CHEAPER: Why Arizona Drivers Should Drive Electric
Even Without Federal Tax Incentives, the Savings Add Up
Now that federal EV purchase incentives have ended for many models, Arizona drivers may wonder whether going electric still makes financial sense. The short answer: absolutely.
From low electricity rates to local utility rebates, EVs remain the smartest, most economical choice for Arizona households — especially those who charge at home.
💰 Lower Cost per Mile
Electricity in Arizona is among the most affordable in the Southwest.
Average residential rate: about 15.38¢/kWh — roughly 11 % lower than the U.S. average.
Typical EV efficiency: ~3 miles per kWh.
Result: about $5.00 per 100 miles at standard rates.
Compare that to a gasoline car:
30 mpg at $4.50/gal = $15 per 100 miles.
That’s three times the cost of driving electric — and the gap widens if you use off-peak or solar power.
Over 12,000 miles a year, that’s roughly $1,200 in annual fuel savings, even before counting maintenance reductions.
🌙 Cheaper at Night: EV-Specific Utility Rates
Most Arizona utilities now offer EV-friendly time-of-use plans that reward overnight charging:
| Utility | Off-Peak Window | Sample Off-Peak Rate | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRP | 11 p.m.–5 a.m. | ≈ 8 ¢/kWh | Dedicated EV Price Plan with super off-peak rates |
| APS | 11 p.m.–5 a.m. | ≈ 8–12 ¢/kWh | EV Overnight Charging plan (Weekdays) |
| TEP | Varies by season | Low off-peak rates below 10 ¢/kWh | EV rebates + TOU plans |
| Trico Electric Co-op | 10 p.m.–5 a.m. | ≈ 45 % discount on first 400 kWh | Flat monthly “Unlimited EV” option |
| Sulphur Springs Valley Co-op | 7 p.m.–1 a.m. | ≈ 6.7 ¢/kWh | Extremely low off-peak pricing |
| Duncan Valley Co-op | 7 p.m.–1 p.m. next day | ≈ 5.8 ¢/kWh | Ideal for overnight rural charging |
By plugging in during these windows, many Arizona drivers cut their “fuel” cost to $0.90 per day or less — under $30 per month.
🏡 Strong Local Incentives
Even without the federal credit, local programs still make home charging affordable:
SRP: $250 rebate for Level 2 smart chargers.
TEP: Up to $500 rebate for residential charger installation.
Statewide: Tax credit (up to $1,000) for qualifying charging equipment.
Bonus: EVs are exempt from Arizona emissions testing — a permanent annual savings.
🌵 Big Benefits for Rural Arizona
In wide-open areas where gas stations and public chargers are sparse, home charging equals independence.
Charge overnight when rates are lowest.
Skip the drive to refuel.
Add rooftop solar and drive on your own sunlight.
For rural drivers, this means stability and resilience — no surprise price spikes, no waiting in line, and more money staying in the local economy.
🧾 A Real-World Example
| Scenario | Cost per Year | Five-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline car (30 mpg @ $4.50/gal) | ≈ $1,800 | ≈ $9,000 |
| EV (3 mi/kWh @ 15 ¢/kWh) | ≈ $600 | ≈ $3,000 |
| EV (off-peak 8 ¢/kWh) | ≈ $320 | ≈ $1,600 |
Savings: $6,000 in fuel costs over five years — plus hundreds more from lower maintenance and utility rebates.
✅ The Bottom Line
Even without a federal rebate, the math is undeniable:
Cheaper to fuel and maintain.
Faster and more convenient to “refuel” at home.
Better for your air, budget, and community.
For Arizona drivers — from Phoenix to the high desert — driving electric still pays off.
Cheaper. Faster. Better. That’s the Arizona EV Advantage.