Electric Vehicles

OEC is excited to support electric vehicle (EV) adoption.

Find EV Tools and Resources below.

Why Go Electric

Huge leaps have been made in battery technology, enabling electric vehicles to go further, and become more affordable and more efficient. By making the change to EV, we can all save more money, enjoy more mobility and have a cleaner world.

Tax savings

Did you know that when you purchase a new electric vehicle, you could be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500? To learn more about this tax credit and other incentives that you may be eligible for, visit the Department of Energy.

Savings on maintenance

When you drive a fully electric vehicle, there’s no need for oil changes, fuel filters, new spark plugs, yearly emissions tests and other costly maintenance. Instead, you can enjoy more money in your pocket as you drive on to your next destination.

Fuel savings

With an electric vehicle, you will no longer have to fuel up at the gas station, but instead, you can charge at home or at any one of the hundreds of public charging stations across the state. While an efficient gas-powered vehicle can run for about 10-15 cents per mile, the average electric vehicle can run for just 3-5 cents per mile. Pennies per mile add up to big savings over the lifetime of the vehicle!

Electric Vehicles have plenty of range

Today’s EVs feature advanced battery design that makes EVs more efficient, with enough power to take you to work and back again. Your car spends 90 percent of its time parked. And since you can recharge your battery each time you return home and park your car, it’s far more convenient than having to get gas.

Electric Vehicles are fast and fun to drive!

EVs aren’t just the future, they’re the present, and the real force behind automotive innovation here in the 21st century. Style, speed and power: EVs have it all now. With more brands offering more EV models every year, you can finally have the transportation and savings you want.

Electric Vehicles Save you Money

Ten years ago, the savings were significant. Today, they’re incredible. As technology has advanced, EVs have become far more affordable and are now within the reach of most American families. And with an operating cost that can be as little as 25 percent of that of a gas-powered vehicle, there’s simply no comparison. So EVs can dramatically lower your commuting costs — and with OEC’s rebates, your cost.

Know Before You Buy

Electric vehicles (EVs) get their power from electricity supplied by the grid, and they use battery energy for all power needs. Below we’ll tell you how EVs work, how they charge, and even where to shop for your new all-electric vehicle.

How EVs work

Using battery technology similar to the battery in your smartphone, but on a much larger scale, EVs convert electricity from the grid into stored energy that is then used to power the electric engine, as well as the rest of the car’s systems, including lights, wipers, air conditioning and entertainment. And EVs have fewer parts than gas-powered cars, meaning fewer things to repair.

Is an EV Right for you?

Since making a vehicle purchase decision isn’t an easy task, try this checklist to help you think through important items to consider if you’re planning to go electric. We think you’ll find that an EV can be a great fit for almost any lifestyle.

Think: how many miles do I typically drive each day? Consider commuting miles, errands and any other trips you make daily. About 90 percent of consumers drive 80 miles or less per day. With electric vehicles ranges spanning 100 to 300+ miles on a single charge, an EV can handle the daily demands of most commuters. Learn how to get the most out of your charge here.

How many people are in your family? Most electric vehicles on the market are compact cars or sedans with 5-capacity seating. However, there are a few models on the market that can seat seven, with more models being developed. If you have a large family and are concerned about seating capacity, something else you can consider is how often the whole family rides in the same car at the same time. If full family trips aren’t a daily occurrence, an EV could still work for you, especially if you have another family car to use for family trips.

How much stuff do you typically carry around with you in your car? Most electric vehicles have standard size trunks, perfect for your weekly grocery run. Some EVs have rear seats that lay down to create extra room for storage. There are some things EVs cannot handle due to their size, like towing a trailer, but these powerful cars can definitely handle that trunk full of baggage on your way to the airport.

Where do you usually park your car? Vehicles spend 75 percent of their time parked at home, 20 percent parked at work or out in the community, and only 5 percent driving from place to place. With all of the idle time that your car spends parked, recharging is easy! Many workplaces, like OEC, now offer free charging to employees, charging infrastructure in the community is expanding daily, and you can charge your EV at home overnight.

How much would you like to spend on your next car? After federal tax credits and other incentives available, EVs start in the low $20,000 range, competing with many other cars on the market.

Charge your EV with OEC

If you have power in your garage, you can charge your EV at home.

If you have power in your garage, you can charge your EV at home.

  • Level 1 charger – Most electric vehicles come with a level 1 charger. These chargers plug into standard 120-volt wall outlets. If you plug in your EV when the battery is empty, it takes about 15 hours to fully charge.
  • Level 2 charger – A level 2 charger allows you to cut charging time in half. These chargers do not typically come with the cars, but most EVs are level 2 charger compatible. Level 2 chargers plug into 240-volt outlets — the same type of outlets washers or dryers plug into. A level 2 charger will charge an EV in about 3 to 8 hours. Get your OEC rebate to help offset the cost.
  • Level 3 or DC fast chargers – DC fast chargers are currently the fastest chargers on the market. However, this type of charging is not well-suited for home installation due to the high cost and voltage required. In addition, not all EVs are DC fast charger compatible. If your car is compatible and you charge at a DC fast charger in the community, you can expect for it to completely recharge an empty battery in 15 minutes to an hour.

How do I make my home level 2 charger-ready?

If you do not already have a 240-volt outlet in your garage, a licensed contractor can install one for you. Installation costs will vary from house to house based on the electrical wiring.

At home

If you have power in your garage, you can charge your EV at home.

  • Level 1 charger – Most electric vehicles come with a level 1 charger. These chargers plug into standard 120-volt wall outlets. If you plug in your EV when the battery is empty, it takes about 15 hours to fully charge.
  • Level 2 charger – A level 2 charger allows you to cut charging time in half. These chargers do not typically come with the cars, but most EVs are level 2 charger compatible. Level 2 chargers plug into 240-volt outlets — the same type of outlets washers or dryers plug into. A level 2 charger will charge an EV in about 3 to 8 hours. Get your OEC rebate to help offset the cost.
  • Level 3 or DC fast chargers – DC fast chargers are currently the fastest chargers on the market. However, this type of charging is not well-suited for home installation due to the high cost and voltage required. In addition, not all EVs are DC fast charger compatible. If your car is compatible and you charge at a DC fast charger in the community, you can expect for it to completely recharge an empty battery in 15 minutes to an hour.

How do I make my home level 2 charger-ready?

If you do not already have a 240-volt outlet in your garage, a licensed contractor can install one for you. Installation costs will vary from house to house based on the electrical wiring.

At charging stations

There are also charging stations that provide fast charging for your EV for a small fee, like gas stations for electric vehicles. You can drive from coast to coast now, and apps like ChargeHub(link is external) and PlugShare(link is external) can help you plan your route to find charging stations along the way. Many employers, like OEC, also providing charging stations at work. Check out our public charging stations at our headquarters!

Charging resources

EV Tools and Resources

EV ownership is on the rise at a record pace. Follow the links below to learn why driving an EV is for everyone.

PLUG IN AMERICA

THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

TAX INCENTIVES

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