EVs Are Here!
According to a recent survey, more than 30% of Alamedans want to know more about electric vehicles (EVs). Here are some frequently asked questions – and answers – as well as some sources for more information.
What exactly is an EV?
EVs are vehicles that use either a battery pack to supplement the output of a standard internal combustion engine, that use an internal combustion engine to power an electric generator that charges a battery system that supplies power to an electric motor that turns the wheels, or that run completely on a battery system that is charged by plugging into the electric power grid. EVs have the ability to travel at highway speeds. Some variants have been seen on auto racing circuits.
What types of EVs are there?
There are four main types of EVs available on the market today, hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), Extended-Range Electric Vehicles (E-REV), and battery electric vehicles (BEV).
Click here for more on the different types of electric vehicles that are available...
Incentives, Rebates, Tax Credits and Discounts
Are there incentives, rebates or tax credits available for purchasing these clean vehicles?
Yes, there are rebates up to $2,500 from the State of California (funds are limited) and federal tax incentives up to $7,500 (see federal and state tax credits). Please see links below for additional information.
Does AMP offer EV charging discounts?
AMP offers, for qualifying customers, an experimental electric vehicle charging discount that ranges from $9 to $21 per vehicle per month depending on the weight of the vehicle. This experimental discount is currently being evaluated, and a new EV rate proposal is scheduled for 2012.
Click here to download the current Electric Vehicle Discount Rate Schedule...
How can I get and EV Charging Discount Application?
Click right here to download a EV Charging Discount Application...
Cost Comparisons
Is there some easy way to compare the cost of operating an electric vehicle to the cost of a standard one?
Yes there is. The U.S. Department of Energy has created a tool uses basic information about your driving habits to calculate total cost of ownership and emissions for makes and models of most vehicles, including alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. You can compare up to eight at a time!
Click here to access the DOE Comparison Tool...
Charging EVs
How do I charge my electric vehicle?
Depending on the vehicle, it may be charged at three different voltage levels:
- Level I – 120-volt standard from a typical 20-ampere outlet in a home or at a business, requiring overnight charging at low cost.
- Level II – 240-volt special charging station requiring installation by a licensed electrical contractor either at home, work, or a public site, requiring 4 to 8 hours at medium cost.
- Level III – 480-volt public charging station with a fast charge of 5 to 10 minutes at higher cost.
Are there charging stations in my area?
See EV Charger News or Clean Car Maps to find public chargers in your areas
City of Alameda Charging Stations
The first has been installed at the Civc Center Garage at 1414 Oak. Street. Click here for information on that charging station...
The City of Alameda is also considering the installation of other public charging stations that would allow residents and visitors to charge their electric vehicles while out on the town.
How much does it cost to install a charging station?
Estimates for equipment and installation of a Level II home-charging station range anywhere from $2,000 to over $5,000, depending on site conditions. The federal government is offering a credit of 50% of the cost of a charging station, as well as a tax credit of up to $7,500 for the purchase of a qualifying electric vehicle. Closer to home, AMP is planning to roll out a special rate for charging electric vehicles at a home or business. Watch for more details!
Do I need a permit to install a charging station?
Yes, the City of Alameda requires an electrical permit.
More information about EVs
Here are some sites on the makes and types of electric vehicles available worldwide:
• California Clean Cars Campaign
• Green Car • Plug-In Partners
• Plug-In America • Information on the Chevy Volt