Charging equipment is classified by the speed it charges a battery (Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 Fast Charging). The time it takes to charge the EV will depend on how low the battery is, the battery’s capacity, the type of battery, the vehicle’s internal capacity, and the type of charging equipment.
Most electric vehicle charging activity takes place at owner residences, either using Level 1 or Level 2 charging infrastructure. The utility programs further down the page provide detail on rebates and incentives for residential charging. For more details on Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 charging, refer to the image above.
Additional Resources on EV Charging Stations and Equipment
For further reading on Electric Vehicles Charging from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center and the U.S. Department of Transportation:
Challenges and Benefits of EVs
Challenges
Compared to regular gasoline fueled vehicles with internal combustion engines, EVs present some challenges that consumers might not have experienced with traditional gasoline or diesel vehicles.
Upfront Cost
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, new EVs still tend to be more expensive at purchase than comparable IC engine models. However, there is a wide range of prices for EVs and the price of EVs is expected to continue to decline for many different reasons including lower battery pack costs, increased production, and competition with new models.
Limited Range and Infrastructure
For some drivers, especially those in rural areas, the limited range and lack of charging infrastructure for EVs may be a challenge to overcome. While urban drivers typically drive shorter distances and have more readily available public charging infrastructure, rural drivers do not have these advantages.
Cold Weather Limitations
While advancements in battery technology have helped some EVs drive up to 400 miles on a single charge, there are limitations in cold weather climates like Wisconsin. EVs, like IC engine vehicles, have decreased range in cold weather. For EVs, cold weather affects the electrochemical reactions in the battery and the battery management system, limiting the charging rate and range. This means that it can take longer for an EV battery to charge in cold weather, particularly if the charging station and vehicle are outside. However, if the EV is in a warm garage, even in cold weather, the charging time can be the same as normal conditions. Another option is for owners to precondition their battery, or let it know a charging session is coming, which will help warm the battery prior to plugging in.
Benefits
Long Term Cost Savings
While upfront costs of new EVs can be more than a traditional IC engine vehicle, EVs typically have lower vehicle fuel and maintenance costs. These lower costs can yield significant savings over the life of the vehicle, compared to a traditional vehicle. Such savings make EVs cheaper over the entire life span than a traditional gasoline or diesel vehicle. Additionally, EVs are more efficient at converting their electrical energy into power than gas cars, making them more efficient vehicles.
Health and Environment
Because EVs have zero tailpipe emissions, they do not produce Greenhouse Gas emissions, so they do not contribute to smog, haze, and health problems associated with tailpipe emissions.
Flexible Charging and Grid Support
EV and Hybrid vehicles offer owners flexible charging options for those who own their own residence and can install an EV charging system. An at-home EV charger allows these vehicle owners flexibility of when to charge their vehicles. Additionally, owners who opt in to aggregate resource agreements with their electric utility can have their battery provide grid support in times of strain or power outages.
As utilities submit EV programs to the Commission, program details will be available in PSC's Docket Search by searching a case type of “TE” with “electric vehicle" as keyword in the docket title.
The list of available EV programs is accurate to the best of OEI's knowledge, but interested customers should double check with their utility on the specific programs, rebates, and incentives, as well as their eligibility.
The OEI has compiled a list of Investor-Owned Utilities currently offering EV Programs to residential and commercial customers. A variety of EV charger rebates and incentives are offered. Some providers offer a one-time rebate, while others offer time-of-use rates or other type of incentive. Find your participating Investor-Owned Utility and follow the link below to read the details about their offering. If you do not see your utility listed, the OEI recommends inquiring with them.