Let’s be honest, electric vehicles (EVs) are everywhere. You’ve seen them in TV commercials, you’ve seen them on the street, and now you’d like to see one in your garage. If you’re going to make the switch to an EV, here’s some things to consider when shopping for an EV charger.
Let’s start with the basics.
Level 1 EV chargers
When you purchase an EV, it often comes equipped with a Level 1 charger. This is a 120-volt compatible home connector kit that looks like an extension cord and plugs into a traditional wall outlet. Because these chargers plug into normal electrical outlets, you won’t need to make any upgrades to your home.
Level 1 chargers charge at a rate of about 3–5 miles of range an hour. In other words, they provide around 32 miles of driving time for every eight-hour charge. With the average driver going less than 40 miles in a day, and with most vehicles parked overnight for over 12 hours, this solution is adequate for many EV drivers. For those who may need to charge more quickly at home, Level 2 chargers provide a great option.
Level 2 EV chargers
Level 2 chargers are wall-mounted and operate off 240 volts. To install a Level 2 charger, an electrician may need to put in a special 240-volt receptacle like the ones used for clothes dryers. Some new homes, such as SRP ENERGY STAR® Homes, come EV-ready, which means they already have garages prewired for Level 2 chargers.
So what’s the benefit of getting a Level 2 charger? For starters, they charge up to nine times faster than Level 1 chargers.
Most drivers see average charge rates of 25 miles per hour with a Level 2, so a typical EV will get a fully charged battery in four to eight hours, depending on its range. Many Level 2 chargers also have smart capabilities that offer additional functions, like scheduling charging times and sending notifications, that can be controlled with an app from your phone.
If you’re interested in a Level 2 charger, take advantage of the SRP EV Charger Rebate. SRP customers can save $250 on a Level 2 smart charger by shopping the SRP Marketplace™. If you’ve recently purchased or are considering purchasing an eligible charger from somewhere other than SRP Marketplace, you can still apply for a rebate.
Public chargers
EV drivers can find multiple fast-charging ports nearly everywhere they go. One of the best public charging options is the direct current (DC) fast charger.
These chargers are the quickest way to charge your vehicle and provide 10–20 miles of range per minute. Today, almost all fully electric cars are equipped to handle DC fast-charging connections.
Some public EV charging stations also accommodate multiple charging port styles. Tesla, for example, has expanded its charging network and is now available for use by a number of other manufacturers. Regardless, be sure you know your car’s capabilities before trying to plug in.
You can easily find public charging locations and which ones are appropriate for your EV by using the Chargeway or PlugShare apps.
Helping the Valley drive electric
As part of SRP’s 2035 Sustainability Goals, we’re dedicated to supporting the enablement of 1 million EVs in our service territory while managing 90% of EV charging load. We’re working toward this goal in a variety of ways, including investing in community charging infrastructure and offering EV rebate programs and incentives for our customers.
SRP sponsors several EVgo and Electrify America DC fast-charging stations at shopping locations around the Valley. We’ve also just installed a 20-port charging station at the Phoenix Zoo to help us understand the charging habits of EV drivers.
Here’s a helpful list of SRP’s EV programs and rebates:
- SRP EV Charger Rebate – Up to $250 back on Level 2 chargers purchased.
- SRP EV Smart Charge™ – Get a $50 sign-up bill credit and be eligible for a $25 annual bill credit.
- EV Community — Earn a $50 bill credit for joining and stay plugged into opportunities, news and other SRP EV initiatives.
- Shop and Compare Tool – SRP offers a free, easy-to-use tool that enables customers to find the right EV, compare models and understand how switching to an EV can help them save.
- Q Merit Installation – Get a quote and professional installation of your Level 2 EV home charger.