While the earliest purchases of electric vehicles were mostly in affluent areas, over the past two years there has been explosive growth in ownership in moderate-income counties around the city — including Orange County, N.Y., where Mr. Sibley, a sound engineer, found his Bolt for $21,000.
Various factors are propelling drivers in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to convert to electric: more varied models, including trucks and S.U.V.s; more public charging stations; and significant government incentives. And for the first time, the prices of some electric cars are competitive with those of gas-powered vehicles — without the expense of gas.
Yet there is also hesitation. Some drivers have concerns over the vehicles’ range. It can be hard to lay hands on an electric vehicle because carmakers cannot keep up with demand. And while electric vehicles have become cheaper, they still cost about $60,000 on average.