Learn About Electric Vehicles
Interested in learning about electric vehicles?
Check out our Ride and Drive events for opportunities to get behind the wheel of electric vehicles and learn more about how they might be the right fit for you.
Types of Electric Vehicles
On the automotive market today, consumers can choose from three different types of EVs: all-electric, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).
Driving electric, hybrid and plug-in vehicles has a whole host of benefits including energy security, cost savings, a better fuel economy and reduced emissions. Fully electric vehicles (EVs) require less expensive and less frequent maintenance while offering high quality performance, known for operating smoothly and quietly while also providing more torque and agility when driving.
All-electric vehicles
Also known as “battery electric vehicles” since they use rechargeable batteries to power the electric motor. While electricity production may contribute to air pollution, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency categorizes all-electric vehicles as zero-emission vehicles because they produce no direct exhaust or tailpipe emissions.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
Also known as PHEVs, these are capable of being powered solely by electricity, which is produced in the United States from natural gas, coal, nuclear energy, wind energy, hydropower, and solar energy.
Notes: * Miles of range restored per hour of charge is also contingent on the specifications/limits of the vehicle as well. Data Sources:
• HomeAdvisor. 2019. How Much Does An Electric Car Charging Station Installation Cost? Accessed 08 November 2019
• Smith M, Castellano J. 2015. Costs Associated With Non-Residential Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment. Accessed 07 November 2019
• Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE). 2019. ND. Vehicle Charging. United States Department of Energy. Accessed 01 November 2019
• Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE). 2016. Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installation Best Practices: A Guide for San Diego Region Local Governments and Contractors. Accessed 29 October 2019
How different Electric Vehicle charging levels work
Charging equipment for plug-in electric vehicles is classified by the rate at which the batteries are charged. Changing times vary based on how depleted the battery is, how much energy it holds, the type of battery, and the type of charging equipment. Check out this Fact Sheet from the US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center for specific details based on types of plugs and connectors.
| AC Level 1 | AC Level 2 | DC Fast Charging | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Plugs/Connectors |
 |
|
 |
| Power Levels (Installed circuit rating) |
110/120 VAC at
15 or 20 amps |
208/240 VAC at 20 amps
208/240 VAC at 40 amps
208/240 VAC at 50 amps
208/240 VAC at 100 amps |
440 or 480 VAC |
| Miles of Range Restored per Hour of Charge |
~4-6 miles per hour |
8-12 miles per hour
16-24 miles per hour
32-48 miles per hour
>60 miles per hour |
~80% in <30 minutes |
| Common Charge Locations |
Home or workplace |
Home, workplace,
or public station |
Public station or
commercial depot |
| Unit Cost, Range for Residential |
$300 - $600 |
$500 - $700 |
Not recommended
for residential |
| Installation Cost, Range for Residential |
$1,000 - $1,700 |
$1,200 - $2,000 |
Not recommended
for residential |
| Unit Cost, Range for Non-Residential |
$300 - $1500 |
$400 - $6500 |
$10,000 - $40,000+ |
| Installation Cost, Range for Non-Residential |
$0 - $3,000 |
$600-$12,700 |
$4,000-$51,000+ |
Notes: * Miles of range restored per hour of charge is also contingent on the specifications/limits of the vehicle as well. Data Sources:
• HomeAdvisor. 2019. How Much Does An Electric Car Charging Station Installation Cost? Accessed 08 November 2019
• Smith M, Castellano J. 2015. Costs Associated With Non-Residential Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment. Accessed 07 November 2019
• Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE). 2019. ND. Vehicle Charging. United States Department of Energy. Accessed 01 November 2019
• Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE). 2016. Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installation Best Practices: A Guide for San Diego Region Local Governments and Contractors. Accessed 29 October 2019
What electric vehicles are available?
Plug-In NC has provided a list of the variety of electric vehicles that are available in North Carolina.
Get in touch
Message the Clean Transportation team for specific questions regarding electric vehicles.
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