Imagine never having to stop at the gas station again. Never having to worry about whether you can wake up that extra five minutes early to make it to the pump before work. For owners of electric vehicles this is their everyday reality. They can avoid the lines at the pump, they don’t have to worry about getting gas first thing in the morning or before they get home and they don’t have to worry about the rising price of gas. When they get home they simply plug their car in and in the morning they are good to go.
Do Electric Vehicle Owners Only Save at the Pump?
Many find themselves asking if the savings at the pump really make it worth it to switch to electric vehicles. The short answer is yes. There are several factors that help incentivize switching to an electric vehicle.
- Many electric vehicles qualify for state or federal tax credits
- Maintenance on an electric vehicle is considerably less expensive when compared to internal combustion engines.
- Electricity is to charge an electric vehicle is cheaper than gasoline or diesel fuel
- With the increased popularity of electric vehicles initial investment prices in vehicles and chargers are decreasing dramatically each year.
If these reasons are making you consider switching to an electric vehicle don’t be surprised. In a national study 36% of Americans stated that they were considering an electric vehicle for their next automobile purchase. The reason this number may be so high is the fact that electric vehicle owners can expect to save $14,500 dollars on gas and maintenance on their car over a fifteen year period compared to a gas powered counterpart.
I’m Ready to Join the Electric Movement, What Can I Do to Maximize My Savings?
Once the decision has been made to join the electric car movement there are several things you can do to maximize your savings and the efficiency of your new electric vehicle. You can use the regular trickle charger that the dealership will give you with purchase into a regular 110 outlet in your garage or an exterior outlet, but there are several limitations of this charger.
- These cords are often referred to as “granny cables” due to their slow transfer of electricity to your electric vehicle.
- Granny chargers are only able to get your vehicle fully charged when plugged in overnight.
If granny chargers aren’t efficient what can someone do?
How an Idaho Falls Electrician can Help
If an electric vehicle is in your future it is definitely worth it to invest in a level 2 charger. Level 2 chargers are capable of charging an empty battery to a 35 mile trip in just under two hours which would take the level one, “granny charger”, just over 8 hours. The one thing that makes level 2 chargers inconvenient for some is the fact that they require a 240 volt outlet, something most people don’t have in their garages or on the outside of their homes.
This is where an Idaho Falls Electrician can help you. For an electrician, installing a 240-V outlet is a simple task that they can finish quickly. For most homeowners this is the preferred method as an electrician will be able to efficiently complete the project, while making sure that everything is safe. Electricians can also help with hardwiring a 240-V system into your existing electrical system, a must have for areas where your electrical charging system will be exposed to the elements. They can also help with making sure that your system is installed correctly making sure that it meets the following criteria:
- Installed a minimum of 18 inches off the ground.
- Within reach of your vehicle’s charge port.
- Connected to your home circuit breaker.
- Rated for 125% of the device’s continuous electrical load.
- Within range of WiFi networks or LTE routers to make use of critical smart/ connected features that are available.
