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Electric vehicle (EV) ownership is growing in Alaska despite the Last Frontier state having some of the country’s lowest EV adoption rates. Alaskans are starting to realize EVs are a good investment. Between 2018 and 2020 EV ownership doubled to nearly 1,600 EVs in Alaska. One of the biggest reasons Alaskans haven’t warmed up to EVs like drivers have in California, the state with the most EV drivers, is due to the Alaskan cold weather. In actuality, the cold climate is the main reason to buy an EV in Alaska. Since EVs emit zero emissions, you can safely warm up your EV in your garage. Since most EVs are “smart” vehicles, you can remotely turn on your car with a phone app and won’t have to hire someone to install a special remote starter for you. EVs have a low center of gravity, which improves your traction in the snow. If you’re interested in owning an EV as a personal vehicle, your EV charging can be done at home after the installation of a residential EV charger. You won’t have to drive your car in the freezing cold to fill up. EVs also require less maintenance. So not only will you no longer have to spend money on gasoline and oil changes, you’ll be warm and comfy no matter what the temperature is outside while driving your EV. All these benefits apply to EV fleet ownership as well, except charging can be done at a dept or with a home-based EV charger.
While the cold does affect the performance of an EV, people living in extremely cold climates, like in parts of Minnesota and Canada, have found ways to address this because the benefits of EV ownership are worth adjusting some practices in the winter. People in cold climates drive for shorter distances in the winter and supplement with heaters if needed.
Alaskans may have preferred different vehicles than the EV offerings of the past. Now Alaskans have a wider range of options with EVs that may be a better fit for their lifestyles, including pickup trucks and SUVs. They are even developing electric snowmobiles!
The time is now for EV ownership in Alaska. You’ll be able to take advantage of incentives for the purchase of your car and for the Level 2 EV home charging equipment you’ll need to keep your car running and you nice and warm. If you’re a business or a fleet operator, you can take advantage of commercial EV charging rebates, which tend to be more robust than residential incentives. Rebates don’t last forever and you want to save money now rather than regretting it when you undoubtedly end up buying an electric vehicle anyway…or if you’re a business, watch yourself lose customers to a competitor who installed an EV charging system before you did.
The Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) is dedicated to boosting EV adoption in Alaska. The organization’s goals is to lower the cost of energy in the state. According to the AEA, they expect to see more EVs on Alaska’s roadways in the future, but they do recognize the barriers keeping Alaskans from buying EVs.
The AEA has secured funds from the State Energy Program (SEP) for EVs. They are currently developing a DC Fast Charging network connecting the Kenai Peninsula to Healy. The network is being funded by Volkswagen Trust funds, SEP funds, and matching private funds from participating site hosts. A total of 15 fast chargers and eight Level 2 chargers will be installed by summer 2022.
The AEA is also installing Level 2 charging stations at state-owned facilities with SEP funds.
Alaskans can also join the Alaska Electric Vehicle Association (AKEVA). The AKEVA is an organization made up of activists and stakeholders with the goals of increasing EV adoption and improving EV infrastructure in the state.
There are currently no EV charging incentives available from the state government.
AELP offers an electric vehicle rate for customers so they can charge their EV during off-peak hours at a reduced rate.
AP&T offers local and tribal governments that install public charging stations an incentive of up to $1,000 through their Amp-Up program. Additionally, customers who purchase an EV, including electric motorcycles, qualify for a $1,000 incentive.
CEA offers both residential and commercial EV charging incentives. CEA will provide a $200 rebate per Level 2 charger for each residential location. In the event a household has two EVs, this rebate will help offset the costs of two EV chargers.
CEA offers rebates for Level 2 and DC Fast Charging commercial installations. Chugach will provide an up to $1,000 per Level 2 charger installed. The limit is two rebates per location. To receive the credit, commercial customers must complete an application and provide proof of purchase and installation.
For DC Fast Charging installations, CEA will provide a rebate of up to $5,000 per charger installed with no more than two rebates per location. In order to qualify, CEA commercial customers must agree to install, own, make publicly available, and pay the bill for the DC Fast charger. The program is open to Small General Serivce or Large General Service members. To receive the credit, commercial customers must complete an application and provide proof of purchase and installation.
The federal government offered a tax credit for EV charging stations known as the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit, which expired at the end of 2021. This tax credit is an example of why you should not wait to complete your EV charging installation.
The tax credit covered equipment and installation costs. Commercial EV chargers, infrastructure, and installation costs could receive a tax credit of up to 30%, or up to $30,000. Residential installation could receive a credit of up to $1,000.
Please note, if you qualify for more than one incentive… rebates and tax credits can be combined and used for increased money-saving opportunities.
As you can see from this detailed list of EV charging rebates, the process of applying for EV charging rebates depends on several factors. Most EV charging incentive programs require you to have your EV charger(s) to be installed by a licensed electrician. Others require you to make your chargers available to the public if you’re applying for a commercial incentive.
Each one has its requirements that must be met before you receive the rebate.
Applying for EV charging rebates in Alaska can easily become confusing and you could miss out on rebates if you don’t follow all the instructions correctly. Connect with our team of Incentives Specialists and you won’t have to worry about it! WattLogic will apply for available rebates on your behalf. It is all part of WattLogic’s comprehensive turnkey EV charging solution for residential and commercial installations, which includes a stress-free bidding process, product selection, design and build, permitting, rebate management, and installation by a verified and licensed electrician. Start by taking a simple online digital survey so you can receive your quote in no time!
Despite Alaska’s cold weather, electric vehicle ownership is growing in the Last Frontier state. Alaskans are starting to realize that EVs are a good investment, thanks in part to the low emissions and the ability to safely warm up your EV in your garage.