Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Green Power Electric Vehicles

Electric Vehicles

Types of EVs

If you are thinking about purchasing an Electric Vehicle, you will need to find the EV that is right for you:

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs)/All-electric vehicles (EVs) are powered only by an electric battery.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) use batteries that can recharge by plugging into the grid and can also use fuel to power the engine.
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are powered by an internal combustion engine in combination with an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery.

Types of EV Chargers

Your electric vehicle needs to charge regularly to maximize its range. Charge times can vary depending on your vehicle and the type of charger:

Level 1 Chargers plug into standard 120-volt wall outlets and can charge your car in 15 to 24 hours. Level 1 chargers are as easy as plugging in any other electronic device. You won’t need the help of an electrical contractor. These chargers are often included with the car, requiring no additional costs.

Level 2 Chargers plug into 240-volt outlets, allowing your EV to charge faster, taking an average of 3-8 hours to charge your vehicle fully.

Installation of a Level 2 charger is more complicated and requires you to hire a certified electrician. A certified electrician can complete the charging station installation if your home already has 240-volt electric service installed for appliances such as clothes dryers and electric ranges. The National Electrical Code requires Level 2 charging outlets to be on a separate branch circuit. If your home isn’t prepared to support the Level 2 wall connectors, you’ll need an electrical service upgrade by a certified electrician. A permit may also be required before installing the charging station.

Costs for a Level 2 charger vary based on the included features (touch screen display, app control). Your EV manufacturer should recommend equipment that is compatible with your vehicle. Installing the Level 2 charging station costs will also vary based on charging station features, electrician contractor costs, and incentives.

If you live in a multi-unit dwelling (apartment, townhome, condo, etc…), it’s important to understand the charging capabilities of the building.

DC Fast Chargers found at public charging stations can be used by some EV vehicles, but they are not practical for home use. FKEC commercial account members wishing to install DC Fast Charging at their place of business should contact our Engineering Department at Engineering@fkec.com or 305-852-2431.

Typically, FKEC member-consumers can install charging stations anywhere in our electric system, most commonly as an additional load to an existing FKEC electric service. On our end, FKEC will ensure the electric infrastructure is in place to provide power to the charging station. The FKEC member-consumer is responsible for the operation and maintenance of their charging station.

Click here for more helpful information about EV Charging from GRESCO, a cooperative partner.

Other Online References:

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/plug-in-electric-drive-vehicle-credit-section-30d

https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/search

https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/electric.html

https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_benefits.html

https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_locations.html#/find/nearest?fuel=ELEC