Electric vehicles are rapidly transforming transportation in the United States, but adoption has been slower to catch on in rural states like North Dakota. With frigid winters, sprawling distances between cities, and a heavy reliance on pickups and SUVs, many North Dakotans are understandably skeptical about the practicality of EVs in their state.
However, the EV landscape in North Dakota is quickly evolving and the potential benefits are immense. As charging infrastructure expands, battery technology improves, and compelling electric trucks arrive, owning an EV in the Peace Garden State is becoming an increasingly attractive option.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore the current state of EV ownership in North Dakota, the costs and savings compared to gas vehicles, charging infrastructure plans, and the future outlook. As an EV expert and North Dakota enthusiast, I‘ll share my analysis and insights to help you decide if now is the right time to make the switch.
Current State of EVs in North Dakota
As of January 2023, there were approximately 570 registered electric vehicles in North Dakota out of over 1.1 million total light-duty vehicle registrations. This represents an EV market share of just 0.05%, the lowest of any U.S. state.
However, EV registrations have grown over 60% year-over-year since 2019 and are accelerating quickly. In 2022, North Dakota saw a record 186 new EV registrations, more than double the previous year. The most popular models were the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, which accounted for over 70% of new EV sales in the state.
| Year | Total EVs | New EV Sales | Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 216 | 54 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 293 | 77 | 0.03% |
| 2021 | 384 | 91 | 0.03% |
| 2022 | 570 | 186 | 0.05% |
Source: North Dakota Department of Transportation
While starting from a low baseline, EV adoption in North Dakota is projected to surge in the coming years as more affordable and capable models become available. The state could see 4,000 EVs on the road by 2025 and over 30,000 by 2030 according to a 2021 study from M.J. Bradley & Associates.
Costs and Incentives for EV Ownership in ND
One of the biggest benefits of owning an EV in North Dakota is the potential cost savings compared to a gas-powered vehicle. While EVs tend to have higher upfront costs, they are significantly cheaper to "fuel" and maintain over time.
North Dakota has some of the lowest electricity prices in the nation, with residential rates averaging just 8.5 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) as of 2023. At this price, charging a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y Long Range at home costs only $4-6 for 300 miles of driving. In comparison, fueling a 25 mpg gas sedan in North Dakota would cost over $35 with gas at $3.50 per gallon.
Over a five-year period, the total cost of ownership (TCO) savings of a Tesla Model 3 compared to a similarly priced BMW 330i in North Dakota breaks down as follows:
| Cost Category | Tesla Model 3 | BMW 330i | 5-Year Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $46,990 | $41,450 | -$5,440 |
| Electricity/Gas | $1,500 | $8,750 | $7,250 |
| Maintenance | $1,500 | $6,000 | $4,500 |
| Registration Fees | $3,000 | $1,500 | -$1,500 |
| Insurance* | $6,000 | $6,000 | $0 |
| Depreciation* | $22,000 | $25,000 | $3,000 |
| Total 5-Year Cost | $80,990 | $88,700 | $7,710 |
*Assumes comparable insurance, depreciation rates
The primary driving factor behind the $7,710 in total savings is the massive reduction in fuel and maintenance costs. Over five years, the Model 3 owner in ND would spend just $1,500 in electricity costs compared to $8,750 in gas, while also avoiding thousands in typical dealership service visits. These savings are realized despite the $100 higher annual registration fee for EVs in North Dakota.
EV owners in North Dakota can further reduce their upfront costs by taking advantage of available incentives. While the state does not currently offer any purchase rebates or tax credits, most EVs still qualify for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500. For example, a Tesla Model 3 RWD is eligible for a $3,750 credit, while the Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV qualify for the full $7,500 amount through March 2023.
Charging Infrastructure and Plans
One of the biggest perceived barriers to EV adoption in North Dakota is a lack of available charging infrastructure, particularly for long-distance travel. However, the state actually has one of the best ratios of public chargers to EVs in the country at 43 ports per 100 EVs as of 2023.
North Dakota currently has 94 public Level 2 charging stations and 20 public DC fast charging stations, mainly located in the larger cities of Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks and Minot. For Tesla owners, the Supercharger network provides reliable coverage along I-94 and I-29 with stations in Fargo, Jamestown, Bismarck, Dickinson, and Williston.
But a significant buildout of charging infrastructure is coming to North Dakota in the next three years thanks to the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) passed in 2021. The state is set to receive over $26 million in National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula funding through 2026 to expand EV charging along key corridors.
The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) has submitted an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan to unlock these funds and build out a network of at least 500 additional public charging ports by 2026. Key elements of the plan include:
- Installing DC fast charging stations every 50 miles along I-94 and I-29
- Ensuring each station has at least four 150 kW and two 350 kW ports
- Locating stations within one mile of the interstate exit
- Further expanding Level 2 and DC fast charging in cities and rural areas statewide
In addition to public infrastructure, at-home charging is very affordable and convenient for most North Dakota EV owners. All EVs come with a portable Level 1 charging cord that can plug into a standard 120V household outlet, providing 3-5 miles of range per hour. For faster charging, Level 2 charging stations can be installed in a garage or driveway to provide 20-30 miles of range per hour at a cost of $500-1500+.
Winter EV Range and Performance
North Dakota‘s frigid winters are a key consideration for prospective EV buyers, as cold temperatures are known to temporarily reduce range. However, real-world data from local EV owners shows the impact is manageable with proper planning.
Members of the Fargo-Moorhead Electric Vehicle Association report an average range loss of 30-40% at 0°F compared to ideal conditions in their Teslas. For example, a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range that typically gets 350 miles of range at 70°F will see around 200-220 miles of range at 0°F. Other EV models with less efficient heat pumps may see losses closer to 50%.
But despite the range loss, EV owners in North Dakota still find the winter driving experience to be comfortable and convenient. Tesla‘s preconditioning feature allows the car to warm the battery and cabin while plugged in, preserving range. The instant heat and one-pedal driving also make navigating snowy roads easier.
And while public chargers are slightly less efficient in the extreme cold, they still work reliably for road trips. "We frequently visit family in Bismarck in our Model 3 year-round with no issues," said FMEVA President Ryan Leighty. "We just charge up a bit longer at the Supercharger on the way."
More recent Tesla models like the Model Y have an improved heat pump design that loses only 15-25% of range in the extreme cold. And upcoming EVs like the Rivian R1T and GM Hummer EV will use more advanced thermal management systems to further reduce cold weather losses.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
Accelerating EV adoption will be crucial for North Dakota to meet its goals of reducing transportation emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. The state has set a target of having 50,000 registered EVs by 2030, which would help avoid over 200,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Driving an EV in North Dakota currently produces 50% less lifetime carbon emissions than a comparable gas car, and this advantage will grow to 70%+ by 2035 as the state‘s electricity mix shifts to cleaner sources. North Dakota has strong wind energy potential and is planning to add over 3 GW of new wind capacity by 2030.
Wider EV adoption could greatly improve public health and quality of life in North Dakota by reducing local air pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). The American Lung Association estimates that electrifying just 10% of passenger vehicles in ND by 2050 would prevent over 600 premature deaths and save $4.5 billion in cumulative health costs.
The EV transition also presents a major economic opportunity for North Dakota to create thousands of good-paying jobs in charging infrastructure, EV maintenance, battery recycling and related industries. The state could see over $400 million in net economic output from EV-related activities by 2040, according to a report from the Natural Resources Defense Council.
The Road Ahead for ND EV Owners
Electric vehicles are no longer a fringe technology, but the future of transportation that is quickly becoming mainstream – even in rural states like North Dakota. With the right mix of policy support, infrastructure investment, and consumer education, the Peace Garden State could soon become an EV adoption leader.
For North Dakotans considering an EV today, the benefits are already compelling. Dramatically lower fuel and maintenance costs, generous tax credits, expanding fast charging networks, and a variety of capable models make going electric a smart financial and environmental choice – even in the coldest months.
As battery ranges continue to improve, more affordable and practical EVs come to market, and charging infrastructure grows, EV ownership will become an increasingly attractive option for the average North Dakota driver. The arrival of electric pickups like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and Tesla Cybertruck in the next 1-2 years could be a major tipping point.
If you‘re ready to make the switch, there‘s never been a better time to drive electric in legendary North Dakota fashion. From the stunning Badlands to the majestic International Peace Garden, you can experience the state‘s natural wonders in quiet, clean Tesla style while skipping the gas station lines. The electric road ahead looks bright – will you join us for the ride?
