Electric Vehicles

Although OPPD doesn’t currently offer rebates, federal and state incentives can make the upfront costs more affordable. Once purchased, you’ll also enjoy long-term savings on fuel, lower maintenance and potentially, auto insurance. See for yourself! Compare your current vehicle costs to that of an EV with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Cost Calculator.

Yes, absolutely. Most vehicles can charge on one of two different levels at your home. All you have to do is get the charger installed by a professional with the appropriate permits. To learn more about the various types of charging, we’ve outlined the levels above.

The best time to charge a vehicle is at night or on weekends during off-peak hours, such as after 9 p.m. when energy demand and costs are lowest. Charging within this window ensures the least impact to the electrical grid.

You’ll be more than covered on your day-to-day drives. Under normal driving conditions, most EVs can travel between 200 and 300 miles on a full charge. For longer journeys or road trips, you’ll find plenty of public charging stations across the country. Plus, as newer models hit the market, the charge range is only expected to increase.

The average American only drives 31 miles a day, so most EVs should meet your regular needs. For longer trips, there are public charging stations located across the country. Use the PlugShare app (available through the Apple Store or Google Play) to locate charging stations and plan accordingly.

Extreme hot or cold temperatures could possibly cause your EV to lose range up to 50%. That means, if your engine normally gets 250 miles on a full charge, in extreme weather, you might only get 125 miles. Don’t want to worry about the weather? In extreme cold or heat, be mindful of your car’s charge. Leave significant margin, charge more frequently and be sure to precondition your battery before charging.

Additionally, many EV manufacturers have apps with features that let you schedule departure times, so your vehicle can be preconditioned for travel while still connected to a charging source.

The time of year, length and strength of your charge all play a role in energy bills. The average cost of charging a plug-in vehicle at home is about half the cost of filling a tank of gasoline, according to the Department of Energy (DOE). Check out the DOE’s Vehicle Cost Calculator for an estimate of how much you can save overall.

The actual number will depend on the make and model of your car, your location, the weather and other varied factors. Here is an estimate, using average numbers.

Utility costs for at-home EV charging are approximately $35 on your monthly utility bill. Monthly fuel costs for traditional combustion engine cars are about $136 for the average car of 25.7 mpg, based on driving 12,000 miles annually (1,000 miles per month).

As local ownership of electric vehicles expands, OPPD is monitoring the increased usage related to charging. The impact of electric vehicle charging remains manageable across our electric grid. Charging demand varies widely across our service territory; some areas have more electric vehicles than others. As needs change, we will continue to look for innovative ways to meet your needs, including new rate designs and rebates that encourage off-peak charging.