Some businesses offer EV charging stations at work for employees. Instead of making an extra stop to fill up at the gas station, your vehicle can charge while you work and be ready to go at the end of the day.
Share this information with your company if you believe EV charging stations would be a good fit.
EV models
Choose an EV that fits your lifestyle
There are dozens of affordable electric vehicle (EV) models available today. They range from sedans to minivans to pickup trucks.
Choose the EV that works best for you and your family.
|
SUV
(e.g. BMW X5 E, Tesla Model X and Y, Mitsubishi Outlander)
|
Pickup truck
|
Sedan
|
|
Sports car
(e.g. Tesla Model S)
|
Minivan/wagon/van
|
Other
|
Check out EPRI's Consumer Guide to Electric Vehicles to find your perfect EV.
Charging
You can install an EV charging station at home. You can also find them at work and on the road.
Charge at home
According to energy.gov, EV drivers primarily charge their vehicles at home. Many EVs come with a portable Level 1 charger. Some people invest in more powerful Level 2 chargers for home use.
| criteria | Level 1 | Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
|
General description
|
Most EVs come with a standard Level 1 charger. |
Level 2 chargers are often sold independently of EVs. A Level 2 charger is the fastest means of charging an EV at home. |
|
Electrical needs
|
120-volt outlet | 240-volt outlet (may require electrical upgrades) |
|
Charging speed
|
3-5 miles per hour; 17-20 hours to fully charge | 8-24 miles per hour; 4-5 hours to fully charge |
|
Costs (charger and installation)
|
None | $500-$4,000 |
Learn more about charging your electric vehicle at home.
Charge at work
Charge on the road
There are public EV charging stations throughout the United States at national parks, shopping centers, gas stations and along highway corridors. These are typically Level 2 charging stations, but DC fast chargers are becoming more available, accessible and visible. Fast chargers can charge an all-electric vehicle from 10% to 80% in 15-45 minutes depending on the type of EV; that’s just enough time to grab a quick meal, use the restrooms and stretch before you hit the road again.
Note: Depending on type and model, many plug-in hybrid electric vehicles cannot use DC fast chargers due to their internal electrical capabilities.
The cost to charge EVs in public depends on the state and host that provides the charger.
Public EV charging stations may be priced:
- Per hour.
- Per kilowatt-hour.
- Per session.
- As a monthly or annual subscription fee.
Some public charging stations are free.
Mileage
EVs can get you where you want to go
The term “range anxiety” is the fear that an EV will not have enough power to meet day-to-day travel needs. The reality is that EVs have more than enough range to get commuters where they need to go in a day, and that range keeps increasing.
According to the EPA, the typical daily household commute is 50 miles per day.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) can now travel 200 miles on one charge, with some models even exceeding that. That gives the typical driver almost an entire week without the need to recharge.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles can travel more than 500 miles (using both electric and gas components) without recharging or refueling. Learn more about EV basics and types of EVs.
With improvements in technology and battery storage, experts expect those numbers to climb.
Plus, we’re collaborating with other electric companies across the United States as part of the Edison Electric Institute National Electric Highway Coalition. Together, we'll support the install of DC fast chargers throughout the country, creating reliable charging infrastructure that will reduce range anxiety among EV drivers.
Cost savings
Get the most for your money by charging at off-peak times
EVs cost less to fuel because electricity costs less than gas. To lower your fuel cost further, consider enrolling in a complimentary rate plan and charging when rates are lowest.
Use our residential rate calculator to compare options and see if you could save money by switching rates.
Do you want to learn more about your savings potential with an electric vehicle?
Check out our tool that can help you get a personal estimate based on your driving habits, compare electric vehicle options and more.
Environmental impact
Driving an electric vehicle instead of an all-combustion gas engine vehicle reduces gasoline consumption and tailpipe emissions. Battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in electric mode produce zero to no tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air quality.
According to energy.gov, the emission reduction from EVs can help improve public health and reduce ecological damage. And when the electricity on which they run comes from clean energy resources like wind and solar, they are an even cleaner option. Learn the average emissions rate of an EV in your state.
Charge up your business
Explore how EVs and charging infrastructure can benefit your business.
Make your community an EV destination
EV adoption in your community can help achieve cost saving, environmental and economic development goals.
