By Patrick Soukup, Manager of Member Services & Marketing
At this year's District Meetings held throughout our service area, there was a great deal of discussion about cooperative happenings. Members asked questions about power line replacement, underground construction, solar energy, water heaters, metering upgrades and more. The topic that surfaced more than any other was that of electric vehicles (EVs). We compiled a list of frequently asked EV questions to increase awareness and understanding of the topic.
How much does it cost to own and operate an EV compared to a gas-powered vehicle?
Currently, the purchase price of EVs tends to be higher than a gasoline vehicle. Prices will likely equalize as production volumes increase and battery technology matures. Federal tax incentives up to $7,500 are available, dependent upon various factors.
According to Fueleconomy.gov, if somebody drives 15,000 miles per year in a vehicle that gets 25 miles per gallon, that person would save $2,312 per year in fuel costs by switching to a 2020 Nissan Leaf EV. The cost to operate a Nissan Leaf is equivalent to getting 108 miles per gallon in favorable weather conditions, but expect that figure to drop in cold weather. Operation and maintenance costs, in general, are less for EVs.
Can the grid handle EV charging in South Dakota?
Yes, if charging is done at the proper time. Since the start of rural electrification, energy consumption has evolved immensely. What began with a desire to have light in the house gradually progressed. Since 1948, when the first rural mile of line was energized in our service area, your cooperative has managed to handle the changing demand of residential, agricultural and commercial energy use.
EVs will not be adopted overnight, which means we have ample time to plan for future development that will enable us to handle EV charging. As of today, if 25 percent of our members purchased EVs and charged them off-peak, 9:00 pm or later, we would be able to handle the added energy demand with no changes to the system.
Can I make it to the Black Hills and other destinations?
Yes. If you’re planning a trip to the Black Hills and don’t have the range capability, superchargers are available along the I-90 route in Oacoma, Murdo and Wall. According to PlugShare.com, a site that offers EV trip planning, there are 120 individual charging stations in the Rapid City area, 94 in the Sioux Falls area, 50 in the Yankton area, 24 in the Pierre area, 20 in the Mitchell area, 11 in the Watertown area, 10 in the Vermillion area and 9 in the Aberdeen area, just to highlight a few options.
The vast majority of charging is done at home, so the need for charging on the road is typically only a concern when taking trips over 300 miles, or over 150 miles in the winter. If you frequently take long trips, you could consider a plug-in hybrid model that uses both battery power and gasoline, or purchase an EV when more public charging options are available.
How many miles can I go on a full charge?
Battery technology is advancing at a rapid pace. Most new EVs have a range of 200-300 miles, and 400 miles for some Tesla models, in favorable weather conditions. The average person drives 40 miles every day to commute to work and run errands, so most EVs will meet the needs of the average daily driver. EVs can easily be recharged overnight at home so they are ready for the commute the following day.
Is my home ready for an EV?
A wiring inspection at your home or farm would be required to determine proper sizing of the electrical service. If you are considering an EV, call your energy provider to ensure you have the appropriate transformer and metering equipment.
Can an EV serve as a backup power source for my home?
Some EVs have the option to be used as a backup source of short-term energy. Additional equipment would need to be installed for this to work, but the technology exists.
Why is Central Electric studying EVs and electric UTVs?
By studying EVs, the cooperative strives to learn about the technology and options for home charging, which could affect how we do business. It is our duty to prepare for the future and plan accordingly so EV charging doesn’t affect our ability to provide reliable energy around the clock.