EV & PHEV FAQs

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Our EV Ambassadors have answered some of the most frequently asked questions from people considering buying an EV or PHEV. If you don't find an answer to your question take a look at the information on the Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) page or feel free to email one of our Ambassadors (just click on a name in the EV & PHEV Ambassadors page). Or, email the Joint Thetford Energy Committee with your question.

Note: The answers to the FAQs are the personal opinions of one or more of the EV Ambassadors. Their answers may at times conflict because people may have had different experiences and/or other viewpoints may also be valid. We felt it most helpful to include all answers.

What is the difference between fast chargers, 240-volt chargers and 120-volt chargers? Why would I choose one over the other? Do I need to install a 220 volt charger at home?

There are 3 basic categories of charging for an EV (electric vehicle), commonly known as Level 3 or fast chargers, Level 2 and Level 1.

Your EV will come with a Level 1 charger, which plugs into a standard electric outlet. This is suitable for when you charge overnight or for longer periods, It typically adds 4-5 miles of range per hour.

Level 2 chargers run on 240-volt current, like an electric range or dryer. Depending on your car, they can add 15-30 miles of range per hour. Some people have one installed at home, and they are the most common type found in public parking areas. You might use one if you drive somewhere that has a charger, stay for an hour or more, and need more range to get back home.

Level 3 or fast chargers are installed in public locations by some of the charger networks. These are most often used for longer trips when you need to charge quickly. Speed depends on the charger and your car, but you will typically spend an hour or less to add 150 miles of range. Some newer vehicles can charge much faster from compatible chargers.

You don't necessarily need to install at 220-volt charger at home.

If you typically drive only about 30 miles a day, you can be fine with the 120-volt charger that comes with the EV. I did this with my Kona for the first 3 months of ownership, including taking some longer trips. The 240v charger gives you more flexibility to drive further and still be charged up the next day. Green Mountain Power offers a free 240v charger to its customers, though you may still have to pay an electrician to install a 240v outlet in your garage or parking spot.

What is the best way to charge your battery to maintain the battery's health?

Tesla recommends charging your battery up to 90% when it gets down to 20% or lower. Occasionally, to remind the battery and the computer of the real limits and range of the battery, you should take the battery as close to zero as you can and charge it up to 100%, but drive it right away when it reaches 100% - don't leave it sitting at 100% for a length of time.

The best way to maintain your battery's health is to charge every day to about 90% of capacity. Small, daily charging is much better than one large session. Treating your EV like a gas car where you fill up, say, once a week is not recommended. It's worse for your battery and you will miss out on one of the great advantages of an EV: waking up every day to a full battery. It's also recommended to avoid frequent charging to 100% or discharging below 20%.

Where are electric charging sites in the Upper Valley? What would it take to get one, for example, installed at my town's general store?

How do I pay for electric charging away from my home? Do I need an account with a utility? Do I pay per kWh with a credit card at a parking lot? How does this work?

Typically you can pay with a smart phone or a card issued by the EV charging network. You won't know which networks to open accounts with until you have a car as you will want only compatible chargers. I have used only an EVgo fast charger which is by the minute costing $.80 to $1.00/kWh, not cheap. Find a list of charging networks here.

Don't forget about using the 120-volt charger that comes with your car. If you drive somewhere and are staying overnight, you can get a fair bit of charging done with access to a regular outlet. We do this when visiting a friend in rural Maine. There are also some locations with free 240-volt chargers.

It depends on the network. The largest high-power fast-charging network (Tesla Superchargers) automatically bills your account. You never have to do anything more than plug in. The rates are usually reasonable and much cheaper than gas to go the same distance. Other brands are talking about installing similar systems in the future.

Whether you pay by the kWh or by the amount of time you are plugged in depends on the charging network and sometimes the state. Vermont recently changed its regulations to allow charging by the kWh. However, many states don't allow you to sell electricity by the kWh unless you are a licensed utility. For that reason many networks charge by the hour.

Does anyone know good places to charge en route to southern NH or Boston? The I93 rest area in Hooksett only has TESLA chargers

How do I maximize the range of my hybrid/EV? I have heard there are tricks, but what are they?

The most effective approach is to drive slowly as it reduces wind resistance. Remove bike and ski racks or cargo boxes if you are not using them. These create additional wind resistance and can reduce range by 1/3. Beyond that minimize other electric use such as heating and AC. In winter, warm up the car while it is still plugged in before leaving. If equipped, use seat and steering wheel heaters instead of heating the cabin.

In the long run the batteries will hold up better if you avoid running them all the way down or charging them to 100%.

You can often increase your range by taking a more direct route that stays off the interstates, resulting in lower speed, and often not much different travel time.

Will GMP provide a rebate to a Vermont resident for a used EV purchased from a dealership outside Vermont?

Why don't used EVs or hybrids qualify for State or Federal financial advantages?

Vermont's high fuel-efficiency used-vehicle program authorized by the 2019 Transportation Bill provides point-of-sale financial assistance to income-eligible Vermonters to purchase used fuel-efficient vehicles. (This includes EVs and PHEVs as well has high mpg gas-powered cars.) Capstone launched this program, now called MileageSmart, on March 10, 2020. MileageSmart can contribute up to 25% toward the purchase of a used high-miles-per-gallon (MPG) vehicle. Additional information about MileageSmart, including how to apply, can be found at MileageSmart.com.

Green Mountain Power offers rebates for both new and used EV & PHEVs. There is an additional rebate for low and moderate income customers. More details here.

The Federal government does not currently offer incentives for used vehicles.

I just paid to install a 220V electric outlet in my garage. Can I get a rebate on this from the state?

What difference in range should I expect to get in the winter vs summer?

How well does an EV drive in the snow?

Quite well. The weight of the batteries will give you probably more traction than a comparable front-wheel-drive gas car. Of course using good snow tires helps any car.

Generally speaking an EV will provide better performance in snow and ice. The reason is the drive train has much less inertia than a gas powered car. It depends somewhat on the brand and how well they take advantage of this inherent advantage. An EV can change the torque applied to the wheels 50 - 100 times per second unlike a gas car where the traction control system is much slower to respond.

Drive Electric Vermont has a very informative article regarding EV winter driving here.

Tesla does not have dealerships. It looks like the nearest service center is in Peabody, MA. Has servicing a Tesla been inconvenient? Does their mobile service reach the UV?

My experience with Tesla Service (10 years of Tesla ownership) has, on average, been very good. Sometimes over-the-top good, other times just OK. We've had "Rangers" (mobile service) at our house in Thetford a few times. There are at least 2 or 3 working within Vermont. On a couple of occasions we've had to make trips to Tesla Service Centers in Watertown or Peabody, Massachusetts. Most of our Tesla friends have also had good experiences but there have been complaints. Tesla has recently been expanding their service centers at a rapid clip and we're hoping it won't be long before they have one in the UV. They've run into arcane dealership laws that have prevented Tesla from opening a shop in the Burlington area. I believe Vermont needs to repeal these laws but the dealership lobby is very powerful.