Why EVs
Increasing electrified transportation in Ann Arbor is an important way our community can become more sustainable. Electric vehicles provide an opportunity to reduce local greenhouse gases and improve air quality, and globally as our electricity grid becomes cleaner. Also, electric vehicles cost less to operate and maintain than their internal combustion engine counterparts. This transition is one with benefits to both us and the environment.
Jump to the section that you're interested in:
Charging at Home
Charging on the go
What EV is the right choice for you
EV charging at multi-unit dwellings (MUDs)
Cost of EVs and comparison to gas-powered ones
Electricity Rates
Charging at Home
Charging your car at home is easy. When you get home in the evening, just plug your car in like you would your smartphone overnight. The type of charger best suited to you depends on how far you travel each day. The charging levels are listed below; in your home, you would use a level 1 (no installation required) for shorter than a 30-mile commute and would need purchase and install a level 2 if you plan to drive more than this.
There are two levels of EV chargers for home charging:
- Level 1: basic charging. Level 1 charging uses a standard outlet, so no additional installation costs. It gives you between 30-40 miles with an overnight charge. Most people commute less than 30 miles for work, so this is a good option for many.
- Level 2: regular charging. Level 2 uses a standard 240-volt outlet, so this might require a one-time installation cost to upgrade an outlet or the electrical panel in your home. It provides 100-250 miles on an overnight charge. DTE’s Charging Forward program offers a rebate for installing a level 2 charger in your home. Learn more and apply on the
DTE website.
Charging on the go
Many public chargers are scattered around Ann Arbor and Michigan. The number of chargers around the country is rapidly growing as well. They are often located in grocery store parking lots, parking garages, shopping centers, and more.
Public chargers are simple: you pay a small fee with a credit card, plug in your car, and run your errands for the short time your car charges. Depending on the voltage setting of the charger, it can charge 25 miles per hour with a level 2 charger or 100 miles per 30 minutes with a level 3 charger.
Wondering where in town you can charge your EV? Check out
this interactive map presented by the Downtown Development Authority for charging locations in and around Ann Arbor.
Traveling out of town? Here's a map from the Department of Energy for
all charging stations in the U.S. and Canada. You can also find locations on Google Maps.
What EV is the right choice for you
What to consider in an EV:
- Daily driving range. What will your daily commute look like? Will you take long trips frequently?
- Buy or Lease? EV technology is rapidly changing, and the cost of ownership is becoming more affordable.
- Home charging and fast charging compatibility. Know what charging method you will utilize, and ensure your car is compatible with fast charging stations if you plan to charge outside your home.
Here is a list of various makes and models of EVs.
EV Charging at Multi-Unit Dwellings (MUDs)
Most EV charging is done at a driver's residence, but there are many residents of Ann Arbor that don't have total discretion over installing an EV charger where they park their vehicle. This could be due to property management, condominium associations, legal concerns, metering considerations, and shared parking spaces, among other hurdles. These issues can be complex but are surmountable.
Resources, best practices and case studies are available as more MUDs address their needs for EV charging. If you are a resident or staff at a MUD, and are interested in learning more about EV charging, email Simi Barr at S[email protected].
Cost of EVs and comparison to gas powered ones
Depending on how much you drive, an electric vehicle may be a great option. Learn more about how electric vehicles compare to your current vehicle with this Department of Energy Calculator.
There are federal, state, and utility incentives for electric vehicles. Learn more at the Department of Energy about funding opportunities.
EVs tend to be slightly more expensive than a combustion car when newly purchased, but the savings in gas and maintenance make electric cars often more affordable in the long run.
The City is exploring bulk buy discounts to help bring EV ownership closer for more Ann Arborites. To stay up to date on this work, send an email to [email protected] and include the subject: EV bulk buy.
Many rebates and tax credits are offered when you purchase an electric vehicle. Currently, those who purchase an electric vehicle are eligible for a federal tax credit for up to $7,500, depending on the car you purchase.
O&M of an EV
Operation and Maintenance costs in electric vehicles are less than those of a conventionally powered car. EV owners do not have to pay for many services such as oil changes, tune-ups, transmission services, or replacement of engine related parts. Switching to an EV, you will be estimated to pay one-third the amount for maintenance as compared to your previous combustion vehicle.
Electricity Rates
If you choose to charge your EV at home, your electricity rates may increase. Many utilities offer rate plan options for EV owners, with lower rates for overnight charging that could save you money. Here is more information on DTE’s time-of-use electricity rates, to find the best option for your EV charging needs.
