Hybrid / EV

Do you own or are you looking to buy a hybrid or PEV? Own a Tesla 3 or a Prius? How about a Mustang Mach-e? A Chevy Bolt or Hyundai Kona?  What is a PEV? PEV means “Plug-in Electric Vehicle.” If you already own one, you probably know most of what follows. If you are new to PEV’s and are looking to see if it’s the right choice for you, this information might help you with the process.

Whether you choose to drive a PEV, a hybrid vehicle (combination of electric and battery powered) or old fashioned gas powered car or truck, Grove Street Auto Repair can help maintain whichever you choose. Our technicians are required to attend a minimum of 10 hours of training per quarter on al makes and models so we are continually training with the newest technology (this link is to the training center for some of our PEV/hybrid training: (https://www.fixhybrid.com).

If you drive a PEV or a hybrid, we have a level 2 charging station at our facility as well as many hours of specialized training to repair and maintain those vehicles.  All of our technicians have been through exhaustive training for both hybrids and PEV’s and we even have a certified Tesla technician with us!

If you are researching the purchase of a PEV, we feel some information about different levels of chargers would be helpful.

Most drivers are familiar with different grades of gasoline like regular, plus and premium. What about electric vehicle chargers? Are there different “grades?”

Chargers are classified in “levels,” Level 1, Level 2 and DC Fast Charger with Level one being regular, level 2 the plus and the DC Fast Charger being the premium.

The main difference between Level 1 and Level 2 PEV charging is the charging speed. Level 1 charging uses a dedicated outlet (110-120v) in your home and charges at a rate of 2 to 5 miles of range with one hour of charging.These outlets must be on a dedicated circuit, preferably rated for 20 amps. Using a GFCI outlet with an outlet cover is required for outdoor use or anywhere the outlet could get wet. If an electrical outlet that does not meet these requirements is used for PEV charging, there can be sparks, damage, or injury. An electrician can inspect an existing outlet to determine if it meets these specifications or install a new outlet on a dedicated circuit. If you were parked for the night in your garage or driveway for 12 hours, you would replenish between 24 and 60 miles of range in that time. 

Since more than 90% of people in the United States commute less than 35 miles each way to work, Level 1 charging could probably replenish the battery capacity used to travel to work and back. If your commute is further than that, you might want to bring your cord to work and have access to an outlet if your employer does not have a charging station set up.

A major benefit to Level 1 charging is the lower electricity costs compared to high power charging options. Assuming drivers have a commute of less than 25 miles one-way, the potential electricity consumed by one Level 1 charging station could range from 867–2,167 kWh/year. If your electricity rate is 10.59 cents per kilowatt-hour, that could result in an annual cost of between $92–$229.

Most PEVs come with a cord that has a standard three-prong household plug on one end that plugs into a Level 1 outlet (110–120 V) and on the other end has a standard connector that plugs into the vehicle. 

The other big difference between level 1 and level 2 charging stations is the cost of installation. A level 1 charging station installation can cost between $1,500 and $2,500. It depends on how far away your electric panel is from your preferred parking area, whetherf a trench needs to be dug as well as how much the electrician charges per hour. The charging stations themselves run between $700 and $1,200, depending on the model. 

A level 2 Charging station can charge a PEV at a rate of 10 to 20 miles of range in one hour of charge. That’s a big difference! The other big difference is the circuit required in your home to accommodate the level 2 charger. These require a 240 volt circuit (think dryer plug or welder machine). The installation is more costly for these because of the amount of power that is drawn. You may have to install an electrical sub panel to your existing panel if there are no more breakers available on your main panel. These installations can run from $1,500 to $3,000 or more depending on the same factors as a level 1 charger.

There are most likely rebates and incentives available for these installations from your utility provider. You may have to undergo an energy audit, but the rebate might be well worth it.

DC Fast Chargers are typically what you see at the grocery stores, shopping malls and rest areas. The cost with installation on those is north of $30,000 but can charge your vehicle to 90% sometimes in as little as 20 or 30 minutes.