Please contact Jackson Electric before purchasing an electric vehicle. Because you are adding load to your location, we need to confirm your transformer is sized properly. Your electrician will confirm if your home's electrical service will need to be upgraded.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, electric vehicles (EVs) cost less to operate so the higher initial vehicle cost can be offset over the lifetime of the vehicle. The efficiency comes from the drivetrains and electricity is less expensive than gas or diesel fuel. EVs are powered by energy that is stored in one or more batteries. The batteries are charged either by plugging in the vehicle and also by regenerative braking. Most of the charging of electric vehicles is done at home.
Range anxiety is one of the reasons many shy away from the purchase of an EV. Depending on driving conditions and the vehicle's model, EVs can travel up between 100 and 400 miles on one charge. According to the National Highway Travel Survey, 90% of all U.S. household trips cover less than 100 miles. Cold weather driving and operating the A/C will decrease your mileage. However, some travelers are happy with the 200 mile range so they can get out of the vehicle, stretch, and enjoy a bite to eat.
Level One: The most basic charging level. Your EV will most likely include an adapter that plugs into a typical 120-volt outlet. This is the easiest and probably the least expensive charging solution, but it will take much longer to charge your EV. Charge time is 3-5 miles per hour.
If you don't plan to drive your EV daily, this charging option may work well for you.
Level Two: This is about three to five times faster charge than a Level One, but does require the purchase and installation of a residential EV charger. The charger is plugged into a 240-volt. If you don't have a 240-volt outlet, it will need to be installed by your electrician. Charge time is 10-20 miles per hour.
Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC): These type of chargers are typically seen near high-traffic public areas rather than homes. This is the fastest charging level with the ability to charge an EV at 80% in under 30 minutes. Charge time is 60-80 miles in 20 minutes.
The standard plug type is the J1772 for most electric vehicles. When purchasing an EV, you may want to request a fast charger adaptor. This will cost a little bit more, but you'll be happy you have one when you travel and need a quick charge. With this adaptor, you'll be able to plug in to the DC fast chargers' CCS plug.
Only Tesla EVs can plug into the Tesla chargers; whereas, a Tesla EV can plug into the standard plugs using an adaptor.
Effective April 30, 2026, the Residential Electric Vehicle Charging Rate is terminated. Instead, a Time-of-Day Rate Schedule was adopted to allow more flexibility in EV charging.
Rebates are available for certain EV charger purchases if the billing account is enrolled in the Time-of-Day Rate.
Jackson Electric offers the following EV charger rebates:
Residential Electric Vehicle Charger
Fillable PDF (download)
Regular Electric Vehicle Charging Station: Up to $500 per unit (Supplies a steady charge to the battery. Required to be on or enroll in Time-of-Use billing).
Smart Electric Vehicle Charging Station: Up to $1,000 per unit (Connects to the Internet and allows remote scheduling, energy use tracking, and can adjust charging speeds. Required to be on or enroll in Time-of-Use billing).
How do I know where the chargers are located when I travel?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are more than 100,000 public charging stations throughout the country. EV owners can use the following to locate charging stations:
charge.coop/charging-map
electrifyamerica.com/locate-charger/
plugshare.com
afdc.energy.gov/stations
"Actually driving an EV is something that will change you after having done it," says a Jackson Electric member who owns an EV.
Our members give the best reviews of their EV driving experience. Read their stories in the September 2022 magazine.