The popularity of electric cars in Oregon is on the rise, meaning more Oregonians are needing to charge their cars. But, sometimes it’s difficult to find charging stations close to home. So what can you do? A lot of homeowners are looking toward charging their vehicles at home.
Charging your electric vehicle might sound good except the possible giant power bill. But, what if I told you that you could charge your vehicle without racking up a huge monthly bill?
Below, we’ll take a look at three key things to know when going electric: how home charging works, charging options across Oregon, and how you can maximize your electric car savings.
Types of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Oregonians who invest in an electric car often want to charge their vehicles in the convenience of their own home. But, electric vehicles are still fairly new for drivers across the Pacific Northwest, and it’s hard to know which charger fits your specific needs.
To help, we have a quick overview of the 3 types of electric car charging stations drivers can use in Oregon.
Level 1 Electric Car Charger:
The level 1 charger is a standard charger that usually comes with your vehicle when you purchase it. There’s no special process for installing them: just plug the charger into your 120-volt outlet (standard outlet) and it’s ready to charge!
This electric car charger is ideal for pretty much any Oregon driver, and won’t require you to spend more money.
Level 2 Electric Car Charger:
The level 2 charger uses 240 volts, and since the standard outlet is 120, this one requires a special installation. 240 volts is what ovens and dryers use, so your home may already be set up for this.
If not, to install and use a level 2 electric vehicle charger you’ll need a double pole circuit breaker. To get that installed, you may have to replace your entire breaker box. If you go this route, once you have the correct outlet type installed, you can run a cable directly to your car to charge it. Just make sure that the cable is insulated.
Installing this type of charger is highly technical, with huge risks if you try to do it yourself. The smarter choice is to have a professional install this part for about $200-$1,200.
Level 3 Electric Car Charger:
Level 3 chargers are commonly known as charging stations or “DC fast chargers.” Those rows of chargers you see at freeway rest areas the public can use are this type of charger. Fast chargers for electric cars in Oregon provide compatible cars with 80% charge in about 30 minutes.
If you have a Tesla, you may have heard this type of charger referred to as a supercharger.
Unfortunately, not all electric vehicles can use these chargers. Before assuming you’ll be able to get by with using one of these chargers, check to make sure that your car is compatible. These types of chargers also cost a fee that can be charged per minute, a monthly flat fee, or both.
Accessing Electric Car Charging in Oregon
In Oregon, there are about 1,600 public charging stations available through seven different charging companies. Chargeway is an Oregon-based company that can help you with finding places to charge your electric vehicle.
Planning on making a road trip across Oregon and were worried about being able to charge your vehicle? As part of Oregon’s push towards fewer gas guzzling cars, there’s the West Coast Electric Highway.
Drivers can find fast charging stations every 25 to 50 miles along Interstate 5, Hwy 99, and other major roads.
Using Charging Stations with Solar
Getting an electric vehicle and home solar has many advantages, especially when it comes to saving money. A major barrier for homeowners looking to invest in an electric car in Oregon is wondering how to do it without seeing monthly energy costs spiral out of control.
Solar can not only save you money on your normal home heating and energy bill, but can be designed to make the most out of your electric vehicle.
Here at Purelight, where you can take your electric car charging station into account when building your system. That way we’re able to encompass your expected energy usage to design a system that produces enough power to keep the lights on, and your car charged.
With the recent passing of the Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners have more ways than ever to save even more money by getting an energy-efficient home and car.
If you’re in an electric car, investing in solar is a smart choice too.
Purelight Helps You Own Your Power!
Solar is a great investment for saving more with an at home electric car charger in Oregon.
Purelight Power can build your system to meet your unique energy needs and wipe out your power bill .
A quick 60-second survey will tell you if your roof qualifies for Purelight’s solar for $0 down the program.
