Living with an Electric Vehicle in Charleston, SC

Living with an Electric Vehicle in Charleston, SC

For the past three months, I’ve been living the EV life with my Ford Lightning in Charleston, SC. Many people ask about the experience, especially the charging infrastructure. Here’s what I’ve learned.

Charging Infrastructure

Charleston’s EV charging options are limited. The only DC fast chargers are at the Target in North Charleston. Luckily, I have a Level 2 charger at home, which covers my daily driving needs.

Upcoming Chargers

New chargers are coming soon:

•Tanger Outlets: Installed but not yet operational.

•Circle K: Adding chargers at some gas stations.

Road Trips and Range Anxiety

South Carolina ranks low for EV charging infrastructure, making road trips challenging. On a trip to Beaufort, I miscalculated my range and barely made it home with 4% charge, experiencing my first range anxiety.

Charging at Home

Charging at home is convenient but can be costly depending on your setup. Installing a Level 2 charger was expensive due to my detached garage. Some builders, like New Leaf, offer charger installations for new homes.

Cost of Electricity

South Carolina is among the top 20 cheapest states for utility bills. Both Dominion and Berkeley Electric Co-op offer time-of-use plans for cheaper overnight charging.

Tesla Experience

My friend Will, a Tesla owner, shared his experience:

•Charging: Two superchargers in Charleston (Target and Tanger). He mainly charges at home.

•Service: No Tesla dealerships in Charleston; the closest are in Charlotte or Savannah. Mobile service is available for minor issues.

Final Thoughts

Driving an EV in Charleston has its challenges, but home charging makes it manageable. If you have an EV or are considering one, plan your routes carefully and consider home charging solutions.

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