Considering soaring gas prices and greenhouse gasses from automobiles, it makes sense why electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a wave of the future — they’re a key energy solution that reduces emissions and improves air quality. EVs are here and they’re evolving every single day.
In Utah, where inversions are a serious public health concern, electric vehicles (EVs) can lower carbon pollution from transportation by as much as 20%, reports the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. By changing the way we power our vehicles, we can do our part in helping solve the crisis while improving air quality for all.
There’s been a strategic evolution regarding EV technology in Utah; the infrastructure groundwork has been laid in terms of fast-charging EV stations being installed across the state. In other words, the change from gas-powered to environmentally friendly vehicles will soon be more convenient than ever before.
Currently, there are more than 53,000 EV charging stations in place across the country, with more than 870 locations in Utah, according to the U.S. Energy Department. Those numbers are expected to increase significantly in the coming years, with Rocky Mountain Power spearheading the statewide effort through its planned Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, which was approved by the Utah Public Service Commission in December 2021.
Perhaps you’re considering buying an electric vehicle. If so, you probably have lots of questions, such as: “Can I afford an EV? I know I’ll save money on fuel, but what are the charging costs? What types of EVs are available?” Here’s what you need to know:
The lineup of electric vehicles is growing
Today, there are numerous electrified vehicles on the market and the lineup continues to grow to meet the various needs and budgets of customers, such as the 2022 all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning, the 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E, the 2022 Kia EV6, the 2022 Honda HR-V, the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric and the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV.
EV options have rapidly expanded in the past few years and many exciting EVs are being released in 2023, including the Chevrolet Equinox EV, the Ford Explorer EV, and the Chevrolet Silverado EV. By 2025, all of the American auto manufacturers will have EVs in their fleet. Not just a few, but a variety, greatly expanding the consumer’s EV options.
Aside from reducing air pollution, EVs provide major savings at the pump. By swapping out your gasoline vehicle for an EV, you can virtually eliminate gasoline fuel costs. Also, with the recent increases in gasoline prices, owning an EV is quickly becoming more cost effective than ever.
Charging EVs
The U.S. Department of Energy praises electric vehicles for lowering fuel costs and reducing emissions, but they also tout their flexible charging options; for example, EVs can be charged at home, at multifamily dwellings or workplaces (where available), and at public charging stations.
If you want to charge your EV at home faster, you may need to install a dedicated 240V outlet, the same type of outlet that’s used for a standard washer and dryer. Fortunately, the infrastructure for EVs is improving significantly and it’s going to help us all for generations to come.
Often, an EV’s battery will not travel as many miles as a gasoline car before it needs to be recharged, but EV batteries are usually sufficient for the average person’s daily travel needs. The good news is, charging an electric vehicle is pretty simple. Depending on the number of miles you typically drive in a day, you may be able to meet all of your charging needs by plugging your vehicle in your own garage with a standard 120V or 240V outlet.
How long does it take to charge an electric car? The main factors that determine charging time include: the capacity of the battery, how much capacity has been depleted, the maximum charging rate of the vehicle, the maximum charging rate of the EV charger being used, along environmental factors, such as cold temperatures, which can slightly increase the time it takes to charge a vehicle, particularly with a rapid charger. In all, it can take as little as 30 minutes up to 12 hours to charge an EV.
How much will it cost you to charge a plug-in electric vehicle at home? It costs on average, about $2 to $4 each time to charge an all-electric battery and $1 each time to charge a hybrid. Rocky Mountain Power also has a pending application with the Public Service Commission to re-open a special time of use rate plan for customers with electric vehicles that would make home charging even more affordable for middle of the day and nighttime charging, if approved.
When is the best time to charge an electric vehicle?
Energy demand and prices are traditionally highest in the late afternoon and evening hours. So, if possible, avoid charging your vehicle during those times. As more drivers make the switch to EVs, it’s important to understand when to charge your vehicle to have less impact on the environment and the energy grid. Generally, the best time to charge your vehicle is when electricity demand is lower, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (when solar energy is at its peak) and overnight when the demand for electricity is a lot lower because people are asleep.
Availability and costs involved
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), today, there are dozens of EV models on the market in a variety of vehicle classes. For a full list of options, visit fueleconomy.gov. While the energy costs for EVs are usually lower than they are for conventional gasoline vehicles, the purchase prices for electric vehicles can be higher. However, the costs can be offset by several options that can help you save, such as the federal tax credit and Salt Lake City’s free metered parking for green vehicles.
Federal Tax Credit: All qualifying EVs and PHEVs purchased new in 2010 or after may be
eligible for a federal tax income credit up to $7,500! The actual amount of the tax credit is based on the car’s battery capacity and is capped at $7,500.
To learn more about Rocky Mountain Power’s plans for creating a positive impact on customers by increasing the number of fast-charging EV stations in Utah, as well as its programs and incentives for EVs, visit Rocky Mountain Power’s website.
