Electric vehicles

There are two types of plug-in electric vehicles – all-electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in extended-range hybrid vehicles (PHEV).  

Electric Vehicles (EV): All electric vehicles run solely on battery power.   

Plug-in extended-range hybrid vehicles (PHEV): The plug-in extended range hybrid generates energy from a battery and an internal combustion engine used to extend the range of the vehicle.

Benefits of EVs

Affordability

It’s cheaper to charge your electric vehicle than a visit to the gas pump (imagine driving back when gas was $1 a gallon). Also, with fewer moving parts and no oil changes, an electric vehicle requires fewer maintenance visits and lower repair costs.  

Electric vehicle batteries are required to have a 100,000-mile warranty. In fact, your first comprehensive service appointment can often be delayed until after 100,000 miles are driven. 

Fun

There’s nothing like the performance of today’s electric vehicles. Experience an electric vehicle’s instant acceleration and mind-blowing handling.  There’s also a model for just about everyone – from small commuters and sports cars to SUVs and full-sized pickup trucks. 

Environmentally-friendly

Owning an electric vehicle means joining us on our quest to reduce harmful emissions and preserve Colorado Springs’ natural beauty and clean air.

EV charging

There are three levels of charging stations available for EVs, to include charging options for your home. 

The speed your EV recovers range when charging depends on the size of battery, the efficiency of your EV and the charging power delivered. A large truck EV will gain miles of range slower than a smaller and more efficient EV sedan, and a larger battery takes longer to ‘fill’ than a smaller one. 

• Level 1 chargers use a standard 110v wall outlet (12 amp), often included with your EV purchase. This is the slowest form of charging. It can meet your needs if you mainly travel short distances to work or for errands and have regular access to a charger.  Level 1 recharges your EV at around 5 miles in an hour; overnight this recovers 50 miles or more of travel. 
   
• Level 2 chargers use 220v and up to 80 amps and are much faster than Level 1. These are the typical stations located throughout the city and across the U.S. 
  You can also have a Level 2 charger installed in your home for fast, convenient charges. Charging at Level 2 will replenish miles from 12 to 80 miles per hour of charge depending on equipment. 
  *NOTE: Level 2 chargers sometimes require an upgrade to an older home’s electrical wiring.  
   
• Level 3 chargers use direct current electricity and high power (50 to 360kW) to provide the quickest charging. These types of charging station are not available to be installed in homes but can be found along well-travelled highways to quickly top up when on road trips. Each minute plugged into these stations can provide between 2.5 and 11 miles of range, depending on EV model, in 20 minutes that’s 50 to 200 miles of range. 

Assess your charging needs

*IMPORTANT: Please consult with a licensed professional electrician familiar with home charging EV options before deciding on a home charging solution.

Public charging

To expand our community’s EV charging network, we installed chargers at our facilities and on the first floor of the City Administration Building parking garage downtown.

• Conservation & Environmental Center
  (Level 2 charger available 24 hours a day)
• John Pinkerton Service Center
  (Level 2 charger available Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Leon Young Service Center(Level 2 charger available 24 hours a day)
• City Administration Building Parking (DC fast charger available 24 hours a day)

To use a ChargePoint charger, you’ll need to create a ChargePoint account and then either use the mobile app or use the card that’s mailed to you to start a charging session.

How far can I drive on a single charge?

Under normal driving conditions, most current electric vehicles can travel between 200 and 300 miles on a full charge. This continues to improve with the latest models, so be sure to research new vehicles for the latest range data.  

The average American only drives about 31 miles a day, so most EVs should meet your daily needs.  

If you’re planning a road trip, there are public charging stations located across the country. Many EV owners charge their vehicles overnight at a free charging station so they’re ready to hit the road the next morning.  

Use the PlugShare app (available through the Apple Store or Google Play) to locate charging stations and to plan trips. 

Utilities cost

Charging an electric vehicle vs. traditional combustion engine vehicle 

Utilities costs for at-home EV charging: Approximately $35 on your monthly utility bill. 

Fuel costs for traditional gas fueled car: About $136 for the average light duty gas car of 25.7mpg. 

Assumptions: Based on driving 12,000 miles annually (1,000 miles per month). 

EVs and our electric grid

As local ownership of electric vehicles continues to expand, we are monitoring the increased usage related to charging and how that might affect our overall electric system. The impact of electric vehicle charging remains manageable across our electric grid at this time.  

The demand for this usage varies widely across our service territory; some areas have more electric vehicles than others. As needs change, we will continue to look for innovative ways to meet your needs, including new rate designs and rebates that encourage off-peak charging. 

EV incentives and resources

This is a great time to consider purchasing an electric vehicle as there are several federal and state incentives to help reduce the upfront purchase price.

More tax-related information is available at irs.gov.

Charging locations

Plugshare offers an easy-to-use search function for local and nationwide charging station locations.

Shopping resources

If you’re actively shopping for a new or used electric vehicle, stop by plugstar.com to learn more about the latest EV models, cost comparisons, home charging options and incentives. The site can tailor your shopping experience to your location.