Getting the Best Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Oregon has seen a rise in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on its roads. To help encourage this trend, the state offers incentives for those who install home chargers and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.
As an EV owner yourself (or soon-to-be future owner), you may be wondering how much it will cost to install a charger at your home or business. This article will provide you with information about what factors affect your total installation price and tips for finding affordable options.
Types of Electric Car Chargers
There are three main types of electric car chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast chargers.
- A Level 1 charger plugs into a standard wall outlet and provides a trickle charge to your vehicle’s battery. It can take up to 24 hours for an EV to fully charge using this method (and it will cost you about $0.10 per kWh). If you’re looking for an affordable option that doesn’t require any installation work, this type of charger may be right for you!
- A Level 2 charger uses 240V power from an electrician-installed electrical box outside your home or business–it looks similar to the one shown below in our photo gallery section–to provide up to 7kW of power at once (the equivalent of about 20 miles per hour). It takes about 4-6 hours for most EVs on average; however some models like
- A DC Fast Charging is a high-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging system that delivers direct current (DC) power to the vehicle’s battery, significantly reducing charging times compared to Level 1 and Level 2 chargers. These chargers can replenish an EV’s battery to 80% capacity in as little as 20-30 minutes, making them ideal for long-distance travel and on-the-go charging needs. DC Fast Chargers are commonly found along highways, in commercial areas, and at public EV charging stations to provide a convenient and efficient option for charging your electric vehicle.
What Is Vehicle-to-Grid Technology and How Does It Work?
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology is an innovative system that enables bidirectional energy transfer between electric vehicles (EVs) and the power grid. V2G technology allows EV batteries to not only receive energy from the grid during charging but also supply energy back to the grid when needed. This two-way flow of electricity provides several unique benefits for grid stability, renewable energy integration, and cost savings.
How V2G Technology Works:
Here is a brief breakdown on how vehicle-to-grid technology works:
- Bidirectional charging: The technology relies on bidirectional chargers, which facilitate the two-way flow of electricity between the EV battery and the power grid. When connected to a bidirectional charger, an EV can charge its battery during off-peak hours and discharge energy back to the grid during peak demand periods or emergencies.
- Smart grid integration: V2G systems can be integrated with smart grid infrastructure, enabling efficient energy management and demand response. By monitoring energy demand and grid conditions, V2G systems can determine the optimal time for EVs to charge or discharge, thus helping to balance supply and demand on the grid.
- Renewable energy utilization: It can help maximize the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. By storing excess renewable energy in EV batteries and discharging it back to the grid when needed, V2G systems can reduce the reliance on fossil fuel-based power plants and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
Benefits of V2G Technology:
- Grid stabilization: By providing additional energy during peak demand or emergencies, V2G technology can help stabilize the power grid and reduce the need for additional power plants or costly grid upgrades.
- Cost savings: EV owners can potentially offset some of their charging costs and even earn income by participating in V2G programs and selling excess energy back to the grid at higher rates during peak demand periods.
- Enhanced energy independence: V2G technology allows EV owners to utilize their vehicle’s battery as a backup power source for their homes during power outages, increasing energy independence and resilience.
While V2G technology offers promising benefits, widespread adoption requires advancements in EV and charging infrastructure, as well as changes in regulations and market incentives. As the technology matures and more EVs become compatible with bidirectional charging, V2G systems have the potential to play a significant role in shaping a smarter, more sustainable energy future.
Oregon Incentives for EV Charger Installation
There are incentives for EV installations here in Oregon. Here is a quick breakdown of each:
Federal
The federal government offers a tax credit of up to $7,500 for the purchase and installation of an EV charger. Eligibility requirements include:
- The vehicle must be purchased or leased new (not used) by you, your spouse or your business in the year you claim the credit.
- You must use the vehicle primarily for business purposes. This means that at least 50% of miles driven are for business purposes; otherwise, only 50% of eligible costs can be claimed as a deduction on your income tax return.
- If you lease rather than buy your electric car, you may claim 100% of eligible costs if they exceed $50 per month over 36 months or less than $50 per month over 36 months.* Some states offer additional incentives through state-funded programs such as rebates on EV chargers and/or utility company incentives like discounted electricity rates during off-peak hours when demand is low (usually evenings).
Portland General Electric EV Charger Rebate
PGE offers a range of EV charger rebates for both standard and income-qualified customers:
- Income-Qualified Standard Level 2 Charger Rebate: Up to $1,000 (must meet income qualifications)
- Electrical Panel Upgrade Rebate: Up to $1,000 (requires qualifying Level 2 charger and panel upgrade)
- Income-Qualified Electrical Panel Upgrade Rebate: Up to $5,000 (must meet income qualifications)
- Tesla Non-Qualifying Level 2 Charger Rebate: $50 (participate in PGE Smart Charging Program)
- “Bring Your Own Charger” Rebate: $50 (for previously installed qualifying chargers)
These rebates aim to make EV charger installation more accessible and affordable for PGE customers.
Read More: Detailed Look at Portland General Electric EV Rebate
Qualifying EV Chargers for Oregon Rebates
While Energy Solutions highly recommends Clipper Creek EV chargers for their performance, reliability, and compatibility with solar panels, it’s important to note that Clipper Creek chargers are not currently on the list of Portland General Electric’s (PGE) Qualifying Chargers. PGE offers various incentives and rebates for customers who install EV chargers from their list of approved models, which you can find at PGE’s website or the list below:
- Home Flex by ChargePoint, Model/Product Number CPH25-L25-P
- Home Flex by ChargePoint, Model/Product Number CPH50-NEMA14-50-L23
- Home Flex by ChargePoint, Model/Product Number CPH50-NEMA6-50-L23
- JuiceBox 48 by Enel X Way, Model/Product Number 2JBO481RNA -XXXX-XXX
- JuiceBox 40 by Enel X Way, Model/Product Number 2JBO401RNA -XXXX-XXX
- JuiceBox 32 by Enel X Way, Model/Product Number 2JBO321RNA -XXXX-XXX
- Home by FLO, Model/Product Number X5
When selecting an EV charger for your home, it’s crucial to consider your individual needs and preferences, including compatibility with your solar panels, charging speed, and potential rebates or incentives. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Energy Solutions for guidance and assistance in making the best decision for your specific situation.
We Recommend Clipper Creek EV Chargers
Energy Solutions highly recommends Clipper Creek EV chargers for their performance, reliability, and compatibility with solar panel systems. As a leading manufacturer, Clipper Creek produces chargers that work with various electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, allowing you to charge your EV using clean, renewable solar energy.
Clipper Creek offers a range of Level 2 chargers for residential and commercial use, with advanced safety features and industry-leading warranties. By choosing Clipper Creek, you invest in a dependable, high-performance charger that lasts for years.
To learn more about Clipper Creek EV chargers and find the right model for your needs, contact our team at Energy Solutions. We are here to help you make the most informed decision and ensure a seamless charger installation process, fully integrated with your solar panel system
Installation Process for EV Chargers
The installation process for an EV charger can be broken down into three steps:
- Assessing your home’s electrical capacity
- Hiring a professional electrician
- Permitting and inspection requirements
Once you’ve done those things, here’s what to expect from each step of the process.
Understanding the Cost of EV Charger Installation
The cost of installing an EV charger at your home or business can vary depending on several factors, including the type of charger you choose, the required electrical upgrades, and any permitting or inspection fees. Here’s a breakdown of the costs you might expect:
- Charger Costs: Level 1 chargers are the most affordable option, typically ranging from $300 to $600. Level 2 chargers can cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on the brand and features. DC fast chargers are the most expensive option, with prices starting at $10,000 and going up from there, depending on the charging capacity and features.
- Electrical Upgrades: If your home or business requires electrical upgrades to accommodate the EV charger, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000. This cost may vary depending on the complexity of the installation and the specific needs of your property.
- Permitting and Inspection Fees: Depending on your local regulations, you may need to obtain permits and schedule inspections for your EV charger installation. These fees can range from $100 to $500.
What are the Factors that Can Impact EV Charging Speed?
Several factors can impact the charging speed of your electric vehicle (EV), including:
- Charger type and power: Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast chargers have different charging speeds due to their varying power outputs.
- Battery capacity and state of charge: Larger batteries take longer to charge, and the charging speed may slow down as the battery reaches its full capacity to prevent overcharging.
- Onboard charger capabilities: The vehicle’s onboard charger may limit the charging power, even if a higher-power charger is available.
- Ambient temperature: Extreme temperatures can impact battery performance, causing the charging speed to be slower than usual.
- Charging station availability: Sharing a charging station with other EVs may reduce the power available for your vehicle, leading to slower charging times.
Going Green with Energy Solutions
Switching to an electric vehicle is a significant step towards reducing your carbon footprint and embracing a more sustainable lifestyle. At Energy Solutions, we’re passionate about helping our customers make this transition, providing top-quality EV charger installation services and support every step of the way.
Don’t wait any longer to join the growing number of Oregon residents who are taking advantage of the benefits of electric vehicles. Contact Energy Solutions today to request your free estimate and begin your journey toward a greener future.
To request an estimate from us today, simply fill out the form or call us at 503-680-3718.
Service Area
We service a wide area of western Oregon surrounding our home base of Oregon City. These cities include, but are not limited to the following. If you don’t see your city listed, try contacting our customer support and asking if our service area reaches you. Sometimes we make exceptions based on the situation.
- Beaverton
- Boring
- Canby
- Clackamas
- Damascus
- Dundee
- Estacada
- Hillsboro
- Molalla
- Mulino
- Newberg
- Oregon City
- Portland
- Salem
- Sheridan
- Sherwood
- Tigard
- Tualatin
- Woodburn
Takeaway
It’s clear that EV charger installation in Oregon is a smart investment. Not only will you be able to save money on fuel and maintenance, but you’ll also be helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.
If you’re interested in learning more about how an electric car charging station can benefit your home or business, we encourage you to take advantage of our free estimate offer today.
FAQs About EV Chargers
Here are some of the questions our EV installers get asked often:
How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle?
Answer: The cost of charging an electric vehicle (EV) varies depending on factors such as the charging method, local electricity rates, and the size of the vehicle’s battery. On average, the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in the United States is around $0.13. To estimate the cost to charge your EV, multiply the battery capacity (in kWh) by the cost per kWh. For example, a 60 kWh battery charged at $0.13 per kWh would cost approximately $7.80 for a full charge. Charging at public stations or using DC fast chargers may be more expensive due to additional fees or higher electricity rates.
What is the difference between AC and DC charging?
Answer: AC (Alternating Current) charging and DC (Direct Current) charging refer to the type of current used during the charging process. AC charging, used by Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, involves the vehicle’s onboard charger converting the AC power from the electrical grid to DC power, which is then stored in the battery. DC charging, used by DC fast chargers, bypasses the onboard charger and directly supplies DC power to the battery, resulting in much faster charging times. However, not all electric vehicles are compatible with DC fast charging, and it’s important to verify your vehicle’s capabilities before using a DC fast charger.
What is the charging power and how does it affect charging time?
Answer: Charging power, measured in kilowatts (kW), refers to the rate at which an electric vehicle (EV) charger transfers energy to the vehicle’s battery. Higher charging power results in faster charging times. Level 1 chargers typically provide 1.4 to 2.4 kW of power, Level 2 chargers offer 3.3 to 19.2 kW, and DC fast chargers can deliver power ranging from 50 to over 350 kW. Charging time depends on the battery capacity, charger power, and the vehicle’s onboard charging capabilities. To estimate charging time, divide the battery capacity (in kWh) by the charging power (in kW).
How do I know if my electric vehicle is compatible with a specific charger?
Answer: Electric vehicle (EV) compatibility depends on factors such as the charger type, charging power, and the charging connector. First, verify that your vehicle supports the charger type (Level 1, Level 2, or DC fast charger). Next, ensure that the charging power provided by the charger is within the range accepted by your vehicle’s onboard charger. Finally, check that the charging connector (e.g., J1772, CHAdeMO, CCS, or Tesla) is compatible with your EV. Many EVs come with adapters to accommodate different charging connectors, but it’s essential to verify compatibility before attempting to charge your vehicle.
Is it safe to charge my electric vehicle in the rain or other wet conditions?
Answer: Yes, it is generally safe to charge your electric vehicle (EV) in the rain or other wet conditions. EV chargers and charging ports are designed to meet stringent safety standards, including protection against water ingress and electrical hazards. However, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and take necessary precautions, such as avoiding the use of damaged charging equipment or submerged charging stations, to ensure safe charging.
