You’re likely noticing more electric vehicles (EVs) on the road and charging stations in shopping areas and other public locations. Several factors, such as new vehicle options, lower prices, additional charging stations, and financial incentives, are driving the increasing popularity of EVs.

According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), EVs accounted for 7.6% of all sales in 2023, up from 5.9% in 2022. That market share is even larger when factoring in hybrid vehicles.

While EVs may not work for everyone’s daily driving requirements, which depend on commute times, public charging availability and additional factors, EVs can provide many benefits, such as lower operating costs and less maintenance.

If you’re considering making the switch to an EV, Harrison REMC is here to help. As your trusted local energy partner, we can help you make informed decisions about home charging options and factors to help you decide if an EV works for your typical driving needs.

Types of EVs

There are three common types of EVs. All-electric vehicles, also known as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), are powered solely by a large battery. BEVs produce zero emissions because they are powered by a rechargeable battery and do not use gasoline. On average, BEVs can run on a full battery for 110 to 300 miles.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are powered by a large battery, an electric motor, and a gas-powered engine. PHEVs recharge battery power from regenerative braking and can also be plugged into a standard outlet. Depending on the model, they can run on full battery power (alone) for 15 to 60 miles.

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) use an electric motor to assist gas-powered engines. Similar to PHEVs, HEVs can also recharge their battery power from regenerative braking, but the power comes from the gas engine, and they do not plug into an electrical outlet.

Home charging options

Most new BEVs and PHEVs include a Level 1 charging unit (110-volt-compatible), which can be plugged into any standard household electrical outlet. A Level 1 charger typically provides two to five miles of range per hour of charging, which may work for those with shorter daily commutes.

For lengthier daily drive times, Level 2 chargers can be installed for faster charging at 10 to 30 miles of range per hour. A Level 2 charger uses 240-volt service, which may require electrical upgrades conducted by a licensed electrician.

Consumer interest in EVs is growing, and that’s why Harrison REMC provides information about charging requirements, vehicle options, etc., so our members can make informed EV purchasing decisions. Within our time-of-day rate structure, we also offer a super off-peak rate for EV charging at night. This rate is 5.5 cents/kWh all year from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. to help you save on your electric bills.

If you own an EV or purchase one in the future, we encourage you to contact us. As more consumers switch to EVs, it’s important for the co-op to understand EV charging needs. It’s also important for EV owners to understand the electric grid needs and the best times to charge to keep electric service reliable and affordable for our local community and beyond. One major challenge electric utilities face is growing demand that affects reliability and increases costs. If EVs are charged at low-demand times, they could help with this challenge, but if charged during high-demand times, they could exacerbate this growing concern. Fortunately, with education, most people’s primary charging can easily be done during low-demand times to help. This is why EV owners need to work with your co-op to ensure safe, reliable, and low-cost service.

If you’re considering switching to an EV, contact Nick Geswein at Harrison REMC for more information about charging options and requirements and energy-saving tips for the road ahead.