EVs are designed to run on electricity generated through an EV battery, eliminating the need for gasoline. They are energy efficient, environmentally friendly, require less maintenance than internal combustion engines (ICE) and run quietly.
Most EVs are able to travel more than 150 miles on a single charge and some can travel 200 to 300 miles or more. A number of factors impact range of battery charge including battery type and ambient temperature as cold weather greatly decreases range. EV battery design efforts continue to create more efficient options for consumers, allowing more miles per charge and faster charging than ever before.
According to respected national research firms, EVs are expected to comprise over half of all passenger vehicles sold in the United States by 2040, increasing the need for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) across the state. The Wisconsin DMV reports that in calendar year 2022, 8,158 electric passenger vehicles in addition to electric cycles and autocycles were registered in the state. An additional 5,573 electric trucks were registered totaling 13,731 total registered electric vehicles.
Hybrid Vehicles
Currently, available hybrid vehicles run on both electricity and gasoline. There are two kinds of hybrid vehicles, plug in hybrids and hybrid vehicles. Plug in hybrids (PHEV) first run on battery power, and gasoline second. Hybrid vehicles run first on gasoline and then on electricity second. Both offer some benefits of full electric vehicles including reduced tailpipe emissions and energy efficiency.
Medium- and Heavy-duty Electric Vehicles
In addition to EV passenger vehicles (light-duty vehicles), market demand for medium- and heavy-duty EVs is growing. Communities are turning to electric as an option for their bus fleets, replacing diesel counterparts. Truck fleets are also considering more electric options as viable alternative fuel sources for their fleets. The transition of medium- and heavy-duty fleets to electric vehicles would potentially offer numerous benefits including reduced tailpipe emissions. Medium- and heavy-duty fleet conversions can include additional challenges such as cost, availability, and long-distance battery range.
Wisconsin's existing EVCS network is primarily privately owned. To see where EVCS are currently located, refer to the
WisDOT Alternative Fuels webpage or the
U.S. Department of Energy EVCS locator.