More Minnesota families are searching for an electrical outlet instead of a gas station after a summer road trip.
The Star Tribune recently published a story on the surge in electrical cars, saying that Minnesota is one of the more popular states for hybrid vehicles.
“According to the Electric Power Research Institute, the state had about 2,400 electric plug-in vehicles as of 2013. Per capita, Minnesota is among the top 10 states with the highest number of electric vehicles in the county,†the Tribune uncovered. They also noted that sales of electric vehicles have risen more than 500 percent nationwide over the last two years.
Adding Charging Stations
One of the biggest reasons electric car ownership in Minnesota is booming is because many cities are adding charging stations that makes it easier for drivers to stay charged. Minneapolis added 36 charging stations near downtown parking ramps back in May, and they dish out electricity at an extremely affordable rate. The city charges $0.80 an hour to recharge, and most cars are fully charged within four hours. Essentially, a person can fully recharge their car for a modest $3.20 in electrical fees.
But Minnesota didn’t stop there. Back in May the state instituted a law that requires companies to offer discounted to drivers who recharge during non-peak hours. The new law will go into effect in 2015.
“This law is a win-win-win,†said J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director for an advocacy group called Fresh Energy. “It’s a significant savings to the customer, an extraordinary market opportunity for electric utilities and timely action for Minnesota.â€
At Affordable Auto, we can service your electric car if it needs a tune up. We can handle most tasks, but be sure to give us a call if you have questions about your car issue. We want to get you back on the road as quickly as possible, so don’t hesitate to contact us today.