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With a high percentage of resources that are renewable, Lewis County and the greater Pacific Northwest, is a good place for electric vehicles (EVs). Compared to other regions, conversion from a gasoline or diesel engine to an EV provides greater overall emissions reductions. Essentially, you are replacing your gasoline or diesel with clean energy from hydroelectric dams and wind farms. While it’s true that 100% of the electricity in this region doesn’t come from renewable energy resources, the vast majority does. By choosing an EV, you are likely reducing your reliance on fossil fuels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there different types of EVs?

Yes, there are different types. The most common types are Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs).

BEVs are often referred to as All Electric Vehicles as they do not have an internal combustion engine.

PHEVs utilize both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine and will often run on electricity until the battery has been drained, and then switches to its gasoline engine. PHEVs can be plugged in to charge the battery.

HEVs also have both an electric motor and internal combustion engine. However, they cannot be plugged in to charge the battery. The electric motor element of the vehicle allows the car to get significantly higher fuel mileage.

What are the charging options for customers?

There are three different types of chargers, also known as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), that are classified based on the rate at which they can charge a battery.

Level 1 chargers run on standard 120-volt AC and typically do not require additional installation or electric wiring. This type of EVSE is used most often in household charging applications. Level 1 chargers can take 9-24 hours to charge your vehicle’s battery depending on various factors. (2-5 miles of range per hour of charging.)

Level 2 chargers run on 240-volt and typically require installation of electrical equipment. These chargers are found in household charging applications, and is also typical of many workplace charging stations. These chargers can charge your vehicle’s battery in 4-6 hours, depending on various factors. (10-60 miles of range per hour of charging.)

Level 3 chargers or also called DC Fast-Charge. These chargers use 480-volt high-powered charging equipment. Not all vehicles have the special equipment to receive charge with this system. This is the charging option most likely found in public charging stations and can charge your vehicle’s battery in under 1 hour. (60-100 miles of range per 20-30 minutes.)

Selecting the right charger for you will depend on various factors, including how far you drive each day, where you are charging your vehicle, how much time you have to charge your vehicle, and your vehicle’s charging capability.

How far can an EV drive on a full charge?

This depends on the model of the EV. For more information, please see the “EV Driving Cost Calculator” section linked below for the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuel Calculator and Electric Vehicle Fuel Economy Comparison tool.

Will my EV reduce my emissions?

To discover if an EV will reduce your emissions, please see the “EV Driving Cost Calculator” section linked below for the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuel Calculator and Electric Vehicle Fuel Economy Comparison tool.

Will driving an EV increase my electric bill?

This will depend on where, when, and how often you will be charging your electric vehicle. To discover if an EV will increase your electric bill, please see the “EV Driving Cost Calculator” section linked below for the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuel Calculator and Electric Vehicle Fuel Economy Comparison tool.

Tax Credits and Rebates

Currently, there are incentive programs offered by the state and federal governments. For more information, please visit:

Lewis County PUD does not currently offer incentives for EVs.

Charging In Public

Click here for an interactive map of charging stations.

Benefits

Environmental

  • Benefits from reduction in tail pipe emissions is seen in cleaner air by replacing fossil fuels with clean, renewable energy sources.

Convenience

  • Home charging; no more gas stations! With home charging equipment, or even just a 120-volt outlet, you can avoid filling up at the gas station.

Cost

  • Depending on the costs of gas and electricity, you could reduce your operating cost.
  • Electric vehicles are also known for minimal required maintenance; no oil change, less fluids, and less moving parts to break down.

Performance

  • EV motors typically require less annual maintenance, operate more quietly than conventional vehicles, and can have more acceleration than standard gasoline engines.

Range & Charging

  • Most vehicles now boast ranges of 100-300 miles.
  • With level 3 fast charging, some EVs can charge in as little as 30 minutes.
  • Most home charging requires 4-8 hours for a full charge.

Regional EV Infrastructure Planning Efforts

Expanding EV Infrastructure in Lewis County

Lewis County PUD is partnering with Energy Northwest’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Transportation Alliance (EVITA) to promote the buildout of the EV transportation infrastructure within Lewis County. Lewis County PUD has supported local non-profit agencies in applying for grant funding through Washington State DOT, Washington State Department of Commerce, and TransAlta’s Coal Transition Grants.

Certain areas within Lewis County PUD’s service territory have been identified as underserved electric vehicle corridors by the Washington State Department of Transportation. The promotion and installation of EV Charging Stations within Lewis County will allow EV users to visit our local communities and business which would boost community economic development.

For more information visit Transportation Electrification

Helpful Links

Reference Material

EV Contact Form

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