Please Contact Us Before Purchasing an EV

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a great way to save on fuel costs and reduce emissions. They can be 3 to 5 times cheaper to operate than vehicles with internal combustion engines, and they produce zero tailpipe emissions. EVs also offer a quiet, smooth ride, stronger acceleration, and less maintenance than traditional vehicles.

Level 2 EV chargers are a popular option for charging EVs at home. They can charge an EV around 10 to 20 miles of range per hour. In comparison, the Level 1 charger that often comes with the vehicle usually charges around 2 to 5 miles of range per hour. However, Level 2 chargers require a dedicated 220-volt outlet, which may require an electrician to install. Some installations may also require panel and/or service upgrades.

The typical home in our service territory has a peak load of around 7 kW. The PUD’s infrastructure was designed to serve the anticipated load of a typical residence, but EV chargers were not a design consideration in the past. Did you know that Level 2 chargers can draw between 4 and 20 kW? That size of added load can have adverse effects on the quality of power you receive from us.

If you are considering purchasing an EV, we strongly encourage you to reach out to our Engineering Department first. We can evaluate the effect of the additional electric load from the new charger on your home’s electric service and make sure our system is up to the task before you purchase your EV. Any system modifications required to accommodate the additional load will follow our General Terms and Conditions. As such, you would be responsible for the cost of upgrading any facilities necessary to serve your additional electric load.

We want to help you make the transition to an EV as smooth and easy as possible, and continue providing you with quality power. Please contact our Engineering Department to learn more.