With oil and gas so ingrained in Oklahoma's history, it hasn't been surprising to see the slow adoption and heavy pushback against electric vehicles across the state.

Like most things do, EVs instantly divided us along political lines in the most ridiculous way imaginable. It's human nature and this thought that a person is either with you or against you with no middle ground.

You know the common arguments people have.

  • It's better for the environment
  • The grid can't handle the load
  • Electricity is cheaper than gas
  • *Was cheaper than gas
  • We'll run out of oil
  • 400 years of proven reserves

The list could quite literally go on forever and nobody will ever win that argument. The simpler truth is, people hate change until it's their own choice to do so.

Regardless of where you stand on the matter, EVs will one day be the norm across the first world, but not until the battery technology manages to catch up to the ambition.

Oklahoma's Department of Transportation is making headlines on the subject, accepting $66 million over the next five years to build out an electric vehicle charging infrastructure that actually, technically, already exists.

Tesla Will Open Up Its Chargers To Other Brands, In Order To Receive Federal Subsidies
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The layout of the new EV charging grid has only a few limitations. Eligible sites must be within one mile of a highway exit and have to offer at least four charging ports, and Oklahoma is dead serious about building them.

ODOT spokesperson Bryce Boyer said the state will accept bids from private companies to build these charger stations across the state, focusing on our interstates first, then branching out along smaller state highway systems later.

Electric Car Sales Are Bright Spot Amid Industry's Slump
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In the most unshocking way imaginable, the people who would most benefit from additional charging stations are some of the biggest opponents to the plan. With a heavy sense of distrust, they insist the Oklahoma government will find a way to siphon these funds into other projects.

To be fair, our EV charger grid is already pretty stout across the state, which is surprising given how passionately the majority of people are fighting the trend.

Here's a map of what exists at the moment.

afdc.energy.gov
afdc.energy.gov
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From the outside looking in, it's not that impressive... but when you zoom in, there are thousands of charging station across the state, even along the smallest stretches of rural highway.

plugshare.com
plugshare.com
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Granted, PlugShare lists every available outlet, camp and RV sites, etc.. The closer you zoom into the map, the more EV chargers you find, even in the most remote corners of the state.

It goes to show, while some are adopting "green" energy for the assumption it's better for the environment, others are adopting it for the color of money.

The EV Models From Oklahoma's Automaker Canoo

Just about the time you suspect you're living in the final future of any vehicle design, someone comes along and tosses a wrench into the general expectations. In the same way that everyone almost universally hates the looks when GM pushes out a new redesign, acceptance has been pretty hot/cold with Canoo. Initial plans are to offer three different vehicles for now, with others to follow.

The 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Oklahoma

While catalytic converter and property theft seem to get all of the headlines recently, it's easy to forget how prevalent vehicle theft still is in 2023. Oddly enough, 20% of car thefts are reported to have had the keys accidentally left in unattended cars. You'll want to remain vigilant in protecting your ride, especially if you drive one of the ten most stolen vehicles in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma's Highest-Rated Barbeque Joints, In No Particular Order...

I doubt there's a single topic debated more passionately in Oklahoma than who makes the best BBQ. While they all smoke meat, there are some huge differences in how that process is done. Type of wood, length of cook, foil vs paper wrap, and even the hot topics of seasoning and binders come into play. What you like others may not, and vice versa. Since we can't just pick a top five or ten, here are the Oklahoma barbeque joints that have the biggest fans.

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