OFFO's EV fit score isn't a quiz with predetermined answers. It's a weighted model that combines 8 factors — some objective (your commute distance, climate), some situational (charging access, driving pattern), some personal (flexibility, budget). Here's exactly how each factor is evaluated and weighted.
The 8 Factors
1. Daily commute distance
High weightUnder 50 miles: strong fit signal. 50–100 miles: conditional (depends on charging). Over 100 miles one-way: EV requires careful model selection and charging plan.
2. Home charging access
High weightHome Level 2: strong positive. Home Level 1: conditional. No home charging: conditional on workplace or nearby public L2. No reliable access: negative signal — requires deeper analysis.
3. Climate zone
Medium-High weightMild (above 30°F in winter): minimal impact. Cold (10–30°F winters): 20–30% range penalty, heat pump model recommended. Extreme cold (below 10°F): 35–45% range penalty, heat pump + buffer routine required.
4. Vehicle EPA range vs commute
Medium-High weightTarget: at least 2x daily round-trip in the battery. For cold climates, add 30–35% buffer on top. A 250-mile EV is fine for a 50-mile daily commute in Minneapolis — just barely.
5. Driving pattern predictability
Medium weightSame commute daily: strong fit. Highly variable daily mileage with occasional 150+ mile days: requires larger battery or fast-charging plan. Multiple long road trips per month: requires fast-charging plan.
6. Home ownership / parking control
Medium weightOwn with garage: full control over charging installation. Rent with assigned parking: EVSE installation may require landlord approval. Rent without assigned parking: relies on public/workplace charging.
7. Budget vs total cost of ownership
Medium weightEVs have lower operating costs (fuel + maintenance) but higher upfront cost. Payback period vs equivalent ICE vehicle: typically 3–6 years at current electricity/gas prices. The used EV market now offers many sub-$25K options that close this gap.
8. Flexibility for adjustment
Low-Medium weightHow much friction can you tolerate while adapting to EV ownership habits? Most regret comes from underestimating this adjustment period, not from actual EV limitations.
How the Score Combines
The score is not a simple average. High-weight factors can veto a positive signal from low-weight factors. If you have no reliable charging access (high weight, negative signal), no amount of favorable climate or short commute produces a strong fit score.
The output is a verdict — Strong Fit, Conditional, or Not Yet — with specific callouts for which factors drove the result. The goal is not to tell you what to buy, but to surface the one or two things that will most affect your EV experience.