Electric Transportation
How Avista supports electric transportation.
Considering going electric on the road? It's a big change, but it's one that's getting easier to make, thanks to the expanding number of both vehicle options and charging locations. We're big believers, and ready to be your resource if you're thinking of making the switch.
What are electric vehicles?
Cars or trucks that run on battery technology. There are two types, but they're both considered PEVs, or plug-in electric vehicles:
- Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Electric range 10-40 miles
Blended electric/gas at higher speeds - Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Powered by electricity only
Electric range for 80-300 Zero emissions
Benefits of electric transportation
- Cleaner air Driving electric means no tailpipe emissions.
- Energy independence Reduces the dependence on foreign oil.
- Cost savings Driving electric can save you more than 70% on fuel costs.
Installations for the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Pilot were concluded in June, 2019. Avista successfully met the learning objectives of the pilot program, in terms of understanding how Avista can manage and support electric transportation to benefit all customers. View a detailed report of the EVSE pilot.
Based on what we’ve learned, we are now developing new programs for 2020 and beyond in a comprehensive Transportation Electrification Plan, and would love to hear from you! If you have any questions or suggestions, please email electrictransportation@avistacorp.com.
How much can I save on gas by driving electric?
The exact number depends on driving patterns and habits, the price of gasoline, the fuel efficiency of the alternative vehicle you're comparing it to, whether you commute or not, and if you have workplace charging available.
Here's a scenario:
As an Avista customer, you'd likely pay a residential rate of approximately of $0.09 per kWh to charge your vehicle at home.
That should get you about 3.3 miles of driving distance with today's PEVs.
So, if you drove 1,000 miles at 24 mpg and the cost of gasoline was $3.50/gal, your gasoline fuel expense would be $146.
Driving 1,000 miles with a PEV at 3.3 miles/kWh, you would use 303 kWh and at $0.09/kWh, and your electric fuel expense would be about $27. That’s more than an 80 percent savings in fuel costs.
For more estimates, try this handy tool from The University of California at UC Davis.
Do I need to install a charger in my home? What do I need to know?
We advise most new PEV owners to drive their vehicles for a few weeks before installing a charging station in their home. A few facts:
With a 120VAC outlet in the garage and the Level 1 connector that comes with their car, drivers can expect to gain 3 to 5 miles per hour of charging.
With a 208/240VAC receptacle and a Level 2 connector, (EVSE) station, expect 10 to 25 miles per hour of charge depending on the amperage capacity of the dedicated circuit and the inverter inside your vehicle, which converts the AC to DC electricity and recharges the battery.
Most drivers of today’s plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), like the Chevy Volt, find that charging from their 120VAC outlet in their garage works fine for them. Most owners of all-electrics, also known as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) like the Nissan LEAF, have larger battery packs and often need 240V charging to get a full recharge overnight.
What do I need if I want a Level 2 EVSE in your home?
You’ll need to have a dedicated 208/240VAC circuit available and purchase and install EVSE equipment with a J-1772 connector. Consult a qualified electrician to ensure a safe 208/240VAC circuit and Level 2 EVSE installation.
Where can I find public charging?
Find a location near you plus more details on public charging stations (EVSE) at Plug Share.
What's the difference between Level 1, 2, and 3 charging?
For a synopsis, see Plug In America.
How much more efficient is Level 2 over Level 1 charging?
Research indicates that Level 2 charging is about 2.3 percent more efficient than Level 1 when more than 2 kWh is used and 12.8 percent more efficient when less than 2 kWh is used.
