Georgia has emerged as a leader in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), with over 75,000 vehicle owners in the state now choosing to plug in rather than fill up with gasoline. The Atlanta region, including Fulton County and eight surrounding counties, accounts for more than 50,000 of the state’s registered electric cars and trucks.
While plug-in vehicles make up only 3% of overall registrations in the Atlanta area, they represent less than 1% statewide. However, this is still a significant milestone considering that Georgia has a running start over many other Southeastern states when it comes to EV adoption.
One of the main factors contributing to Georgia’s early success in EV adoption is the state’s implementation of significant incentives. In 2013, Georgia became one of the first states in the nation to offer a $5,000 tax credit for the purchase of plug-in vehicles. This incentive, coupled with the $7,500 federal tax credit, significantly reduced the cost of buying or leasing an EV for Georgia residents.
Although the state tax credit was phased out after a few years, Georgia’s momentum in EV adoption continued. Word of mouth and the visibility of EVs in local communities played a significant role in driving consumer interest. Additionally, Georgia automobile dealers learned how to effectively sell EVs, giving the state an advantage over other states.
As of June, Georgia has witnessed the highest number of EV purchases in the Southeast, with a total of 95,550 plug-in vehicles sold over the years. In the second quarter of 2023, EVs accounted for more than 7% of all vehicle sales in the state, further solidifying Georgia’s position as a leader in the region.
To support the growing number of EVs on the road, Georgia has also invested in the development of an extensive charging infrastructure. The state now boasts more than 1,860 public charging locations with nearly 5,000 charging ports. These stations include both Level 2 chargers, which provide 10 to 20 miles of range per hour of charging, and DC fast chargers, which can deliver 180 to 240 miles of range per hour.
Georgia’s commitment to promoting EV adoption has not only positioned the state as a leader in the Southeast but has also attracted interest from EV manufacturers. The state’s thriving EV-related manufacturing sector further contributes to the growth of the electric vehicle industry in Georgia.
With the reintroduction of federal incentives, such as the recently signed Inflation Reduction Act, which offers tax credits of up to $7,500 for qualifying EV purchases, Georgia’s foundation for electric vehicle growth continues to yield benefits.
FAQ:
Q: How many electric vehicles are registered in Georgia?
A: More than 75,000 vehicle owners in Georgia have chosen to own electric vehicles.
Q: What percentage of vehicles in the Atlanta region are electric?
A: Plug-in vehicles account for more than 3% of registrations in the Atlanta region.
Q: How many public charging locations are there in Georgia?
A: Georgia offers over 1,860 public charging locations with nearly 5,000 charging ports.
Q: What kinds of chargers are available in Georgia?
A: Georgia has both Level 2 chargers, which provide 10 to 20 miles of range per hour, and DC fast chargers, which can deliver 180 to 240 miles of range per hour.
Sources:
– Georgia Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle Division
– United States Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technology Office
– Southern Alliance for Clean Energy