Top ways to save money when charging your electric vehicle
Join us every weekday morning on Eyewitness News at 5 a.m. for our new segment, ABC7 On Your Side where we've got you covered on all your money-saving tips.
Join us every weekday morning on Eyewitness News at 5 a.m. for our new segment, ABC7 On Your Side where we've got you covered on all your money-saving tips.
Join us every weekday morning on Eyewitness News at 5 a.m. for our new segment, ABC7 On Your Side where we've got you covered on all your money-saving tips.
Join us every weekday morning on Eyewitness News at 5 a.m. for our new segment, ABC7 On Your Side where we've got you covered on all your money-saving tips.
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The cost to charge an electric vehicle is already cheaper than the price at the pump - by a lot.
Right now, the average cost for a gallon of regular gasoline in Los Angeles County is over $5. In a sedan that gets 31 miles to the gallon, you will pay about $26 to go 150 miles. If you compare that to a Level 2 EV charger, $12 gets you the same range after 7.5 hours. An hour of DC fast charging will also give you 150 miles for about $16.
But here's how you can pay even less.
Apps are the easiest way to find free charging stations. Some of the most popular options are PlugShare, ChargePoint, ChargeHub, and Volta Charging.
Many of those free options are Level 2 charging stations, which add 14 to 35 miles of range per hour. DC charging can add up to 10 miles per minute, but it's pricier.
EV charging subscriptions can help offset the cost.
Electrify America promises its Pass+ membership will save you 25% on charging, and Blink members save 20% at its stations.
Your workplace might offer free or discounted charging or you can save by being strategic about when you charge at home.
"Utilities like Southern California Edison and LADWP offer EV charging rates during off peak hours, like late at night or early in the morning that are much cheaper than their normal electricity rates," said Jack Conness, a policy analyst at Energy Innovation who focuses on the electrification program.
You can always charge at home using the slowest charge, a level 1, but more homebuilders are installing Level 2 chargers in newer garages.
Like electric vehicles, there are rebates and tax incentives to install a charging station in your home.
Visit the state's Drive Clean website to see what programs you may qualify for. Many new EV's will also come with free charging promotions.
Plus, low-income buyers might qualify for an EV charge card from California's Clean Vehicle Rebate Project.
Join us every weekday morning on Eyewitness News at 5 a.m. for our new segment, ABC7 On Your Side. We've got you covered on money-saving tips, including tricks to save on your bills, smart negotiating tactics, plus where you can score free stuff!
Do you plug your car in as soon as you get home from work at the end of the day? Raise your hand. (I just asked my husband to raise his hand.) OK, we have to stop doing that, because it’s peak period – which means a higher electric bill.
More than a quarter – 28% – of EV drivers charge their cars as soon as they get home, instead of waiting for the cheapest time to plug in. (That stat is out of the UK, mind you, but this is probably pretty similar in other countries. It certainly is in my driveway.)
Only 12% of EV drivers in the UK wait to charge until a point in the week when they predict energy prices and carbon would be the lowest, and only 3% are scheduling automated charging when energy is cheapest, according to UK-based consumer EV and home energy tariff comparison website Love My EV.
But the ways to save money on home charging transcend borders. Check them out, because they’re easy to implement:
Charge your EV at off-peak times. If you charge during peak times, then it costs more money. If you’re not sure when that is, search online. Try your utility’s website, or your state’s public utilities or service commission, because it’s that organization that regulates rates and services.
The Florida Public Service Commission’s website gave me the information I needed. The off-peak times, i.e., the best times to charge where I live, are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. during the winter, and 10 p.m.-11 a.m. during the summer. (There is no need for air conditioning or heat in winter during the day, and low usage of other electrical appliances in the summer overnight. Typically, power bills are the highest in Florida in summer.)
On the flip side, the peak times, i.e., the worst times to charge, are 6-10 a.m. and 6-10 p.m. during the winter, and noon to 9 p.m. during the summer. (That’s electric heat consumption in the morning and evening, and the whole enchilada in summer of all the appliances and AC.)
If you live in the US, depending on where your state is, or in another country, this is really going to vary, so definitely check and make note.
Avoid running your battery lower than 20% and set it to stop charging at 80% unless you need the range for a longer journey, as the first and last parts of the battery take the longest to charge. This is also good for battery health and longevity.
If you live in a colder climate such as Vermont, in fall and winter, finish your charging as close as possible to the time you leave home in the morning. As charging warms the battery, you’ll have more range from the same amount of energy.
Moderate temperatures generally mean you get more miles per charge. However, above 77 Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius), range starts to fall again. If it’s hot out, make an effort to charge in the shade.
In extreme heat or cold, keep your car plugged in (but not necessarily charging) to allow the battery temperature controls to keep running.
If your car is at home during the day, investing in rooftop solar means you’ll charge with the cleanest and cheapest energy. Prices have dropped considerably, so it’s worth getting a quote now, even if you ruled solar out in the past. (Plus, there’s that whole global warming thing.)
Read more: Only 54% of EV owners know about home charger rebates — survey
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
For more information, please visit stackable lithium battery, stackable solar lithium battery, telecom lithium battery.