- How do I charge an electric car?
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It’s as simple as plugging in your phone. The most convenient places for electric car charging are at home or work. Simply connect the car to a standard outlet or a charging station. Then charging occurs while you go on with your life.
- How do I charge my electric car at home?
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All electric cars come with a charging cord that can be used in a regular, 120-volt outlet. Some electric cars come with a charging cord that can be used in a 240-volt outlet (like a dryer outlet) for faster charging. A qualified electrical contractor can evaluate your home wiring to determine the best approach for electric car charging at home.
- Where can I charge my electric car in public?
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Charging stations are available in your community and along highways so you can drive long distances. Many businesses, government offices and institutions like libraries, schools and colleges provide electric car charging stations. Services such as Blink, ChargePoint, Chargeway, Electrify America, PlugShare and Tesla have websites and mobile apps to help you find where to charge an electric car. They also provide information about how fast your electric car can be refueled and whether the charging equipment is compatible with your electric car.
- Can I get electric car charging stations for my workplace, apartment or condo?
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Adding electric car charging stations in a parking lot or garage can make a business more attractive to customers and employees. Installing charging stations is simpler and less expensive than you may think. Tax credits from federal and state governments also may be available. For installation questions and assistance, contact pev@aep.com.
- Where can I find a qualified contractor to install an electric car charging station?
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SWEPCO is here to help with your electric car charging station needs. Contact us at pev@aep.com for installation advice and assistance. Other providers such as Amazon Home Services, HomeServe, and Qmerit offer residential and commercial electrical equipment installation. Be sure to ask about the contractor's relevant experience and for their recommendation about the best approach and cost estimate to install an electric car charging station in your home or business.
- How much does it cost to charge an electric car at a public charging station?
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Refueling at public electric car charging stations can vary widely in cost. Some charging stations are available free of charge, offered as an amenity by businesses and community organizations; most electric car charging stations located in your city or along highways require fees that you will pay with a credit card or mobile app. The fees typically are more expensive (15 to 50 cents per kilowatt-hour) than what the electricity will cost to refuel your electric car at home (about 12 cents per kilowatt-hour or less).
- How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?
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Charging at home can be the least expensive way to refuel an electric car. Using current average prices, a typical driver could save more than $1,200 each year by switching from gas to electricity. The average cost to charge an electric car will depend on where you live and the distance you drive. However, the price of electricity is more stable than gasoline — and it can cost 66–80 percent less than gas.
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Many manufacturers now make Level II chargers with meters or timers. PSO customers can receive up to $250 rebate for purchasing an ENERGY STAR certified Level II charger. A 240V plug (like a dryer outlet), can provide up to 30 miles of range per hour of charging. Work with your electrical contractor to evaluate your home's wiring, electrical outlets and other hardware that can support the charging requirements of your new electric vehicle.
- How long do electric car batteries last?
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Electric car batteries are built to outlast the cars in which they are installed. And nearly all electric car batteries are warranted for eight years and 100,000 miles. Car batteries are more advanced than the batteries that power your phone, laptop and other battery-powered devices and are built to last far longer.
At SWEPCO, we've searched the internet to provide you with objective, third-party information and tools about the electric car experience and the resources that make selecting and driving your electric car easier and convenient.
The federal government, many states and municipalities offer tax credits and subsidies for buyers of electric cars and companies that offer public charging stations. A federal tax credit may cover charging station equipment and installation through 2020. Consult your tax adviser for more information. In addition, electric car manufacturers and dealerships offer incentives and rebates.
SWEPCO customers are eligible for a discount up to $3,500 (off MSRP) for the 2019-2020 Nissan Leaf. Contact SWEPCO for other current offers and incentives in our area.
AEP Advocacy
We're watching and shaping a revolution. A revolution of electric cars. Business models, investments and investors, and infrastructure are evolving to create new, smart strategies for the future. We're working with our customers and communities to support charging infrastructure to make electric cars attractive to drive and charging easy to access.
We believe the future holds boundless opportunities to come together with communities to build the future of energy. And electric cars are a key feature of a future sustainable economy. Our electric infrastructure will be robust, and our capacity is great to help businesses and communities build out charging facilities.
We believe policymakers can leverage our local energy companies' unparalleled capabilities to support long-lasting electric car charging in communities. We're working together with state and local governments, regulators, economic development partners, businesses and technology experts to seek incentives, funding and other resources for both electric car buyers as well as businesses ready to install charging stations.
When we think about it, supporting electric cars and charging stations are just more ways that we're working to build a brighter future for us all.