Electric vehicles (EVs) have skyrocketed in popularity throughout the U.S., and North Carolina is no exception. Residents here are transitioning towards cleaner transportation systems as more residents swap out their gas-powered vehicles for eco-friendly options. Join us as we explore popular EVs in North Carolina, so you can make an informed decision when making your next car purchase.
Total Electric Vehicles Sold in North Carolina
Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained popularity throughout the U.S., including North Carolina. At the same time, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signed an executive order targeting 80,000 EVs on state roads by 2025. As of December 31, 2021, North Carolina had 16,190 registered electric vehicles. In the first quarter of 2023, fully electric vehicles (BEVs) in the United States reached a new record, with 7.2% of new sales market share.
Electric Vehicle Market Share in North Carolina
Despite the positive trend in EV adoption, North Carolina has some catching up to do. In terms of EV market share, the state lags behind leading states like California, where 1.43% of registered vehicles are electric, and Hawaii, where 0.86% of registered vehicles are electric. To achieve the 80,000 EV target, North Carolina needs to increase registered EV numbers in the coming years significantly.
North Carolina’s electric vehicle (EV) market has steadily grown. By 2019, its total EV market share included plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), reaching 1.366% of total passenger car sales, excluding light-duty pickup trucks. By Q3/Q4 of 2020, its share had exceeded 10% for the first time. In terms of registered electric vehicles, North Carolina ranked 16th overall in the U.S. In fact, it has 16,190 registered electric vehicles and a 0.19% share among all registered vehicles in the state.
North Carolina is also benefiting from increased investment in EV infrastructure and manufacturing. They expect to receive up to $109 million from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI). The program will help establish a 500,000 EV charging station network along designated alternative fuel corridors. Further, several EV companies have announced plans to set up facilities in central North Carolina within the last 15 months. In addition, Toyota has committed to investing $1.29 billion over 10 years to build a new battery factory in the state. It aims to produce 1.2 million battery packs in 2025.
Overall, the electric vehicle market share in North Carolina has been growing. It comes with supportive public policies, investments in charging infrastructure, and an expanding automotive manufacturing sector that play significant roles in this growth.
The 5 Most Popular EVs in North Carolina
Electric vehicles (EVs) have grown increasingly popular among those seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint. With its scenic drives and outdoor attractions, North Carolina has also witnessed an increased interest in EVs as people strive to reduce their environmental impact. We will explore five of the most popular EVs in North Carolina and examine their features, range, and performance.
So whether you own one already, the following are the most popular EVs in North Carolina:
Tesla Model S
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The 2023 Tesla Model S is an electric sedan that remains competitive despite launching the EV revolution. While newer rivals offer more features and longer driving ranges, its advantages still outweigh these disadvantages. The Model S has an underfloor battery pack, creating a low center of gravity and evenly distributed weight from front to rear. In addition, the base model’s battery can cover up to 405 miles, while Plaid offers 396. Its 250kW charging capability means less time between recharges than most EVs. Therefore, it provides an ideal option for long-distance travel.
Total Speed
The Tesla Model S has one electric motor for each axle, providing full-time all-wheel drive. For an upgraded experience, its Plaid version features three electric motors to increase combined output to 1020 horsepower. It’s fast enough to accelerate from zero to 60mph in just 2.1 seconds. Meanwhile, its standard model remains an agile sports sedan boasting well-controlled body motions and direct steering.
Additional Features
Tesla’s advanced software and AutoPilot hands-free driving mode, while sometimes debatable, are still worth noting. This year’s Model S adds a key card instead of its standard car-shaped key fob. Additionally, its regular steering wheels have made a comeback as a no-cost option.
Overall, the 2023 Model S is still Tesla’s flagship product, offering access to their most up-to-date software and features. While some competitors offer faster speeds or shorter charging times than it does, its base model still provides impressive speeds, charging times, and value.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
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Ford’s 2023 Mustang Mach-E is an ideal solution for drivers seeking an economical yet high-performance electric vehicle in a stylish crossover package. The Premium and GT models provide numerous equipment packages to satisfy various customer preferences. With a total power output of 480 horsepower, the Mach-E GT Performance model accelerates from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds and travels 306 miles on one charge. Further, each model can be charged overnight with fast-charging capability. Ford charge stations can replenish 32 miles per hour.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
The Mustang Mach-E can be equipped with a standard 70.0kWh or an extended 91.0kWh battery pack. Thus, creating all-wheel drive capability via an electric motor mounted on either axle. It comes equipped with powerful, fast charging capability as well as 19-inch wheels, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The 2023 Mustang Mach-E has a Ford-estimated range between 226 and 312 miles, depending on the battery pack and the configuration of electric motors. It has fast-charging capability and a mobile charging device that can add up to 30 miles of range per night with a 120-volt outlet.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Mustang Mach-E has an under-floor battery pack, providing maximum cargo and passenger space. Its interior boasts an attractive digital gauge cluster, and a vertically mounted touchscreen. It also has a front trunk storage capacity for ice cubes or messy things. Further, its 60 cubic foot rear cargo space makes this car suitable for most storage needs.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Ford’s next-generation Sync infotainment system uses machine learning to personalize each driver’s experience. The Mustang Mach-E has this system running on a vertically mounted 15.5-inch touchscreen for convenient access to its many apps and features. It includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, mobile Wi-Fi hotspot functionality, and Bang & Olufsen’s audio system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2023 Mustang Mach-E has advanced driver assistance features making it among the most Popular EVs in North Carolina. It comes with automated emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Mustang Mach-E has a limited powertrain warranty covering eight years or 100,000 miles of electrical components. No complimentary scheduled maintenance is included.
Overall, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offers an impressive combination of speed, range, cargo space, and infotainment features in a stylish and practical package.
Tesla Model Y
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The 2023 Tesla Model Y crossover SUV falls far short of expectations. It provides less driving range and agility on winding roads, with low-quality materials throughout its interior. Competitors include the Audi Q8 e-tron, Cadillac Lyriq, and Genesis GV60 as luxury options.
Charging Time
The Long Range and Performance models boast an estimated driving range of 330 and 303 miles, respectively. The Long Range model maximizes driving range while providing exceptional speed. It’s powered by its electric motor, power, and performance features. It offers a lightning-fast acceleration from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds for Long Range models and 3.6 seconds for Performance ones. Both feature 279 miles of range per charge, respectively.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The Long Range Model Y offers an estimated 127MPGe in the city and 117MPGe on the highway, scoring an estimated 220 miles of driving range over the 200-mile highway test route. On the 200-mile highway fuel economy test route, this same vehicle scored an estimated 94MPGe. Performance models boast estimated fuel economy figures of 115MPGe on city driving and 106MPGe on highway roads, resulting in an estimated 98MPGe result on the test route and approximately 223 miles driving range during testing.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Model Y features an all-glass roof to bring light into the cabin while preventing sunbathing in Sun Belt states. An infotainment and connectivity system, managed via a large slim infotainment display in the center dashboard, displays nearly every function from climate control to the speedometer.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Model Y offers the Autopilot semi-autonomous driving system as a standard feature, while self-parking and Summon features are optional. Key safety features of note include standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering feature.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Tesla Model Y offers four years, or 50,000 miles, of bumper-to-bumper coverage and eight years, or 100,000 miles, of battery and electric motor coverage. There is no complimentary scheduled maintenance plan offered with the car. The Long Range and Performance models feature all-wheel-drive with 330 and 303 miles of range, respectively. The Long Range Model Y delivers 127MPGe in the city and 117 on the highway; meanwhile, the Performance offers 115/106. Both models offer all glass roofs with an infotainment system managed through a large slim display with Autopilot semi-autonomous driving capability.
Chevrolet Bolt
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The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is an industry game-changer, providing eco-friendly transportation at an accessible price point. The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV enjoys a significant price cut of $5,900 to become the least-expensive EV available on American shelves. Its EUV counterpart experiences a reduction in price of $6,300. There are two trim levels for Bolt EV customers to choose from. The 1LT and 2LT models will continue on until 2023 is officially the final model year of production.
Powertrain and Performance
The Bolt’s powertrain remains virtually unchanged, featuring a 65kWh battery that provides 200 horsepower and 266lb-ft to its front wheels. It can accelerate from zero to 60mph in just 6.4 seconds and offers one-pedal driving capability. In addition, EPA estimates indicate an EPA rating of 120MPG-e with 259 miles range, 7-hour charging time at 240V stations, and full charge time estimated to take 7 hours for this vehicle.
Interior and Cargo Space
The Bolt EV offers increased cargo capacity and several inches more legroom in each row than its Hyundai Kona Electric counterpart. It features an 8-inch digital instrument display screen and standard safety features like automatic emergency braking. Additionally, it comes with a lane-keeping assist, making this car ideal for extended road trips. The 1LT trim features automatic climate control, heated and powered side mirrors, and a spacious infotainment screen. The 2LT adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat capability, and additional tech and safety features.
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is a practical, efficient, and fun-to-drive electric car with an affordable price tag. Despite being in its final model year, the Bolt EV is still a superb choice for eco-friendly commuting.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
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The Hyundai Ioniq 5 SUV has received recognition among the five most popular EVs in North Carolina for being an innovative fast-charging EV with a broad lineup. It ranges from a 168 horsepower single motor rear-drive model up to 320 horsepower all-wheel drive dual motor unit with a range between 220 miles to 303 miles. This makes it one of the farthest-driving EVs sold under $60,000.
The Ioniq 5 stands out with its 350kW DC fast charging capability, offering charging speeds as quick as those found in more expensive and luxurious EVs. Further, its spacious interior provides more rear passenger space than either Ford’s Mustang Mach-E or Volkswagen’s ID.4 can offer. At an attractive price point and with range availability options spanning both pricing and mileage availability options available to purchase, it is an appealing proposition for anyone interested in owning an EV.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
Ioniq 5 offers several levels of electric-only powertrain options. A standard-range battery with one rear-mounted motor generates 168 horsepower. It has a long-range rear-drive configuration that generates 225 horses and 258 pound-feet of torque, while it’s all-wheel-drive version generates an astounding 446 pound-feet.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The Ioniq 5 has an estimated range of 220 to 303 miles, depending on its battery and drivetrain configurations. When connected to a DC fast charger, 10-80% battery capacity can be replenished within 18 minutes, adding approximately 68 miles every five minutes. The Ioniq 5 boasts an EPA combined rated efficiency rating of up to 114MPGe and achieved 210 miles on one full charge while driving 75mph in the real-world range test. Inside, its tech savvy and eco-friendly materials are abundant. It features an LED dashboard adorned with digital readouts and ample passenger and cargo space. This includes an entirely flat floor with reclining front seats incorporating footrests for even greater efficiency. The Ioniq 5 has a 12.0-inch touchscreen with advanced voice-recognition software and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Ioniq 5 provides drivers with an impressive suite of driver assistance technology, such as forward collision warning and automated emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, this vehicle features Highway Driver Assist 2, an optional drive mode.
Hyundai provides one of the industry’s best warranty plans, featuring five years or 60,000 miles limited warranty, ten years or 100,000 miles powertrain warranty, and battery warranty protection for ten years or 100,000 miles. Additionally, it comes with three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance coverage.
Wrapping Up
North Carolina drivers have witnessed an exponential increase in EV ownership since 2013. More drivers recognize its benefits, such as lower fuel costs, reduced emissions, and a quieter ride. Overall, the EV market in North Carolina continues to evolve rapidly, with new models and features being introduced all the time. It’s important for consumers to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and options to make an informed decision when purchasing the most popular EVs in North Carolina.
Breaking EV News
Owners of General Motors (GM) and Ford EVs will soon be able to recharge at 12,000 of Tesla’s Superchargers throughout North America. At the start of 2024, EVs by both manufacturers will be able to use adapters to connect to Tesla’s charging stations. And at the start of 2025, both brands’ EVs will feature Tesla’s North American Charging Standard connector.
According Mary Barra, GM’s CEO, . “Not only will it help make the transition to electric vehicles more seamless for our customers, but it could help move the industry toward a single North American charging standard.”
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