Topping off the tank
A Level 2 charging unit can provide about 250 miles of charge in 10 hours, making it a suitable Home charging solution.
Photo courtesy of Tesla
Q: I’m seeing more information about new models of electric vehicles with longer ranges and better prices. Is it worth making the switch from gasoline to electric? And how would I charge the battery at home?
A: You’re right! Electric vehicles (EVs) are getting more attention these days. Electricity as a vehicle fuel is typically one-half to one-third the cost of gas or diesel, and EV batteries now enable longer ranges.
The upfront price of an EV is still higher than a comparable gas-powered car, but the cost is coming down. The Chevy Bolt, for example, has a range of up to 238 miles on a full charge and costs about $36,000 before incentives. The number of electric vehicle models is also increasing, and we could even have an electric pickup truck option in the near future.
As more Americans choose to drive electric, home charging options will be an important consideration for EV owners. Consider these four factors.
EV or PHEV? The two basic types of EVs are the all-electric vehicle, which is commonly referred to as an AEV or EV, and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, also known as the PHEV, which can run using an electric motor or a gas engine. Unlike the gas-electric hybrid that started with the Toyota Prius in 2000, where a battery and small electric motor assist the gasoline engine to improve mileage, the PHEV features a larger battery and an electric motor which can power the car independently. A PHEV can run solely on electricity for about 15 to 50 miles, depending on the model. This electric-only range may be sufficient for running errands or for those with a shorter daily commute.
Select your charging level. There are two levels of charging to consider for your home. A Level 1 charging unit is the most basic. It’s usually included with the vehicle and plugs into a typical 120-volt outlet, so it is the easiest and cheapest charging solution—but also the slowest.
A Level 2 charging unit is more powerful and you need to purchase it separately. It plugs into a 240-volt outlet, the type used for larger appliances (like a clothes dryer). Most of us don’t have those in our garages or outside our homes, so there’s an additional cost to have the outlet installed.
Know your needs. Most EVs travel 3 to 4 miles per kilowatt-hour (kwh). Level 1 charging units distribute charge to the battery at 1 to 1.5 kwh, giving the battery roughly 3 to 6 miles of range per hour of charging. If you drive your car 40 miles or less during the day and can charge it for 10 hours a night, this probably will be adequate. Level 1 charging makes the most sense for PHEVs and early EVs with smaller batteries and shorter ranges.
Level 2 units typically supply power levels from 6 to 12 kwh, depending on the amperage of the circuit and the power level the EV can accept. This means the Level 2 chargers will provide between 18 and 48 miles of range per hour of charging.
Count the costs. A Level 1 charging unit comes with the car and will meet the needs of most PHEVs and early-model, short-range EVs. A Level 2 charging unit can cost $500 to $700, with installation between $500 and $2,700, depending on how far your electrical panel is from where you will be charging the EV.
If you’re planning to buy an electric vehicle, talk to your local electric co-op before committing to an EV charging plan. Some electric co-ops offer special incentives for members installing Level 2 chargers or for members willing to schedule EV charging during non-peak energy hours.
Send questions to Energy Q&A, South Carolina Living, 808 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce, SC 29033, or email energyqa@scliving.coop.
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