Charging Your Plug-in Electric Car

This depends on your electricity cost, your car's fuel efficiency, and the number of miles you drive on electricity in a month. For example, if you drive an EV that gets 97 MPGe (35 kWh/100 mi) 12,000 miles a year, electricity costs $0.13/kWh, and you only charge at home, it would add $45.50 to your monthly electric bill.

Many vehicles have built-in displays that show the nearest charging stations and/or smart phone apps that show you where chargers are located. Aside from vehicle manufacturer and the charging network apps, the Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center has a station locator (web-based desktop version, mobile version, Apple iPhone & iPod version).

Some public chargers are free. Others charge either a flat fee per charge, a monthly subscription, by the amount of electricity you use, or by how long you use the charger. Charging rates can vary by region and network, and the rates change as public charging develops and different pricing strategies are tested.

Most networks, such as Blink or ChargePoint, have memberships that allow members to use cards or mobile apps to activate the chargers. However, even if you don't have a membership, most allow guest charging, though it might be at a higher rate.

Most vehicles have an option to send you a text or email message once charging is complete. Public charging networks can also send you a text or email message once charging is complete if you have a membership.

Yes. Leaving a fully charged vehicle plugged in at a charger can be very frustrating for others who may need to use it. To prevent long term parking at chargers, some public charging stations will charge by the time that the vehicle is plugged in rather than by the electricity consumed.

Home charger units generally cost between about $400 and $1,000. Installation costs depend on the electrician, the complexity of the installation, and any permits or other fees that are required. Incentives may be available in your state or local area that offset some of the cost.

It depends on a number of factors, so you'll need to decide if it's economical for you. If you have a plug-in hybrid that has a small battery pack and/or you drive a limited number of miles on electricity each day, Level 1 charging may meet your needs. However, if your vehicle has a large battery pack and you drive 50 or more miles a day on electricity, a Level 2 charger may be worth the investment.

Yes. Vehicles and charging stations are designed to prevent electrical shock, even during rainy conditions.