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With climate change negatively affecting our world, it has become even more important to act now to reduce our carbon footprint. A smart step forward in reducing our carbon footprint is by investing in an electric vehicle, especially if our traditional vehicles are gas guzzlers and pollution contributors. Fortunately, innovation has set a new paradigm shift towards electric vehicles, making it an ideal and smarter choice.
What Is an Electric Vehicle?
Simply speaking, an electric vehicle (EV) is a vehicle that uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion. The primary feature that EVs have is that drivers can plug them in to charge from an off-board electric power source, thus differentiating them from conventional vehicles.
As of right now, there are two primary kinds of EVs available. The two kinds are as follows:
All-Electric Vehicles (AEVs)
All-Electric Vehicles (AEVs) run only on electricity. This kind of EV includes Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). AEVs charge from the electrical grid, but in addition to that, they are also charged in part by regenerative braking, which generates electricity from some of the energy that is normally lost when braking.
Most AEVs have all-electric ranges of 80 to 100 miles, but there are a few luxury models that have ranges up to 250 miles. When the battery is drained, it can take from 30 minutes up to nearly a full day to recharge it, depending on the type of charger and battery that you have.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
The second type of EV is the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). PHEVs initially run on electricity for shorter ranges (6 to 40 miles), then switch over to an internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline when the battery is drained.
This flexibility of PHEVs enables drivers to use electricity as often as possible while also being able to fuel up with gasoline if needed. When driving distances are longer than the range of AEVs, PHEVs act as hybrid electric vehicles, consuming less fuel and producing fewer emissions than similar conventional vehicles.
Depending on the model of the PHEV, the internal combustion engine may also power the vehicle at other times, such as during rapid acceleration or when using heating or air conditioning. Additionally, PHEVs could also use hydrogen in a fuel cell, biofuels, or other alternative fuels as a backup instead of gasoline.
How Much Do EV Charging Stations Cost?
Since EVs run on electricity, they have a built-in battery that the drivers can charge at home or a commercial charging station. Installing an EV charging station can cost you more money, especially if you’re looking for a faster and dedicated charging station at home.
The cost of an EV charging station varies and depends on several factors, particularly the type of charger, where you live, where you bought the charger, and whether the charger is hardwired to your property or is portable. That said, in Michigan, the typical range of the cost is between $850 and $2,200. Most people pay around $1,200 for a 240-volt outlet, charger, and wall-mounted system.
There are technically three types of EV charging stations, and these are designated by levels. The three types are as follows:
Level 1 Charging Stations
Level 1 charging stations are usually included with your EV. These chargers plug directly into any 120-volt outlet, thus making them portable.
However, fully charging a battery using a Level 1 charger may take up 24 hours of your time. Because of this, Level 1 chargers are generally better suited for people who drive short distances or who drive less frequently.
Since your EV already comes with a Level 1 charger upon your purchase, the cost is usually free. But on the off-chance that you need to replace the charger, you might pay around $300 for a new one.
Level 2 Charging Stations
A lot of EV owners like to invest in Level 2 charging stations. This is primarily because Level 2 charging stations charge batteries much quicker, with most reaching a full charge in just a few hours.
Level 2 charging stations require a 240-volt outlet, and they can be portable or mounted and hardwired to your home. Some charging stations are specific to the type of car, while others charge any car with an adaptor.
Additionally, Level 2 charging stations come with features like wi-fi and other add-ons. As for the cost, it can range anywhere from $300 for a basic charger to $1,200 for a charger with many features.
Level 3 Charging Stations
Level 3 charging stations are designed for commercial use, not for residential. These chargers charge batteries incredibly quickly, fully charging a battery in under an hour. Aside from that, these stations can also charge many vehicles at the same time and are not sold for residential purposes.
To buy a Level 3 charging station, you have to pay between $12,000 and $35,000 just for the charger and the hardware.
How Much Does It Cost to Install an EV Charging Station in Michigan?
When it comes to EV charging stations, another thing to bear in mind is how much it costs to install one in your home.
EV charging stations are installed by electricians, and for this task, electricians may charge anywhere from $40 to $100 an hour on average.
Meanwhile, installing a heavy-duty outlet required for the station with a new circuit typically costs between $120 and $200. If you choose a wall-mounted charger, you may add another $300 to $600 to the installation cost, thus making the installation total to be around $420 to $800 on average.
Essentially, most people pay around $600 out of the $1,200 total for the EV charging station installation.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Depending on several factors, you might have to consider several things for your EV charging stations, which means that you might need to pay for extra costs. Here are a few considerations that you need to keep in mind:
- Adding a 240-volt outlet usually requires a permit. So, you first need to speak to your town or city hall to get more information about whether you need a permit.
- If the area you are installing the outlet in does not have wiring already, your electrician will need to spread the wires to this area. This has a cost of $6–$8 per linear foot.
- There are tax credits available for purchasing and using an EV, and these credits can offset costs.
- If your system uses too much electricity, it may overpower your home’s circuit panel, and you might need to get an upgrade to better accommodate your charging station.
- Some people consider installing solar panels to charge their cars, but the cost can be so high that it may not pay for itself over the lifetime of the vehicle.
Relate articles:
- How Much Does a Solar Panel Installation Typically Cost in Michigan?
- What Are the Solar Incentives in Michigan?
Takeaway
Electric vehicles (EVs) are slowly taking the world by storm now, which makes sense because they offer a lot of benefits to the environment and everyone. If you do plan to purchase an EV for yourself, you should try to invest in a high-quality charger. That way, you can get the most of your EV.
To get more in-depth information about EV and EV charging stations, you should consult with an EV seller in Michigan and ask them for more details.
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