Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Electric Vehicle (EV) and Charger Basics

Learn the basics of electric vehicles

EV Terminology

AC/DC Power: Alternating current/direct current.

BEV:Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are powered only by electricity and typically get 80-150 miles of range with some extending as far as 300 miles or more per charge.

EV: Electric vehicle. There are several types of EVs, including plug-in electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles.

EVCS: Electric vehicle charging station. Also referred to as EVSE in the California Electrical Code.

EVI: Electric vehicle infrastructure, such as charging stations.

EVSE: Electric vehicle supply equipment. Commonly called EVCS.

EVSP: Electric vehicle service provider. EVSPs may include equipment manufacturers, electricians, network providers, electricity providers or equipment distributors/resellers

HEV: Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are not plugged in to charge, but are powered by an internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline and an electric motor and battery pack. The battery is charged through regenerative braking, a process by which when braking the electric motor functions as a generator, providing electricity to charge the battery.

kW: Kilowatt, or 1,000 watts of electric power.

kWh: Kilowatt-hour is 1 kW of power sustained for one hour.

PEV: Plug-in electric vehicle, incorporating both BEVs and PHEVs.

PHEV: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are powered by both electricity and gasoline. Most PHEVs have an all-electric range between 15-50 miles before entering hybrid mode, which uses gasoline. With an internal combustion engine, PHEVs can be refueled as needed.

SAE J1772: An EV charging connector used in North America that meets Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards.

How does an EV charger, also known as an electric vehicle charging station (EVCS), work?

The charger/EVCS safely transfers power from the source into the electric vehicle battery to be stored for driving. Most EVCS deliver AC power, while others deliver DC power to compatible electric vehicles. EVCS are generally rated by their power output measured in kilowatts.

What is a kilowatt?

A kilowatt is a measure of power calculated by multiplying the voltage (volts or V) by the current (amps or A). Example: A 230-volt, 13-amp supply is capable of providing 2,990 watts of power (or 2.9 kW). The higher the power a charging station can provide the faster the vehicle can charge, up to the limit of the vehicle and battery.

What is a kilowatt-hour?

A kilowatt-hour is a measure of energy used in a period of time: Energy = Power x Time. Example: If ten 100-watt lightbulbs are left on for one hour, the energy consumed is 1 kWh (100 w x 10 x 1 = 1 kWh).

What are the types of charging stations?

EV chargers are classified into three categories: Level 1, Level 2 and direct current (DC) fast charging (sometimes called Level 3).

Level 1:AC Level 1 charging is cost efficient—it uses a standard 110/120-volt alternating current (VAC) three-prong wall outlet widely available in all residential and commercial locations. Almost all plug-in vehicles come with a Level 1 cord set charger with a SAE J1772 charge port in the trunk as standard equipment. The SAE J1772 is a universal standard on electric vehicles, and Tesla vehicles are sold with the necessary adapters to be compatible with J17172.

Level 2:AC Level 2 charging uses 208/240-VAC current and is used for electric vehicles with larger batteries, providing a faster charge than Level 1. Level 2 also uses the same SAE J1772 connector and charge port as Level 1.

DC fast charging:DC fast chargers are the highest-powered EV chargers on the market. They often are used as range extenders along major travel corridors for long-distance trips and in urban environments to support drivers without home charging or very high mileage drivers. Most DC fast chargers on the market charge at rates of 25-50 kW. At current charging speeds, they are ideal for places where a person would spend 30 minutes to an hour, such as restaurants, recreational areas and shopping centers.

Currently available DC fast chargers require inputs of 480+ volts and 100+ amps (50-60 kW) and can produce a full charge for an EV with a 100-mile range battery in slightly more than 30 minutes (178 miles of electric drive per hour of charging). However, new generations of DC fast chargers are gaining traction and can produce 150-350 kW of power.

How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?

Vehicles have different types of battery technology, and the level of charging varies based on a number of factors, including the vehicle’s battery size. Charging time also depends on the type of charger used and how many miles were traveled prior to charging.

Level 1 charging can add about 4-6 miles of range per hour.
Level 2 charging can provide 10-24 miles of range per hour.
CFC can add about 60-80 miles of range to a compatible PEV in 20-30 minutes.

How far can drivers go on a single charge?

EV range varies depending on the size of batteries and the car they are powering, as well as road conditions and driving style. Generally, PHEVs have a battery range of 15-50 miles. BEVs have an average range of 70-100 miles, with vehicles such as the Tesla Model S and 2017 Chevrolet Bolt reaching 200 miles or more.

Where can drivers charge electric vehicles?

At home:

The Level 1 charger that comes with your vehicle can be plugged into a standard household power outlet provided it is on a dedicated circuit.
Purchase and install a Level 2 charger. New wiring and a dedicated circuit may need to be installed to accommodate the charger capacity.
Some multifamily properties can earn incentives for installing charging stations on their properties for their residents.

At work:

Some businesses recognize the long-term value of electric vehicles and have chargers installed for employees and guests. For interested employers, resources are available for installing EV charging at your workplace or business location.

On the road:

Drivers can charge at retail centers, parks, libraries, public and private parking garages and lots, transit stations, office buildings and other commercial locations that have existing public charging available for a fee.

Where can I find public charging stations?

Various tools and databases provide information on where public charging is available.

Is the maintenance of an electric car different from a gasoline car?

Maintenance needs for EVs, while similar to conventional cars, are significantly lower because EVs lack many of the parts found on internal combustion engines and have fewer fluids to change. Generally, this results in reduced maintenance costs.

The electric motor has one moving part, the shaft, which is very reliable and requires little or no maintenance.
State-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries used in current electric vehicles are sealed and maintenance free. The life span of these batteries is limited and may require periodic replacement; however, battery technology is improving.
Brake wear is significantly reduced, due to regenerative braking.
BEVs require no oil changes or new spark plugs and don’t have fuel pumps, water pumps, exhaust systems or multigear transmissions.

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Basics

Discover the basics behind installing electric vehicle infrastructure, starting with system design and installation planning.

What is the difference between a networked and nonnetworked EV charging unit?

Networked units are connected to the internet via a cable, wireless or cellular technology and send data to a network host’s computer server, also known as the “back office.”

Nonnetworked units are not connected to the internet. They provide basic charging functionality without advanced communications or monitoring capabilities, so the equipment is priced lower than networked EVSE.

If the charging unit is networked, what are types of capabilities are available?

Communication capabilities: Charging stations can communicate with the user, site host, utility grid and the internet. Networked stations are connected to the internet and transmit operational data back to the company that manages the network.

Access control: Access control mechanisms can be installed on charging stations to restrict the use of the unit to a predesignated group. Systems range from simple, e.g., lock or keypad, to more complex, e.g., access by radio-frequency identification (RFID) cards or through smartphone applications.

Point of sale (POS): The charging station can calculate the amount owed by a customer and provide payment methods for use of the chargers. These could include payments by credit card, RFID or smartphone application for billing.

Energy monitoring and management: The charging station can track energy consumption and provide reports on greenhouse gas emission reductions. Equipped stations also can optimize the energy load to maximize charging during low-rate periods and minimize charging during high-rate periods.

What electrical requirements are needed to install an EV charging station (EVCS)?

A dedicated circuit for each EVSE unit on the electrical panel, unless the EVSE is controlled by a load management system (in most cases).
Sufficient electrical capacity from the utility connection to the electrical panel.
Sufficient electrical capacity at the panel.
The EVSE’s dedicated circuit must be rated for a larger current than the EVSE continuous load rating (at least 125% larger) to conform to California Electrical Code.

What is the EVSE unit amperage rating for the different types of chargers?

EVSE charging power depends on the voltage from the electrical service and the EVSE unit amperage rating. Level 1 EVSE are rated from 12-16 A continuous, Level 2 EVSE are commonly rated from 16-48 A continuous and DCFC typically have a rating of 60-200 A.

Where should I site EVCS in my city?

EV drivers park at different locations for different periods, which can help determine what types of chargers are needed and where to locate them. A good location for a Level 1 or 2 charging station would be anywhere that an EV driver stops for more than one hour, including parks, libraries, entertainment locations such as bars and restaurants, malls and movie theaters and may include medical/dental offices. DC fast charging is more suitable for high-traffic commercial locations, fleet installations, gas stations and other locations along major transportation corridors where drivers can charge in 15-30 minutes.

Transit stations and workplaces would be more suited for Level 1 charging due to longer average dwell times of 6-8 hours.
Entertainment locations and parks would be better suited for Level 2 charging with much lower average parking dwell times of 1-2 hours.

Increasingly, multifamily complexes are becoming an important site for EVCS. Multifamily complexes are recognized as one of the more difficult places to have charging installed. Because of this, cities should be actively identifying multifamily complexes that have a high number of EV drivers or that have interest from the property owner in installing EVCS.

What type of EV charger should I install at my single-family home or townhouse?

Level 1 (110/120 V) and Level 2 (220/240 V) are best suited for residential applications given current commercially available technology. A utility upgrade may be needed if your electrical panel does not have adequate capacity for the EV charger load. Utility upgrades are less common for 50-amp circuit installations.

Homeowners also can install a NEMA 14-50 outlet (a 240-volt outlet installed on a 50-amp circuit breaker) rather than a hard-wire installation, which can save on costs and provide more flexibility. NEMA stands for National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

What do I need to know for installing charging at nonresidential properties (businesses, multifamily dwellings, workplaces)?

Installing charging has costs associated with equipment, installation and construction, permitting fees and network fees depending on the unit(s) chosen. Your specific goals for EV charging impact your budget and policies for charger use and guidelines. For more details, see Question 1 under Costs.

Assessing available parking spaces and power can help determine the amount of infrastructure to put in place for EV charging. At workplaces, surveying employees for demand and the number who drive EVs or want to can help determine the appropriate number of chargers to install for current and future drivers.
Consider contacting San Diego Gas & Electric for information on electricity rates.

Where should I install the chargers on my property?

Several factors are involved in determining locations to install chargers, and every installation is custom designed for the property and scope of work. Factors include distance from an electrical panel and power source, electrical capacity and panel space. An installation that is 100 feet away from an electrical panel will be more expensive than an installation 10 feet away. Items such as trenching can add substantial costs to your installation depending on the distance.

Additional information: Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installation Guidelines: Residential and Commercial Locations
Workplace charging: Plugging in at Work: How to Effectively Install, Share and Manage EV Charging Stations

Who do I need to coordinate with to install the charger?

Local governments: Several jurisdictions within the San Diego region have policies for EV charging station permits and others are developing guidelines. Obtain permits prior to installing charging equipment. If new service or upgrades are required, utility coordination is needed before permit issuance.

Utility: If new service or upgrades are required, you must notify San Diego Gas & Electric prior to installation. Contact SDG&E by email or by phone

Residential: (800) 411-7343
Businesses: (800) 336-7343

Where can I find a list of EV service providers?

The following list includes some of the companies in the EV charging station market. They provide charging stations and offer services. Depending on your needs, they can provide turnkey services where they provide the charging unit(s), network services and installation. An extensive list of EV equipment vendors and manufacturers is at GoElectricDrive.

Where can I find a list of EV installers?

Any licensed electrician can add a new panel, make required service upgrades and complete the necessary electrical work to install your charging station. In San Diego County, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 569 - San Diego County has a list of certified electricians.

EV Infrastructure Costs

How much does a charging unit cost?

Costs vary depending on the price of the charging unit as well as the expenses for installation and construction, permit fees and network fees if the unit has network capabilities. The cost of a Level 1 charging unit is $300-$1,500. The cost of a Level 2 charging unit ranges from $400-$6,500. A DC fast charger unit has a cost range of $10,000-$40,000. The charging unit cost ranges are based on single-port products, and the price varies based on the design and features of the unit.

Equipment installation costs also vary greatly depending on the configuration of the location and electrical circuitry, local code requirements and the type of equipment installed. As for the physical unit, basic units of lower power that are wall-mounted and do not have networking capabilities (i.e., data reporting, access controls, billing, etc.) have hardware costs of $500-$1,000. Pedestal charging units tend to cost $200-$500 more. Charging units with advanced features or networking components can range from $3,000 or more for a Level 2 unit to $10,000-40,000 for a DCFC unit. The Department of Energy’s Costs Associated with Non-Residential Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Report provides detailed information on charging equipment costs for nonresidential projects.

How much are installation costs?

Every installation is custom to the location, and it is important to have an electrician review your building and submit a formal estimate. Costs for installation average $1,500–$1,600 to install a Level 2 unit in a single-family home, around double the cost ($3,000-$3,200) for multi-unit dwelling installation and around $4,000 per unit at commercial sites. Installations requiring new electrical infrastructure increase the cost by about 15%. The Electric Power Research Institute’s Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Installed Cost Analysis Technical Report offers detailed information.

How much are network service fees per charge port?

Network and back office monitoring/maintenance costs are only applicable to networked EVCS and can vary from $100 to $900 annually. These fees vary depending on the EV network service provider you select. Work with your service provider to be clear on network fees before purchasing your equipment.

Electric Vehicle and Infrastructure Incentives

What are the current state and federal incentives?

There are federal, state and local incentives available for the purchase or lease of eligible vehicles as well as for residential and nonresidential infrastructure. Information on eligibility is at the state-sponsored DriveClean website where you can search for incentives and view checklists for EV buyers and checklists for EV owners.

Residential infrastructure

Utility rates for electric vehicles offered by San Diego Gas & Electric.

Nonresidential infrastructure

The California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP) offers incentives for the purchase and installation of electric vehicle infrastructure at publicly accessible sites. Incentive amounts vary based on charger type and location. Facilities that serve disadvantaged communities may be eligible for increased incentive rates.

Vehicle incentives

The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project(CVRP) offers rebates for the purchase or lease of eligible vehicles. The rebates are up to $5,000 for zero-emission and plug-in hybrid light-duty vehicles certified by the California Air Resources Board.
A federal tax credit of up to $7,500 is available, with the amount of your credit depending on the capacity of the car’s battery. You can learn more at the Department of Energy’s Fuel Economy tax credit website.
The Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal is available for BEVs and PHEVs, which allows single-occupant qualifying electric vehicles to use the HOV (carpool or diamond) lanes on California freeways. Apply with your local DMV.
The Hybrid Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) provides vouchers to eligible California fleets to reduce the incremental cost of purchasing qualified medium- and heavy-duty HEVs and ZEVs. Vouchers are available on a first-come, first-served basis and range from $12,000 to $110,000.
Insurance discounts may be available. Verify with your insurance provider.

Plug In Get Ready

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Resources