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Types of Electric Vehicles

There are three main types of electric vehicles (EVs) on the roads today.

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)

Battery Electric Vehicles, also called all-electric vehicles, do not rely on any gasoline to power the vehicle and have zero tailpipe emissions. EV owners simply plug their vehicles into their home electric grid or a public charging station to charge. BEVs also generate electricity from braking, similar to HEVs, and use this as a secondary energy source. Unfortunately, EVs are somewhat limited in how far they can drive on a single charge. All-electric vehicles typically have driving ranges from 150 to 400 miles. Depending on the model, it may take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to recharge a vehicle, much longer than the average stop at a gas station.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

Plug-In Hybrid EVs are powered by an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery. To support a driver’s typical daily travel needs, most PHEVs all-battery range is typically between 20 and 40 miles, and then will operate solely on gasoline for anything beyond that. Plug-in hybrids effectively reduce operator emissions for short trips around town; longer trips are powered by gasoline.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

Hybrid Electric Vehicles are the type of electric car that has been on the market the longest. HEVs include a small battery pack that is not charged by plugging in, but rather the batteries in hybrids are charged through the braking process. HEVs function as battery-assisted vehicles and are not powered solely by batteries at any given time. Many modern HEVs are touted to make around 50 mpg for both city and highway.

It is worth noting that EV battery ranges can vary depending on weather conditions; for example, cars have to work harder to run in colder temperatures; also, using the defrost or heat is more likely, decreasing range. Also, at-home charging times depend on how you charge at home (120 volts versus 240 volts). These are caveats you will want to consider when shopping for an electric vehicle.

View an Electric Vehicle Technology Overview Video >

Federal Tax Credits and State Incentives

EV owners may be eligible for federal tax credits for your EV charger.
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit >

Michigan also offers state incentives and laws to residents.
Michigan Laws and Incentives >

Types of EV Chargers

There are many factors that affect how quickly your EV will charge, including, but not limited to, the charging equipment, the batteries and temperature. Charging equipment can be referred to by several names: charging station, charging port, or more simply, a charger. There are 3 chargers available on the market. The US Department of Transportation offers more in-depth information about charger types and speeds.

Level 1 Chargers

These chargers are typically included with the purchase of an EV. Homeowners can plug a Level 1 charger directly into a standard 120V household outlet, making them very convenient. However, they are the slowest, least efficient charger.

Level 2 Chargers

These chargers are often purchased separately from an EV. While they’re commonly used in households, they can also be found at places of business, public charging locations and public parking lots. They require the use of a 240V in residences, or a 208V outlet in commercial spaces.

These chargers may require an electrical panel upgrade. Consult a licensed electrician to evaluate your home and install the equipment needed for the Level 2 charger.

Residential customers may qualify for a Level 2 EV Charger Rebate – more info below.

Level 3 Fast Chargers

Level 3 chargers use DC (direct current) rather than AC (alternating current). They are the fastest of the chargers, thus referred to as DC fast chargers. They’re rarely found in homes because they require 480V connections. You’ll often find them in public charging locations like shopping centers.

Download Home EV Charger Safety Tips

Level 2 EV Charger Rebate

When you purchase a battery electric vehicle, it will likely come with a Level 1 Charger. These chargers will add approximately 1-10 miles of range to your battery for every hour of charging.

For LL&P residential customers looking for a faster, more efficient charging experience, LL&P offers a $350 rebate for the purchase and installation of an EV Level 2 charger. Level 2 chargers require the installation of an EVSE (requiring a 240V electrical connection).

Qualifications

Must be a Lowell Light & Power residential customer
Must be a Level 2, 240-volt charger
Copy of charger invoice/receipt indicating make, model, payment in full, and date of purchase and installation required
Copy of vehicle registration required
Must agree to be placed on the Residential Time-of-Use Rate (RT 130)

ONLINE APPLICATION

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

Important Details

Electric vehicle registration and LL&P account must have the same address.
The rebate application can only be signed by the LL&P account holder.
Customers requesting a rebate must agree to be placed on the Residential Time-of-Use (TOU) rate with the understanding that all power used within the home is subject to the TOU rate schedule. There is not a separate rate for only the charger.
The TOU rate (RT 130), consisting of on-, off-, and super off-peak timeframes, replaces the existing residential rate (RS 111/121) for the entire house.
The TOU Rate will be in effect for no less than 12 consecutive billing cycles.

Time-of-Use Rate

What is the TOU Rate?

The Residential Time-of-Use (TOU) Rate is based on customer electric consumption during Summer and Winter Rate periods. The TOU Rate (RT 130) is an opt-in rate for residential customers. All customers are placed on the standard rate (RT 111/121) when they start service and would need to complete the Time-of-Use Rate Request form below to be switched to the TOU Rate.

During the Summer Rate period (June 1st through September 30th), there are three rates in effect: On-Peak, Super Off-Peak and Off-Peak. The rates are highest during On-Peak hours (when the majority of people are using the most electricity), and are lowest during Super Off-Peak hours (when most people are not using much electricity.) The Off-Peak hours are the hours that do not fall under On-Peak or Super Off-Peak periods.

On-Peak hours during the Summer Rate period are from 12:00 p.m. (Noon) to 7:00 p.m. except for Saturdays, Sundays, and observed Federal holidays (Independence Day and Labor Day). Super Off-Peak period is from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. All other hours are considered Off-Peak.

During the Winter Rate period (October 1st through May 31st), there are only two rates in effect: Super Off-Peak and Off-Peak. There is no On-Peak rate because the level of electricity usage is not as high during the Winter Rate period as it is during the Summer Rate period. The rates are lowest during Super Off-Peak hours.

Super Off-Peak hours are from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. All other hours are considered Off-Peak.

How Do I Use the TOU Rate to My Benefit?

The TOU rate schedule will benefit those who are able to shift using electricity from the On-Peak hours to the Super Off-Peak hours, when rates are at their lowest. Activities to shift could include: charging your EV, running the dishwasher, washing or drying clothes, etc. By charging your EV during Super Off-Peak hours, you will save anywhere from $.01 to .09 per kWh! Each household must determine the best routine for their family, and decide if the TOU Rate Schedule is right for them.

NOTE: Households are not required to purchase a Level 2 charger or receive our rebate to sign up for the TOU Rate.

Download Residential Rate Policies

Time-of-Use Rate Request

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