ELECTRIC VEHICLES

By Josh Filler, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Electric Operations

It is not clear right now what the future of electric vehicles will be. Still, auto manufacturers have invested much of their resources into rolling out electric vehicles (EVs) within their fleets. They are transitioning many or all their new vehicles to electric-only models over the next 10 years. Some states are also passing mandates and orders requiring all new vehicles to be zero-emission by some time in the next decade or two. Whether you own an electric vehicle or are considering one, there are some things to consider.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Electric vehicle adoption could significantly impact the electric grid if adoption increases faster than we anticipate. Providing our members with information about EVs connected to The Energy Cooperative’s system can help members understand the impact and make more informed decisions. It also allows us to plan for infrastructure upgrades. All electric utilities, including us, are planning to ensure that the electric infrastructure is in place to meet the future electric vehicle charging needs – without jeopardizing the ability to keep reliable power flowing to our local homes and businesses. As your local energy provider, we are best suited to advise and help our members and local businesses plan for the future of EVs.

CHARGING YOUR VEHICLE

Electric vehicles and their charging systems come in many forms. EVs can come with a standard 110-volt compatible (Level 1) charging unit which can be plugged into any standard household outlet. This is a slower charging method, and an eight-hour overnight charge will enable travel of around 36-40 miles a day. If you typically drive longer distances or are in a hurry, a Level 2 charger may make more sense for you and takes about half the time. Level 2 chargers are typically 240volt in residential applications and can provide about 180 miles of range over an eight-hour charging period. A licensed electrician should install a Level 2 charger.

If you are wondering if an electric vehicle can meet your daily driving needs, there are some things to consider. If you are like most Americans and drive on average thirty miles a day, an electric vehicle can meet your daily needs. However, EVs require a shift in mindset regarding daily charging, charging during traveling, and environmental considerations. Most people with an internal combustion engine are used to filling their gas tank on a weekly basis, whereas with an electric vehicle, you likely will need to be charging every day. From a utility perspective, charging is best done at night when the electric grid is less stressed.

Long-distance travel can be more challenging than driving a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle. You will have to plan your trip to ensure you are adequately charged or time-charging based on the location of charging stations. This concern will gradually diminish as the electric vehicle charging infrastructure continues to expand and grow. In our climate, cold weather can impact the range of an electric vehicle. Unlike internal combustion engines, where the heat mostly comes from the engine, an electric vehicle must produce cabin heat and manage the battery temperature with energy from the battery itself, which can reduce battery range.

If you are considering purchasing or have already purchased an electric vehicle, please let us know so we can better serve you. As more Energy Cooperative members buy EVs, it is helpful to know where they are located in our area to ensure we have the necessary infrastructure in place to meet charging needs and provide reliable power to our local homes and businesses. Also, The Energy Cooperative offers an electric vehicle charger rebate that members can apply for. The rebate covers $250 for Level 2 chargers. There are a variety of tax credits, rebates and other incentives available for electric vehicle purchases. Visit www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/electric-vehicles-fortaxf-credit to learn more about federal incentives available through the Clean Vehicle Credit program.

The Energy Cooperative is here as a resource if you have any questions. Give us a call at 740-344-2102 or visit our website at www.myenergycoop.com.