If you are thinking about purchasing a plug-in electric vehicle, Wake Electric is ready to help you navigate this new technology. Before purchasing an electric vehicle, you may want to ask yourself the following questions:

How will I charge my electric vehicle at home?

Charging an electric vehicle depends on several factors, including vehicle type, driving distance and frequency of use. There are two main levels of home charging equipment:

• AC Level 1: Level 1 charging is done through a 120-volt outlet, which is the standard household size charging. This should not require extra equipment or installation. Depending on the vehicle type, it may take anywhere between 8 – 20 hours to charge your vehicle this way.
• AC Level 2: Level 2 charging uses a 240-volt outlet (usually intended for large appliances) and a charging station. Level 2 charging is three to five times faster than a Level 1 charger. Before installing a Level 2 charger, contact your electric cooperative. Wake Electric will help you determine whether you have sufficient load capacity and if a service upgrade is necessary.

Depending on the equipment you select and local installation costs, charging equipment can range from $500 and exceed $1,000. Please let your electric cooperative know if you are planning to purchase an electric vehicle and install a charging station so we can ensure your home is set up to properly handle the increased load.

How much does it cost to charge my electric car at home?

To estimate how much it will cost to recharge your electric car at home, you’ll want to see how much electricity costs per kilowatt-hour—for Wake Electric members— it is 11 cents per kWh. If you’re electric vehicle is rated 38kWh/100 miles, it will cost approximately $4.18 to drive your car 100 miles.

Does my electric co-op offer any special discounts for electric vehicles?

Yes. Wake Electric offers a special, discounted Electric Vehicle Rate to members with an electric vehicle when they charge their vehicle during off-peak hours. To learn more or apply for this special rate, call Wake Electric at 919.863.6300.

Wake Electric offers four EV charging stations for when you are out and about.