If you’re in the market for an electric vehicle (EV), consider yourself an eco-superstar! Driving an EV means reducing your second largest (next to electricity) source of carbon emissions: transportation. If you’re close to making the switch from gasoline to electric, read on for what to consider when it comes to charging stations.
Some basic EV charger information:
A level 1 charger comes with all electric vehicles. It’s a seamless installation process and doesn’t require anything special. It simply plugs into a standard 120-volt wall outlet and is ready to go. It’s like a heavy-duty extension cord plugging into your car. Its main benefit is that you don’t need a professional for installation. Even though it only provides about 5 miles of range for every hour the car is plugged in, the level 1 charger is sufficient for many drivers since the battery can be charged overnight.
A level 2 charger uses 240 volts, mounts on the wall and charges 4 times faster than the level 1 charger (so, about 20 miles of range for every hour the car is plugged in). It tends to be more convenient because of the faster charging time; plus, it can increase your home’s resale value.
The installation process is similar to the installation process of electric dryers or ovens (which also use 240 volts). Because installation requires ground wires, a double-pole circuit breaker, 4-strand cables and possibly a new breaker box, it’s best to hire a professional electrician to install this type of charger. These costs can range from $200-$1,200, depending on the scope of work and what the electrician charges.
If you’ve been considering a residential rooftop solar system, then this might be the time to pull it all together. It’s easy to pair a level 2 charging station with a solar panel system. In fact, our residential solar offering provides this service, plus an exclusive solar rebate* to help you save thousands on installation costs for your system.
If you have to put off rooftop solar as phase 2 of living a greener lifestyle, then be sure your clean EV stays clean when it’s charging up. We support eco-enthusiasts who are living green and commuting clean with 100% clean electricity plans. The Solar All Nighter for EVs plan and the Solar with Green Mountain Driver plan are great fits for those who are plugging in to a cleaner driving landscape.
A level 3 charger is also called a DC Fast Charger. These are not available for home installation because of the powerful and specialized equipment required — it needs 480-volt, three-phase power at 100+ amps. You’ll find DC Fast Chargers in commercial and public settings, and they live up to their name, providing electric vehicles with a charge in about 15 minutes.
For more information about the latest in the EV landscape, read our blog Make Your Next Ride Clean with an Electric Vehicle.
*Green Mountain Energy rebate amount varies by project, system size, location and availability of additional rebates. The actual average rebate is $3,275 and ranges from $500 to $5,625 (based on projects funded in 2018). To qualify, complete a solar installation with a Green Mountain installation partner, sign up for a 24-month minimum term on the Renewable Rewards buyback plan, and sign and submit a Green Mountain Solar Rebate Agreement, agreeing to provide feedback on the installation experience. If eligible, customer will receive the SolarSPARC rebate within 30 days of submitting a completed rebate request, including verification of completed solar installation. The SolarSPARC rebate is offered at the discretion of Green Mountain and may be stopped at any time.
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