‹ Back to Light Flashes

With all the excitement about electric vehicles (EVs), you may have purchased one for yourself. If not, you’ve probably seen them on the road. Last year was a breakout year for EV sales — globally, they more than doubled in sales.

If you do own a fully electric, battery-powered EV, we’re here with some good news: You may qualify for our $100 EV rebate. You can learn more about that by visiting our website westflorida.coop.

According to the Energy Institute of Alabama (EIA), the average range of today’s fully electric cars is around 275 miles. Some can go up to 330 miles on a full charge. That’s well above the average daily commute. The price for that charge is about half as much as filling up a gasoline-powered vehicle, and EV owners can do about 80% of the vehicle’s charging from home.

With gains in the amount of energy these EV batteries can store, electric drivers can go further on each charge. As battery technology increases, EV prices will continue to come down. And as more consumers go electric, automakers’ competition will increase.

Consumers can already choose from a variety of attractive and affordable models, including electric SUVs. Rivian, a new upstart, has already released an all-electric pickup truck with 400 miles of range. Manufacturers like Ford, Chevy, GMC and Dodge are following suit and planning to bring their electric pickups to market between this year and 2024.

On our webpage at westflorida.coop/electric-vehicles, you can explore the benefits of driving electric. Get helpful information about home charging and find available offers and incentives, including tax credits. There’s even a map that helps you locate charging stations, no matter where you travel.

The increasing number of EVs on America’s roads is driving federal funding that will expand charging infrastructure. By 2030, EV owners will have access to 500,000 public charging stations, as opposed to 100,000 today. This growing piece of infrastructure — nationwide and for your cooperative — will help bring charging stations to rural communities.

EVs are also part of the plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Charging an EV does have an impact on when and how members use electricity. That’s why we need your help with information about EV charging patterns. If you already own an EV, zip on over to westflorida.coop/electric-vehicles to apply for your rebate today. Complete the online form and receive your rebate via a mailed check.

By registering your vehicle, you’ll help us get a better understanding of how — and when —members are using electricity. That information is a win-win. It assists us in planning for our power delivery system and provides guidance for additional EV programs and rebates that benefit you.

Whether you choose an EV because of rising gas prices, emissions, or you enjoy a smooth quiet ride with stronger acceleration than a gas-powered automobile, remember that your cooperative is here with resources to help. As your trusted energy advisor, we’re your connection to all things electric.