BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Gas prices continue to rise, reaching almost $4 nationally and $3.64 in Alabama, prompting clean fuel advocates to encourage drivers to consider electric vehicles.

The average price of a gallon of gas is a dollar more than it was a month ago, a jump that’s hard for many drivers to ignore.

“Anytime you see gas prices jump up, like we’ve seen over the last few weeks, people start looking for alternative methods of transportation. And the electric vehicle is certainly one of those options that people have started looking at,” said Clay Ingram of AAA.

Growing charging infrastructure

With growing electric vehicle infrastructure, it’s an option that may seem beneficial to some drivers.

“The day of the electric vehicle is here. Ten years ago, we just had a handful of charging stations around the state. But now we have over 500 across the state. Before long, you’re going to see more electric vehicles out there than gas powered vehicles,” Ingram said.

Michael Staley, president of Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition, a nonprofit that promotes clean energy sources made in America, drives an electric vehicle himself.

“I’ve driven 3,300 miles this year. I did the math. I’ve paid $295 for electricity. So that’s, you know, less than $100 a month that I’m spending to fuel my transportation in a big truck,” Staley said.

“All I’ve done in 23,000 miles is put washer fluid – windshield washer fluid – and rotate my tires,” he said.

Cost considerations

AAA agrees the fuel savings are real, but says buyers should go in with eyes open.

“As far as actual fuel type expenses, the electric vehicles are much more economical for you. It’s just that the vehicles themselves cost a little more initially,” Ingram said.

If cost is a concern, Staley said a wave of affordable used electric vehicles is on the way. During the Biden administration, federal incentives sparked a leasing boom, and many of those leases are now expiring.

“A lot of people leased EVs. So there’s going to be a huge flood of used EVs coming on the market,” Staley said.

In Alabama, many electric providers offer rebates if drivers install a charger in their house, which will save more than charging in public.

For drivers not ready to go fully electric, the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition says there are other options, like converting a gas vehicle to also run on propane.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, propane is considered an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. According to the Propane Education & Research Council, there are nearly 60,000 on-road propane vehicles with certified fuel systems in the United States. Many are used in fleet applications, such as school buses, shuttles and police vehicles.

Click or tap here for more information on propane-powered vehicles.

Drive Electric Alabama, a partner of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition, is hosting an event at Pepper Place Market on April 25, where you can talk to real EV owners and even test drive some yourself! For more information and to learn how to register, click or tap here.

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