Newer EV models alleviate ‘range anxiety’

Electric vehicle (EV) sales doubled between 2018 and 2019. Many new EV models soon will be introduced, as manufacturers look to replicate the success of Tesla, whose popular Model 3 accounted for about half of all EVs sold in the U.S. last year. Increasing EV interest likely is attributable to increases in range.

Early EV models ran out of battery power in less than 100 miles. This made customers reluctant to purchase an EV because of “range anxiety.” Most currently available EVs have at least doubled that range, and some have more than tripled it.

For Coloradans who have a daily roundtrip commute of 60 or more miles – Castle Rock to Denver, for example – current and upcoming EVs offer a reliable option. The models listed below will achieve at least three 60-mile, roundtrip commutes on a full charge:

• Chevrolet Bolt – estimated 259-mile range

• Nissan LEAF “Plus” – estimated 226-mile range

• Tesla Model 3 Standard – estimated 250-mile range

• Tesla Model 3 Long Range – estimated 322-mile range

• Tesla Cybertruck (expected in late 2021) – estimated 300- to 500-mile range

• Ford Mustang Mach-E (expected in late 2020) – estimated 300-mile range

For consumers on a smaller budget, the models below are under $35,000 before tax credits, and are reliable commuter vehicles with daily charging at home or work:

• 2019 Nissan LEAF (base model) – $29,990; estimated 150-mile range

• 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf – $31,895; estimated 125-mile range

• 2019 Kia Soul EV – $33,950; estimated 111-mile range

For more information on electric vehicles, visit our webpage at www.IREA.coop/electric-vehicles. Here you’ll find links to an EV buying guide, charging station map, EV cost calculator and info on tax credits.