Switching to an EV in South Bend
Buying a new car is a lot. From body styles, trim levels, deals, and the brand itself, there is a lot to consider. But have you considered an electric vehicle? It can be a lot to transition to a semi-different form of transportation when internal combustion engines have been the norm for more than 100 years. South Bend itself used to be home to one of the premier auto manufacturers of the early 20th century (Fun fact: Studebaker was one of the earliest auto manufacturers to mass-produce EVs). While it can be hard, it is not impossible. Electric vehicles are beneficial for several reasons. From cost, to performance, to comfort, electric vehicles offer an attractive package when looking at a good commuter car. But what does it mean to have a vehicle like this in South Bend, Indiana?
Range Anxiety?
One of the most common reservations voiced by consumers regarding EVs, is range. There exists a genuine concern that a plug-in electric vehicle will not have the capability to drive the distances necessary for regular use. The truth of the matter is that almost all modern EVs have the necessary range to accommodate most everyone’s everyday use. According to data for 2023, the median range for electric vehicles was 270 miles. The highest range offered for an electric vehicle in 2023 was 516 miles, well exceeding the range of some internal combustion engine vehicles. Years ago when the median range was closer to 80 miles it was understandable why a lot of people were doubtful. That being said, even 80 miles on a single charge is enough to accommodate a roundtrip in Michiana. Electric vehicles now offer exceptional ranges to accommodate for most people’s everyday driving.
The Federal government has recently approved funding for electric vehicle charging corridors throughout the US, including in Indiana, for those longer trips. South Bend alone should receive over $700,000 worth of charger station investment, should you feel the need to charge while out and about. When those longer driving sessions are required, there will be the infrastructure to support them. However, most new EVs have plenty of range for about a week’s worth of driving on one charge. Like a day’s worth of use, and just like a phone, you can plug your car in and forget. Waking up to it recharged and ready for the new day.
A graphic from the City of South Bend’s Community EV Infrastructure Plan outlines the main types of charging:
There are currently 7 locations with Level 2 stations in South Bend. Free to use, they can be found at the Main, Leighton, and Wayne Street parking garages, the city County Building, Howard Park, the Potawatomi Zoo, and the Century Center. In the next 3 years South Bend plans to install stations at about a dozen more locations thanks to awarded grants, with the goal of installing them in disadvantaged areas of the city so that they are accessible to everyone. Thanks to charging corridor grants, the Michiana area should be home to more Level 3 highway chargers-making longer distance trips more feasible. With an increase in highway and city chargers, a trip from South Bend to Chicago, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Detroit, Cleveland, etc. should be no problem. Finding chargers is easy with sites like Plugshare, an open-source site where users can find and upload the locations of chargers. The Alternative Fuels Data Center is a federal organization that also offers a mapping tool to locate chargers.
Monetary Incentives
Buying into a technology can be expensive, but thankfully there are ways to make it more economically feasible. There are both government and private incentives related to EVs. There is a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 dollars for eligible new electric vehicles and up to $4,000 dollars on used electric vehicles that cost $25,000 or less. The cost to fuel an electric vehicle is cheaper as well. According to energysage.com, the cost per mile driven is around $0.05 for EVs, and $0.13 for gasoline power. Indiana Michigan Power estimates that the average cost of charging a full-size vehicle in a year is about $380, compared to $1,613 for gasoline. There is also a federal tax credit on chargers themselves for 30% or up to $1,000. Gasoline is also subject to serious price fluctuations at any given moment while electricity tends to be more consistent. Indiana Michigan Power offers incentives for both installation of Level 2 chargers (in the form of a $500 rebate) and reduced rates for electricity usage due to charging being done during off-peak hours.
What it’s Like to Own an Electric Vehicle
There are also more tangible benefits when switching to EVs, like driving characteristics. Electric vehicles tend to be quicker (offering peak torque at an instant), quieter, and equipped with the latest technology that cars have to offer. Due to their construction, many are equipped or can be equipped with all wheel drive (some very useful hardware for South Bend’s winters). Many newer EVs come in more practical and attractive body styles too. Gone are the days of only egg-shaped hatchbacks. You can now get trucks, full-size SUVs, crossovers, sedans, and sports cars. EVs are also being built by all major brands now. This means that there is not as much of a concern of the brand going under and support disappearing like there was in the earlier days with EV only start-ups. A growing used market means that there are more vehicles at more price ranges.
Here are some Michiana drivers on the experience of owning an EV:
* As an aside (and as noted in the above interviews), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles combine many of the attractive aspects of daily driving an electric vehicle, with the familiarity and surety of a gasoline powered car.
Making a Difference for the South Bend Community
Climate change affects all of us. Importantly, it is not going to affect all of us to the same extent. This is why it is important for the city to do all it can to promote the transition to electric vehicles for those who can commit to the switch. The City of South Bend recognizes the climate crisis and has made a commitment through its climate action plan to achieve zero emissions by 2050, which is why Electric vehicles are one part of a multifaceted approach to reducing transportation related carbon emissions. Electric vehicle adoption, combined in tandem with efforts to produce cleaner energy, facilitate active transportation, and promote the development of better public transportation, will work to improve our local community. Electric vehicles are one part in an effort to make our city cleaner, more accessible, and more pleasant to navigate.
To learn more about EV efforts and resources in South Bend visit: southbendin.gov/ev
