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Charging

Charging a Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) is convenient, easy and inexpensive compared to buying gasoline. Learn here about the different options for charging your PEV and how to get your home set up with charging that works best for you.

Vehicles

There are two types of Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs): pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that run on electricity alone, and Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that are refueled with gasoline and also plugged in for a charge.

BEVs come in all different sizes, ranging from full size vehicles getting up to 200 miles, to very small Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) with a range of only 40 miles. Search for certified BEVs.

PHEVs on the market are currently full size vehicles, but their pure battery ranges vary usually between 15 and 40 miles before they will depend completely on gasoline to power the vehicle. Search for certified PHEVs.

Charging Levels

There are three different methods or “charging levels” that can be used to charge a PEV. Each serves a need and provides flexibility for drivers. This versatility, and the convenience of charging while you are sleeping, at work, or while shopping is a unique benefit of PEVs.

Level 1:  110-volt
All PEVs come with the capability to be charged by a 110-volt outlet. This provides great flexibility for PEV drivers to charge up virtually anywhere they need to.   PHEV drivers may choose to only use Level 1 because the batteries can reach “full” fairly quickly and there is no expense incurred for charging equipment. Full size BEVs, on the other hand usually get 80 or more miles of range, and drivers may use level 1 only as backup charging because it provides only 3-5 miles of range per hour of charge.

Level 2:  240-volt
All full size PEVs can be charged at level 2 and they come with a standardized J1772 connector that fits all public charging equipment. Prior to this standardization, other types of charging connectors were being used, however most of this older or “legacy” equipment is being upgraded to meet the new J1772 standards.

Level 2 charging is the preferred method for full size BEVs because it gives a driver about 10-15 miles of range per hour of charge.  To take advantage of Level 2 charging at home you must purchase Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).  EVSE comes in a variety of makes and models.  Once you decide which EVSE will work best for you, the steps described below will help guide you through installation of the charger in your garage or preferred location.

Level 3: 440-volt
Level 3, also called “quick charging” or “DC fast charging,” is a new method of charging that is being installed in select regions in California and other states to provide faster public charging. Only full size BEVs are capable of receiving a charge at level 3, which can provide up to an 80% charge in about 30 minutes. BEV drivers who want to utilize level 3 charging will need to order the quick charger port when purchasing or leasing their vehicle.  Studies are ongoing to determine how BEV drivers ultimately use these chargers, and how level 3 charging should evolve to meet the needs of the public. While there are currently not many level 3 chargers in place, installations are increasing and more are expected in the future.

Installing a Charger

Level 1 and 2 charging are the only types that are available in homes, and only with level 2 is there an installation process and costs involved. PEV buyers that want level 2 charging will need to pay for EVSE charging equipment and installation in addition to the cost of the vehicle. This set up can cost between $1,000 and $4,000, but with tax and other incentives you could end up paying a lot less (and don't forget the additional incentives for the purchase of the PEV).  

The cost of installing level 2 charging equipment can vary greatly depending on the configuration of the home and electrical circuitry, local code requirements and the type of equipment installed.  There are basic charging circuit requirements that all residential plug-in vehicle charging units must meet, in accordance with the California Electrical Code. Also, local government permits may be required prior to installation or construction, so be sure to consult with your local building and safety department to determine specific requirements. If permits are required, a city or county building inspection must be completed prior to activation of the new charging circuit for the PEV. It is the homeowner's responsibility to verify that all required inspections are completed satisfactorily.

Vehicle manufacturers typically help PEV buyers coordinate their charging needs through arrangements with specific EVSE manufacturers or installation service coordinators. Below are some steps to consider that will help the process of installing EVSE for your PEV go smoothly.

Step 1: Consult With Your Auto Dealer
After you have decided what PEV is right for you (Search what's on the market now) find out what kind of support your auto dealership provides and get information about charging needs, installation, permitting requirements and incentives.

Step 2: Do Your Own Research on Incentives 
Look to see what incentives may be available in your area for the vehicle you purchased/leased or are considering.  Some programs provide free charging equipment and installation in certain regions while other areas offer rebates, so do your homework and check out the incentives.

Step 3: Contact Your Utility
Many utilities have programs to help you through the installation process, and incentives to reduce the costs. Some may require a second meter for special PEV rates while others may offer this but not require it.  All of the utilities mentioned below have step by step instructions on their websites for installing EVSE.  Involving your utility early on will ensure you are meeting any of their requirements, taking advantage of assistance or rebates they offer, and you can begin to prepare for your options in utility rate plans.

Step 4: Choose the Type of EVSE you Want to Buy
There are many options available in EVSE equipment with varying costs, so it is a good idea to determine what is really necessary. It is also important to ensure that the EVSE is UL listed.  Some need to be hard-wired while others just require a 220V outlet.  Plug-in America keeps a list of EVSE that can help you make your decision.

Step 5: Contact Your Electrical Contractor
If you choose to work through your auto dealer for charger installation, this step may be covered by their EVSE installation service coordinators. However, if you decide to handle installation on your own, it is important to involve an electrical contractor to ensure you are meeting California Electrical Code requirements.  

Step 6: Contact Your City or County
You will need to determine if permits and inspections are required, and schedule those throughout the process.  

For additional information about the EVSE installation and inspection process, the U.S. Department of Energy provides training videos on their Electric Drive Vehicle Training website.

Costs to Charge Your PEV

Charging your battery is much cheaper than fueling a gasoline car. For example, the Nissan Leaf with a 24kW battery and 70-100 mile range costs $2.40 to “fill up” when charging off-peak at $0.10 a kWh. This is about $.02/mile compared to about $0.15/mile when driving a gas car that gets 26 miles per gallon. Most utilities in California offer special PEV rates for off-peak charging, but off-peak times will vary depending on your utility.  Also, all new PEVs offer a timer on the car that allows you to plug the car in anytime but only charge during off-peak hours.  This ensures that you pay the cheapest rate for electricity. 

Electric Utility Rate Plans for EVs

Many electric utilities offer special off-peak charging rate discounts for PEVs and provide guidance on getting your home ready to charge. Typically you will have the option of moving toward a special time-of-use rate for your whole house that will include your PEV, or you can choose to install a second meter for your PEV. Some utilities are also considering incentives such as rebates to off-set the cost of installing a charger at your home.  Here are several utilities that have special PEV programs and a highlight of some of the great tools and information they offer. Other utilities are just beginning new programs, so be sure to contact your local utility to find out what they might offer.

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)

 

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP)

 

Southern California Edison (SCE)

 

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)

 

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD)

 

Charging for Multifamily Homes

Preparing a multifamily residence for PEV charging requires involvement of the owners (apartment) or approval committee (townhouse or condo) deciding which changes can and cannot be made to the property. A good first step is for all parties involved to discuss the extent of PEV charging to be approved at the site, and contact your local electric utility to request assistance in reviewing the requirements for PEV charge port access. Some questions to consider are:

  • Will individual residents be permitted to charge PEVs in their current parking spaces, or will a decision be made to enable more centralized charging (near building electrical and metering equipment) for more residents?
  • Will the building owner or homeowner's association decide on a certain number of PEV charging locations, or respond to individual resident requests one at a time?
  • Who will pay for PEV charging equipment, electrical system upgrades, electricity used, and any additional property insurance or equipment maintenance required?
  • Who will own the equipment? If the resident, then can they take it with them when they move? If so, who will pay for restoring the property back to its original condition?


Finding Public Charging Locations

There are a number of websites and mobile applications that help you to find PEV charging locations wherever you are. Here are some great resources:

Websites and Mobile Apps:

  • Chargepoint: Search, find, map and get turn-by-turn directions to ChargePoint stations, and even see if the station is available or in use.

 

  • Electric Car Stations: Electric vehicle charger finder map with marker overlay and links to recently posted stations. User’s contribute to the effort, add or update stations they have visited. 

 

 

  • EV Charger Locator: This application is based on Google-maps and has a route map (showing locations along a route) integrated with iPhone GPS and iPhone telephone calling.

 

  • EV Charger News: This web site was compiled by PEV drivers and is the most extensive list of inductive and conductive PEV charging stations in California. The site provides listings for some other states as well, such as Arizona and Georgia.

 

  • Blink Network - Web site provides locations of existing and planned Blink stations. The Blink Network includes charging station locations that are in the EV Project – a national study for the U.S. Department of Energy being managed by Ecotality.

 

  • Open Charge Map - Provides a publically accessible database of consolidated electric vehicle charging point information.

 

  • Plugshare Mobile App - Allows drivers to input a personal charger to share as well as public chargers.

 

  • Recargo: Find EV charging stations and connect with other PEV news and happenings. A mobile app is also offered.

 

  • So Cal EV: Provides locations, directions and details on alternative fueling stations (i.e. -natural gas, hydrogen, electric and propane) within the South Coast Basin.

 

 

PEV Charging Equipment Manufacturers

There are several manufacturers of EV charging equipment:


 

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This document was printed from DriveClean.ca.gov.