3 Questions You Should Ask About Electric Vehicles

Thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV) but unsure where to start? You're not alone. The rapid rise in EV popularity has many consumers considering a move to electric transportation.

However, before diving in, it's essential to ask the right questions to ensure you're making an informed decision.

In this month’s blog post, we'll explore three crucial questions to ask yourself about electric vehicle ownership, helping you navigate the road to a more sustainable future.

1. What type of charger should I purchase for my home?

Before you purchase an EV, you should make a plan on how you’re going to charge it, and that includes deciding on whether use a Level 1 or Level 2 charger. The Level 1 charger plugs into a standard household outlet and probably won’t require any electrical upgrades – however, its slow speed (about five miles of range per hour) won’t work for all EV drivers. The next step up, a Level 2 charger, requires a 240-volt outlet and will likely require some electrical upgrades, but you’ll get about 12 miles of range per hour, which could be necessary for some EV drivers. Which one should you get? Calculate how many miles you drive on a typical day and research what options you have for public charging in your area (including Level 3 fast chargers). Some EV drivers will be okay with just a Level 1 charger at home, while others will require a Level 2 charger to fill up overnight.

2. Should I sign up for a different rate plan?

As part of a greater trend toward offering different ways of paying for the electricity you use at home, many energy companies are introducing special rates that help you charge your EV at a very low price – or even for free. These rates generally encourage you to charge overnight, since that’s usually when it’s cheapest to produce electricity. For example, Georgia Power’s Overnight Advantage rate includes a Super Off-Peak period from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. that allows EV drivers to charge up for only 2.2 cents per kWh. This is compared to 10.2 cents during Off-Peak hours and 29.8 cents during On-Peak hours (from 2 to 7 p.m. during the summer). This plan could allow the average EV driver to charge up for less than $30 per month.

3. What should I ask my energy company about owning an EV?

While navigating the new terrain that comes with EV ownership can feel a bit daunting at first, your energy company can actually be your best ally. Many energy companies offer valuable resources and programs specifically designed to help EV owners get the most out of their vehicles. From installing home charging stations to providing special EV rates that can lower your electricity costs during off-peak hours, utilities are making it easier and more affordable to keep your EV charged and ready to go. Some even offer rebates or incentives for purchasing EVs or to help cover the costs of installing home chargers. And they may also provide information on public charging infrastructure to keep you powered up on the go. Before you purchase an EV – or if you’re already a dedicated EV driver – reach out to your energy company and see what resources, programs and incentives they have to help optimize your EV experience.

With a greater variety of models than ever before (and with significantly longer battery ranges), now is a great time to make the shift to electric transportation. But before you do, make sure you do your research and ask the right questions. To learn more about becoming a smarter EV owner, watch our new YouTube video here and check out our latest fact sheet here.