Once considered a status symbol for the wealthy, electric vehicles, EVs for short, have proven themselves to be a reliable, maintenance-free and extraordinarily cost-effective way to travel.
The number of electric vehicles registered in Clark County grows by about 50 percent each year. But planners at Clark Public Utilities expect that figure to increase in the near future as customers’ tastes change, take advantage of utility and government rebates and incentives and state mandates take effect.
“We’re continually amazed with the robust adoption rate of EVs in Clark County, in fact we recently had to revise our EV adoption forecast to better reflect the aggressive adoption rates we’re seeing locally,” said Clark Public Utilities Program Manager Matt Babbitts. “The revised forecast shows Clark County ending the year with about 7,000 EVs and ending 2023 with over 10,000 EVs.”
The variety of EVs available on the market and quality of their batteries make them more attractive to more consumers each year. Vehicle manufacturers are regularly releasing new models with some capable of driving 520 miles on a single charge, with promises of further advanced technology available in the future. Plus, some new models are capable of serving as a home’s backup power supply during an outage.
Clark Public Utilities sees electric vehicles as an increasingly integral part of life in Clark County. The utility is here to support customers who are thinking about or already have purchased an electric vehicle. Clark County is a particularly attractive place to own an EV because Clark Public Utilities at-cost energy rates are among the lowest and cleanest in the nation.
Visit ClarkPublicUtilities.com/EV to calculate how much money and emissions you can save on your commute by switching to an EV, learn about different charging options and to view the many EV incentives and rebates that are available to qualifying customers.
Not only will owning an EV significantly reduce vehicle fuel and maintenance costs, Clark Public Utilities customer who charges an EV at home can expect to pay only an extra $25 per month on their energy bill on average.
A vehicle is a significant purchase for any household, but Clark Public Utilities believes the benefits of owning an EV shouldn’t be only within reach of the wealthy. That’s why it offers incentives of up to $2,000 for the purchase of a used EV selling for less than $20,000 to low- and limited-income customers.
Most EVs can be plugged into a regular 110-volt outlet, but expect a slow charge. Clark Public Utilities customers may qualify for up to $500 off a 220-volt Level II charger to dramatically reduce charging times. The rebate can even be instantly applied when purchased through the utility’s online market place.
EVs are available in nearly every vehicle class. The price of each is comparable to their gasoline-powered equivalents, but they’re often even more competitive after state and federal incentives are applied. New electric vehicles may also qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits. Those costing $45,000 or less are exempt from Washington sales tax.
Not ready to make the investment yet? There’s no need to stress about the incentives going away. With the recent passing of the Inflation Reduction Act, lawmakers renewed the federal zero emission vehicle tax credit.
Plus, with the state’s Clean Fuel Standard beginning next year, Clark Public Utilities will have an opportunity to expand its customer EV incentive programs even further.
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668.
