EV Charging - As Easy as Just Plugging in
Charging and fueling your car both involve transferring potential power to your vehicle. But that’s where the similarities end.
What kind of charger do I need?
An EV charger pulls electrical current from either an outlet or the grid to deliver electricity to the vehicle—similar to standard appliances in your home.
Unlike gas pumps, EV chargers come in three varieties—Level 1 (L1), Level 2 (L2), and Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC). Each level of charger is identified by the power output expressed in kilowatts (kW).
Tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are available to assist homeowners looking to install a L2 charger, and there are many options on the market for Level 2 chargers that can be installed at home. Some localities also provide additional support for homeowners—be sure to check for support in your state.
How much does it cost to charge an EV?
Charging an EV is good for your wallet!
This is because the cost of electricity is consistently lower than gasoline, and experiences far fewer price fluctuations as a result of international events.
ZETA analysis shows that fueling a gas-powered car can cost up to 5x more than charging an EV. This matches up with the Department of Energy’s (DOE) findings that it costs the equivalent of $1.22 per gallon when charging your EV, compared to gasoline prices which have ranged from $3.00-5.00+ recently.
At the same time, charging is incredibly convenient. The DOE estimates that 80% of charging is completed at home due to the low cost and convenience—meaning you will rarely have to make a stop at a public charging station.
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If charging at home, it is important to note that charging rates vary based on demand. Generally, drivers will want to charge their vehicle late at night during “super off-peak” hours to save the most money. Drivers can also check with their local electricity provider to opt-in to managed charging programs and other programs to help transition to at-home charging.
Can I take my EV on a road trip?
Of course!
Road trips are an American pastime and with each passing year, more and more drivers are packing up and driving their EVs across dozens of states.
Planning your route to align charging with stops to eat, see the sights, and stretch your legs will help reduce the impact on your travel time. It is also important to remember that the national charging network is still in its early stages. Identifying when you will need to charge and where will be a crucial part of planning out your route.
At the same time, some vehicle manufacturers provide assistance through onboard navigation software by recommending public charging stations along your route to maximize efficiency. There are also several apps and resources available to help drivers plan their trips.
Roadtripping will continue to get easier as the public charging network expands. Beyond that, it should be noted that the average American drives only 37 miles per day, and that 93.1% of all trips are 30 miles or less. This means that an EV can easily meet your daily driving needs in addition to the odd roadtrip.
Timelapse of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Installed Between January 2021 and December 2023
There are many tools to help you plan your road trip in an EV. Need help planning your next EV roadtrip? Use the Alternative Fuel Data Center tool to find fueling stations along your route.
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