Guide to Electric Vehicles in Idaho

Electric car ownership in Idaho is a young business, but one that’s fast-growing. But what’s it like to own an EV here? Let’s find out what it’s like to drive an EV in the state of Idaho.

• How many EVs are there in Idaho?
• Are there incentives for Electric Cars in Idaho?
• EV Registration, Licencing and Fees in Idaho
• Idaho EV Charging Network

How Many EVs Are There in Idaho?

Electric car ownership in Idaho is on the up. Though numbers remain lower than some of the United States’ other 50 members, sighting an electric car on the road is not as rare as it once was.

There are a little over 4,500 registered EVs in the mountainous state as of 2022. That’s a little over 0.25% of the state’s overall vehicle ownership. Estimates put overall EV ownership at around 2.5 million across the US, so Idaho’s quota comes in at a low of 0.018%.

That number is only expected to grow as Idaho invests a predicted $30 million in its charging network and electric vehicle infrastructure over the next few years. Currently, the state is not part of the US-wide Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) program. However, Idaho does plan on expanding its fleet of charging stations as part of a nationwide incentive to build half a million plug-in spots.

Are There Incentives for Electric Cars in Idaho?

Yes, but only a little. With a relatively low uptake for EV ownership, it shouldn’t be a surprise to know that the financial infrastructure and incentives to own one in Idaho are lacking. Unlike some of its neighbors, there are no electric car tax rebates in Idaho for owners of greener road vehicles.

Nor are there any incentives for installing private charging stations. However, much of the Idaho power grid runs schemes whereby using electricity is cheaper during certain hours – so, EV owners can top up their batteries for a little less at the very least.

In fact, Idaho charges EV owners for using their EVs. Fully electric vehicles can expect an annual charge of $140, while hybrid vehicles are subject to a $75 charge. However, the upside of this is that these vehicles are not subject to annual legal inspection checks.

Despite all that, Idaho is a member of the Intermountain West Electric Vehicle Corridor. This multi-state agreement makes it easier for EV drivers to travel through the western states without range anxiety and know where to charge their electric vehicles.

These laws may change in the future as EV ownership becomes more popular. If you’re considering jumping into the green vehicle market, you could benefit from federally backed tax incentives and discounts. So, it’s worth checking if these cancel out the lack of such offers in Idaho state.

EV Registration, Licensing and Fees in Idaho

Registering your new EV will require an annual charge of $140 ($75 for hybrid vehicles). This does mean that you’re exempt from Idaho’s legal requirement to have your car professionally inspected for roadworthiness each year. So, eventually, you can make your money back through savings on the lack of a maintenance inspection.

How does the EV tax credit work?

So, what else can you expect as a new EV owner in Idaho?

• Registration fees – EV owners in Idaho face annual charges of $140. You’ll have to pay this registration fee if you want to legally use your car on the road.
• Insurance costs – EVs are subject to the same insurance requirements as other road vehicles in Idaho. Insurance is a legal necessity. You may even expect to pay a higher premium to insure your electric vehicle due to the higher costs associated with repair and replacement.

Idaho EV Charging Network

Keeping your battery topped up is an essential part of the EV experience. No one wants to run out of juice roadside. As we’ve seen, Idaho is part of the Intermountain West Electric Vehicle corridor. Checking in with the scheme’s website should help you find nearby chargers and plan a route that keeps you close to the next top-up location.

That’ll help, as there are only 129 electric car charging stations across Idaho (as of 2022). You can expect to pay anywhere between $4 and $15 for a full charge at a public port, depending on the model of EV you’re using. Of course, if you’re lucky enough that your hotel or parking lot has plug-in chargers, then these are usually free and included in the overall price of using the facilities.

The US government is aiming to expand charging networks across the US over the next decade, so you can expect the number of ports in Idaho to increase shortly.

Let’s Go!

Idaho, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, is poised to be a significant player in the electric vehicle revolution. While the journey has just begun, the state's commitment to enhancing its EV infrastructure is evident. As pioneers of this green movement, EV owners in Idaho not only contribute to a sustainable environment but also pave the way for future generations.

Whether you're a resident contemplating an EV purchase or a traveler eager to explore the Gem State's wonders, Hertz electric car rental offers a smooth and eco-conscious ride.