Best cities to own an electric vehicle
In 2021, EV sales across the globe doubled compared to the previous year, reaching 6.6 million worldwide. Drivers are drawn to electric vehicles (EV) for different reasons. Some want to reduce their carbon footprint as much as possible, while others want to spend less on gas over the long-term. For more on the reasons people are choosing (or not choosing) EVs and hybrids, check out recent report.
While anyone can benefit from driving a plug-in car, The Zebra decided to take a look at the U.S. cities where you’ll get the most bang for your buck without sacrificing convenience. We analyzed the country’s 50 most populous cities to find the best places to own an electric vehicle, based on the following factors:
- Number of electric vehicle charging stations: The more charging stations, the better, in order to easily power your EV.
- Cost of gas: Drivers in cities with higher gas prices will financially benefit more from an EV.
- Cost of electricity (by state): Lower electricity costs mean lower maintenance expenses when charging your vehicle.
Check out our top 10 list to see how your city fares when it comes to electric vehicle ownership.
Regardless of the type of vehicle you drive, it's always important to make sure you are adequately protected. The Zebra specializes in helping consumers find the best car insurance coverage at the best price. Do you own or are you considering an electric vehicle? See our guide Car Insurance for Hybrid and Electric Cars for more information.
Methodology
The Zebra pulled three data points to analyze the top 50 MSAs (by population) in the U.S. related to electric vehicles.
- Number of electric vehicle charging stations: U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center
- Cost of gas: AAA Gas Prices (as of March 7, 2022)
- Cost of electricity by state: ElectricChoice (as of February 2022)
MSA data was used where applicable, and we sometimes substituted city or state data as necessary.