In the August 19, 2026 Port Townsend Leader Local 20/20 column, Cyndy Bratz summarized the cost advantages of EVs with current gas prices, and offered resources and tips for shopping for them. She also noted the EV Car share available in Port Townsend, with both a Chevy Bolt and a Ford E-Transit van available for use by individuals, businesses, and non-profits. See full article below, with links to all the resources.
By Cyndy Bratz
Federal leadership is retreating from climate action, but the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is still going strong in Jefferson County, across the US and globally. Between 2020 and 2024, EV registrations in Washington state nearly quadrupled; in Jefferson County, they nearly tripled (see WSDOT Electric Vehicle Registrations).
Here’s why now’s a good time to buy a used EV: Gas prices are volatile – regular has run $5 to $6/gal here this July – and geopolitical instability adds more uncertainty. Meanwhile, there are more used EVs on the market than ever, and they’re cheaper to fill and maintain than gas vehicles.
To get started: I recently bought a used EV myself. Car and Driver has two great articles on Used EV’s, one titled Your 2026 Guide to Buying a Used Electric Vehicle and the other Affordable Used EVs You Can Find Right Now. A helpful guide is the EV Frequently Asked Questions page on the Jeffersoncan.org website. The three biggest considerations: charging, range and affordability.
Home Charging: Most EV drivers charge at home, plugging into a standard 110-volt home outlet overnight. A faster option is a Level 2 home charger, which can be installed by a certified electrician. Fast charging stations are usually used on longer trips.
Public Charging: Tesla has opened their vast supercharger network to most other brands. You’ll need either a NACS charge port – common on 2024-2026 models, or an adapter. If your vehicle lacks NACS access, other networks provide fast charging – Electrify America, EVGo, Blink, ChargePoint and others – to fill the gap. Free Apps like ABRP (A Better Route Planner) and PlugShare help you find fast charging stations near you or along a route.
You can find public fast charging locally outside the Jefferson Community Foundation east of PT Garden Center. This site features a multi-stall hub providing up to 150 kW charging speeds across roughly 8 fast-charge connectors. Also, there is a newly opened fast charging site at the Tri-Area Community Center (Chimacum/Port Hadlock area) with 8 fast-charge connectors and a Level 2 charge port.
Where to shop: Research online first, then shortlist dealerships that carry vehicles you’re interested in and schedule a test drive. You’ll find EV inventory (used or new) isn’t really available locally yet, so plan to test drive vehicles outside the County.
Range: There is a spectrum of ranges available on the market from 100-500 miles. Manufacturers recommend not letting your charge drop below 20% (battery health), so multiply the EPA-rated range by 0.8 for a realistic “full” range. Most also recommend charging to only 80-85% on average, saving 100% for long trips. So multiply by 0.6 for your practical everyday range. Verify the true range you need for daily driving.
Gas vs EV, cost of fuel and maintenance comparison: The Chevy Equinox gas car, driven 12,000 miles/year, with gas at $5/gal, including estimated maintenance costs of $0.10/mile, comes in at $3,343/year total annual cost. The Chevy Equinox EV also driven 12,000 miles/year, home charging at $0.11 /kWh, including maintenance costs of $0.06/mile, would only cost $1,182/year. The same criteria for the Chevy Equinox EV, but public charging at $0.39 /kWh, comes in at $2,358/year total annual cost.
Battery degradation: Electric vehicle batteries degrade at an average rate of about 1.8% to 2.3% per year, meaning most packs retain 80% to 88% capacity after eight years. There is generally a slightly faster drop in the first year or two before leveling out into a slow, stable line.
Only need a car occasionally, or are curious to try an EV? Consider ZEV co-op, a member-owned electric car-share with short-term rentals from $5 to $16 per hour. It operates via a mobile app for reservations, and includes electricity and insurance in the price. There are two Port Townsend locations:
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- On Jefferson Street just east of the PT Garden Center (Ford E-Transit van))
- At OlyCAP 7th Haven, next to QFC on Sims Way (Chevy Bolt)
Small companies or non-profits might consider this car-share as an alternative to paying for a company vehicle, like Habitat for Humanity has been doing with the ZEV co-op E-van. Another option!
Cynthia Bratz is a retired environmental engineer with expertise in clean water, sustainability and climate change, and a member of the Local 20/20 Climate Group.
