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Electric cooperatives nationwide are committed to providing affordable and reliable energy.
As a trusted local energy provider, electric co-ops guide and assist member owners, local businesses, and government agencies in preparing for the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). FreeState emphasizes the importance of planning to ensure the necessary electric infrastructure is in place to meet future EV charging demands without compromising affordability and reliability.
EV FAQ
As a trusted energy advisor focused on people, not profits, FreeState offers candid assessments of charging requirements for personal, commercial, municipal, or fleet EVs.
Consumer interest in EVs is growing, and FreeState provides information about EVs so our members can make informed EV purchasing decisions. Many automakers have decided to transition many or all of their new vehicles to electric-only in the next 10 years. FreeState, like other electric providers, must plan now to have the necessary electric infrastructure to meet future EV charging demands without jeopardizing the ability to keep affordable and reliable energy for your home and local businesses.
Distributing power to our members is our job. We need to have enough power to supply every member with what they need — no matter how much they use.
Demand matters because significant increases can put pressure on the power grid. If demand exceeds the capability to supply it, the price can go up. That matters because power is the co-op’s greatest expense. Two-thirds of our monthly expenses go directly to power costs. We talk about ways members can beat the peak, but there are other things you can do to help the cooperative. One of the biggest things you can do is tell us if you add significant power-pulling items at home.
For example, if you purchase a new electric vehicle (EV) — then communicating it to us is important, and not just for your service — but for your neighbor’s service, too. If the co-op knows you need that extra demand, we can plan for it, and that not only helps with cost management but also reliability.
Our engineering and operations staff can look at the infrastructure already present and whether adjustments need to be made to keep everyone’s lights on.
Co-ops have always been champions for their community. As a trusted local energy advisor and provider, FreeState is best suited to advise and help our members, local businesses, and government agencies plan for expanding electric transportation.
Right-sizing local EV charging infrastructure for cars, trucks, and fleet transportation is critically important. This long-term investment requires ample time, technology, and resources.
Unless we lay some of the necessary groundwork today, we could struggle to keep up with rising electricity demand in the future. That’s not an acceptable path forward for our community or us.
There are various electric vehicle types available; these are the three most common types:
Battery Electric Vehicles have a battery and an electric motor instead of a gas tank and an internal combustion engine. Sometimes EVs are also referred to as "All-Electric Vehicles" or "Plug-in Vehicles" (not to be confused with Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles). They run entirely on electricity and do not produce any exhaust from fuel burning. It is important to note that a portion of the electricity supplied to your home may be generated from fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles have an electric motor AND a gas-powered internal combustion engine. Some PHEVs operate exclusively, or almost exclusively, on electricity until the battery is nearly depleted, then the gasoline-powered engine turns on to provide power. Like Battery Electric Vehicles, PHEV can be plugged in to charge the battery when the vehicle is not in use.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles have an electric motor AND a gas-powered internal combustion engine and don't charge. HEV can have a substantial range on a single tank, but they still burn fossil fuel, produce carbon emissions, and require trips to the gas station and scheduled engine maintenance. HEV may be ideal for those with extended commutes and limited charging system access.
Is your daily commute less than 330 miles? Today’s electric vehicles have a driving range per charge between 50 to 330 miles. If your daily commute is under 250 miles per day, there is likely an affordable EV model that will fit your needs.
BUYER TIP: When you're looking at EVs, check the "range-per-charge" for the vehicle. This is the number of miles the car can typically drive between full charges. For example, if the range per charge for an EV is 100 miles and your daily commute is 30 miles, you should be able to go about 3 days between charges (30mi + 30mi + 30mi = 90mi).
Range refers to the number of miles an EV will travel before the battery needs to be recharged. Electric cars typically have a shorter maximum range on a charge than fossil-fueled cars can travel on a full tank of gasoline. However, EVs can be charged at home - no gas station required - and the overall operation cost is typically substantially less than a gasoline-powered vehicle.
EV range varies significantly between models.
All-Electric Vehicles require less maintenance than conventional vehicles because there are fewer fluids (like oil and transmission fluid) to change and far fewer moving parts. EVs require minimal scheduled maintenance to their electrical systems, including the battery, electrical motor, and associated electronics. Because of regenerative braking, brake systems on EVs typically last longer than on conventional vehicles.
No Oil Changes: EVs do not require engine oil. There are no oil changes (normally required every 3,000 to 7,000 miles, requirements vary by automobile manufacturer).
No Spark Plugs and Wires: EVs do not require spark plugs and wires. No replacement (estimated replacement at 100,000 miles on gas engine).
No Exhaust System: EVs do not have mufflers or catalytic converters, two components of your exhaust system that can fail and result in expensive replacements.
No Emissions Testing: EVs do not burn fossil fuels and do not have a tailpipe. They do not emit byproducts that need to be tested. States typically grant EVs an emissions exemption.
The average U.S. household spends nearly one-fifth of its total family expenditures on transportation. Saving on fuel can make a big difference in the average family's budget. Electricity is less expensive than gasoline, and EVs are more efficient than gasoline vehicles. Electricity prices are also generally much more stable than gasoline prices. On a national average, it costs less than half as much to travel the same distance in an EV as a conventional vehicle, but your savings could be far more substantial if your current gas-powered vehicle gets poor mileage.
Charging your EV requires plugging into a charger connected to the electric grid, also called electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). There are three major categories of chargers, based on the amount of power the charger can provide:
AC Level 1
It provides charging through a 120 V AC plug and does not require the installation of additional charging equipment. Level 1 can typically deliver 2 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging. Level 1 is most often used in home applications but is sometimes used at workplaces. A full charge may take up to 24 hours with level 1 120 V charging.
AC Level 2
Provides charging through a 240 V plug and requires the installation of additional charging equipment by a licensed electrician/installer. Level 2 chargers typically deliver 10 to 60 miles of range per hour of charging. Level 2 is used in homes, workplaces, and for some public charging.
DC Fast-Charge
Provides charging through 480 V AC input and requires specialized, high-powered charging equipment and special equipment in the vehicle itself. DC Fast-Charging can deliver an 80% battery charge or 60 to 100 miles of range for most EV models in about 20-30 minutes of charging. This is the format used most often in public charging stations, especially along heavy traffic corridors. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles typically do not have fast charging capabilities.
Depending on how far you drive each day, you may be able to meet your driving needs with basic level 1 charging at home. You may want to install a 240 V level 2 charging system to reduce charging time. This may also provide you with additional functionality (like cost estimation or remote on/off) and allow you to participate in future utility programs designed to reward people for charging at specific times, like after midnight, when area power demand is low. Studies have demonstrated that level 2 charging systems provide slight energy efficiency benefits over level 1 chargers – savings estimates vary based on length of charge time.
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