides a $200 bill credit per residential charging station. Alaska Power and Telephone also offers an EV rebate of $1,000 for customers who purchase a new or pre-owned EV.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car in Alaska?

Charging costs are variable throughout the state. On average, electricity is $0.20 per kWh, and the average electric vehicle gets 2.9 miles per kWh, so driving around 10,000 miles a year would cost around $55 per month.