Knowledge Is Power.
There’s a lot of hype around electric vehicles (EVs) right now. But there are also a lot of questions about their performance, reliability and how they actually fit into your everyday life. At PSO, we want to provide you with answers to your EV questions, so you can make informed decisions. So, take an educational journey with us. It’ll be electrifying.
Sure, electric vehicles (EVs) look like typical cars from the outside, but inside, there’s a new world of automotive magic happening. Here’s how they work:
Like with all new technology, EVs currently start at a higher price point than gas-powered vehicles. But it’s important to take into consideration the total cost of ownership. This includes trading the pump for a plug, meaning energy costs…kWh instead of mpg…as well as maintenance/repairs and federal tax incentives.
Starting price for a new EV.
Starting price for a new gas-powered car.
Obviously, the upfront cost for EVs is higher than gas-powered vehicles. However, over time, they have the potential to make up that financial gap for these two reasons:
Fewer moving parts. Like in the diagram above, there’s far less going on under the hood. Plus, EVs don’t require oil or even spark plugs. Maintenance costs tend to be minimal and noticeably less expensive.
Energy consumption. Electricity usage is calculated in kilowatt hours (kWh) versus gas, which is calculated in gallons. On average, kWh rates are significantly lower than price per gallon.
10,920
miles driven3,120
kWh used$490
yearly electric cost
10,920
miles driven546
gallons used$490
yearly gas costA study from the U.S. Department of Energy has shown that there’s a 4-cent per-mile difference that favors EVs over gas-powered vehicles, due to lower maintenance and energy costs. While that might not sound like very much, over the course of a car’s lifespan and the miles driven, it adds up exponentially.
The federal EV tax credit is up to
for new vehicles. Learn more.
State and federal transportation projects rely heavily on gas taxes to fund highways, road construction and maintenance that impact us all.
Federal Highway Funds
State Highway Funds
Since EV owners don’t gas up at the pump, they don’t pay fuel tax. As a result, there’s a loss of revenue that supports state and federal roadway infrastructure. So, in Oklahoma, EV owners pay an additional tax when they renew their tag to offset not paying fuel tax at the pump. Beginning in 2024, there will be a new tax applied to using certain public charging stations. This is aimed at out-of-state drivers — Oklahoma residents will be able to get this tax refunded.
Costs vary greatly based on the current homes’ electrical service, but a home with existing 240v availability could cost you as little as $250-$400 for a basic setup. However, if you choose to install a charging station that’s powered from a dedicated 40 or 50amp circuit, it could cost you more; around $1700* for the electric portion alone. A charging station install can cost upwards of $1500 to $4500 depending on the scope of work. If a new electric service is needed or a utility upgrade of the existing service is required, prices could fluctuate drastically. Please contact PSO with questions regarding service availability and upgrade options by calling 1-888-216-3523 or visit psoklahoma.com.
The biggest questions regarding EVs revolve around their batteries, from charging capacity to how long they last. EV battery technology is advancing rapidly, so it’s important to stay current with the latest information.
Most, if not all, EVs use Lithium-Ion batteries.
16.7kWh
to
118kWh
The more kWh capacity, the greater the performance and mileage per charge.
> SOURCE: EV Database
EV batteries are built to outlast the cars in which they are installed. Nearly all EV batteries are warranted for eight years and 100,000 miles. These batteries are more advanced than the batteries that power your phone, laptop and other battery-powered devices, and are built to last far longer.
Currently, the shortest range on a single charge is 58 miles (Smart EQ),
while the longest range can reach 431 miles (Lucid Air).
Most EV manufacturers recommend keeping your batteries charged between 20-80%. By average driving habits, this translates into plugging in every three days or so.
From as quickly as 10 minutes with a Level 3 charger to almost 12 hours, EV charging times can vary greatly and depend on several factors.
| CHARGER TYPE | CHARGE PER HOUR | VOLTAGE |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-5 miles | 120 V (AC) |
| Level 2 | 10-20 miles | 240 V (AC) |
| DC Fast | 60-80 miles | 480 V (DC) |
Level 1 has the slowest charge time and is typically used for at-home charging.
Level 2 is the next fastest EV charger used for at-home or public charging.
Fast Charger is used for public or fleet charging due to their size and capacity.
Level 1 outlets (like those you use at home 120V outlet) charge car batteries at the slowest rate. If your vehicle offers more battery capacity (measured in kWh), you’ll need more time to charge your car battery fully.
Drivers rarely charge their vehicles from an empty battery. They usually “top up” their batteries instead to lengthen the time they can drive on a single charge, which generally saves drivers significant charging time.
How much of a charge can your vehicle accept at once? Your vehicle’s maximum charge rate is static, so you won’t save time by charging your battery at a more powerful charging station.
Your charging time also depends on the maximum charging rate of the charging station you are using. Even if your car can charge at a higher rate, it will only charge at your charging station’s maximum power rate, which can adversely affect charging time.
Lower temperatures can affect vehicle efficiency and lengthen charging times, especially when using rapid chargers. Conversely, hot weather can also affect your electric car’s thermal management systems, affecting its efficiency. Hot conditions can also test an electric vehicle’s internal resistance, rising as battery charges increase.
The short answer is YES.
However, they degrade at a slower rate than your cellphone battery, for example, most EV batteries will outlast the car they’re in.
Studies by Recurrent, a company that researches and tracks battery life EVs, reveal an estimated 5% decrease in range from 50,000 to about 200,000 miles. This means a 5-10% decrease in capacity in the first five years.
Another study shows they lose about 2.3% of their energy capacity each year.
> SOURCE: Motor BiscuitThough rare, depending on vehicle and battery size, replacing an EV battery can range from:
Many EV manufacturers provide a warranty, typically 8 years and 100,000 miles, covering replacement cost of new batteries.
> SOURCE: How To GeekNot only are EVs energy efficient to operate, getting you from Point A to Point B while consuming less energy, but they also have exhilarating acceleration. EVs provide instant torque without having to generate RPMs to build up power. Some EVs have front and rear motors, working through the vehicle’s four wheels, which increases power and performance as well.
Even if you’re low on charge, say 20%, EVs use very minimal energy simply just sitting there. That includes running the AC and/or any ancillary devices. They burn about 1 kWh. On a full charge, you can sit in idle all day.
EVs lose charge when parked. However, the power loss is relatively minimal, which is to say, EV batteries will stay charged for a considerable length of time without being driven.
Some motorists are intrigued by the benefits an EV can offer, but they are reluctant to go 100% electric for various reasons. For these, hybrids can be a great transitional option.
Power While an EV uses only a battery and an electric motor to run, a hybrid is a gasoline-powered car that includes a battery that requires charging and an electric motor for improved fuel economy, lower emissions, and better performance. Gasoline is still the main source of power.
Upfront Cost Though EV buyers can often benefit from financial incentives, in general, hybrids may be less expensive than EVs in terms of upfront costs
Maintenance Cost Plug-In Hybrids have both an electric system and an internal combustion engine to maintain, which can increase costs. EVs have fewer moving parts, which means fewer things can break down, but repair costs can be expensive due the higher cost of EV parts and labor.
Driving Range Plug-In Hybrids eliminate range anxiety as they don’t rely solely on electric power. They have an internal combustion engine that also powers the vehicle so it can be driven exactly like a traditional gasoline-powered car, truck, or SUV.
Regular hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) never have to be plugged in to charge the battery. Instead of getting power from an outside source like a charger, the small battery is self-charging via regenerative braking.
When the battery needs additional energy, the gasoline engine powers the generator, which then charges the battery.
> SOURCE: Edmunds
Plug-in hybrids, also called plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), are much like regular hybrids but with a significantly larger battery pack that must be plugged in to charge. This larger battery pack provides a longer all-electric driving range than a traditional hybrid. PHEVs function largely as an EV when they have charged batteries, and as a gasoline-burning hybrid once the battery is depleted.
> SOURCE: Edmunds, Motor TrendIt’s not just about cost:
If battery life and performance are the biggest concerns regarding EVs, where and how to charge an EV is certainly a close second. Most EV owners will typically charge their EV at home, at work or while running errands. For longer journeys, it takes some planning by using a charging station map to identify stops along your intended route.
Home charging consists of 80-90% of all charging.
Workplace charging is a great benefit for employees & usually inspires faster EV adoption among employees.
Public charging allows people to drive EVs on longer-distance trips or to top off their battery while in town.
It’s as simple as plugging in your phone. The most convenient places for electric car charging are at home or work. Simply connect the car to a standard outlet or a charging station. Then charging occurs while you go on with your life.
Currently, there are three different types of charging stations that can be used to charge an EV.
120-volt stations are commonly found at one’s home. This is the slowest charging station but also the most economical.
Charging times: 4-12 hours.
240-volt stations are often found in homes or public spaces as well as places of business. These might be provided as a convenience to customers or pay-to-use.
Charging times: 3 hours or less for smaller batteries. 6-10 hours for larger batteries.
480-volt stations can be found in public spaces as well as places of business. These are the fastest but also the most expensive stations to install and use. Charging times: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Charging times: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
All electric cars come with a charging cord that can be used in a regular, 120-volt outlet (Level 1). Some electric cars come with a charging cord that can be used in a 240-volt outlet (like a dryer outlet) for faster charging (Level 2). A qualified electrical contractor can evaluate your home wiring to determine the best approach for electric car charging at home or explore home charging solutions now with Ever Charge.
Many manufacturers now make Level 2 chargers with meters or timers. PSO customers can receive up to $200 rebate for purchasing an ENERGY STAR-certified Level 2 charger. A 240-volt plug (like a dryer outlet), can provide up to 30 miles of range per hour of charging. Work with your electrical contractor to evaluate your home’s wiring, electrical outlets and other hardware that can support the charging requirements of your new electric vehicle. We’ve partnered with Ever Charge to offer charging solutions.
Charging at home can be the least expensive way to refuel an electric car. Using current average prices, a typical driver could save more than $1,200 each year by switching from gas to electricity. The average cost to charge an electric car will depend on where you live and the distance you drive. However, the price of electricity is more stable than gasoline — and it can cost 66-80 percent less than gas.
Beginning January 1, 2024, public EV charging stations are subject to a tax of $0.03 per kilowatt-hour. The tax does not apply to EV charging stations at private residences. Tax revenue will be apportioned to the Driving on Road Infrastructure with Vehicles of Electricity (DRIVE) Revolving Fund. Oklahoma residents may apply EV charging station tax payments as income tax credits and may be carried forward for up to five years.
(Reference Oklahoma Statutes 68-6501 through 68-6510)
> SOURCE: AFDC EnergyAs our state and country’s infrastructure grow to meet the demand of EVs, so does the network of charging stations popping up almost daily. Fortunately, there are maps and apps readily available to show drivers where the nearest charging station can be found. They can also be filtered by charging station connector type and level, as well as by network provider.
Many businesses, government offices and institutions like libraries, schools and colleges provide electric car charging stations. Services such as Blink, Ever Charge, Chargeway, Electrify America, PlugShare, Francis Energy, and Tesla have websites and mobile apps to help you find where to charge an electric car.
One of the main contributors to Oklahoma’s charging network is Tulsa-based company Francis Energy. They helped propel Oklahoma to the number one spot in the nation for Level 3 charging stations per capita with Level 3 chargers every 50 miles.
> SOURCE: PlugShareAs you could probably see in the map above, charging stations aren’t as prevalent in rural communities as they are in urban settings. However, through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Plan, $66M will provide dedicated funds over the next five years to make EV charging more accessible across our state.
Many people like to travel with the mobile charging cable that comes with their car, which enables them to slow charge at any standard outlet.
With fewer moving parts and advanced production techniques, EVs are proving to have a notable track record when it comes to reliability and longevity.
BATTERY LIFE
(potential)
EVs are safe to operate during any type of weather. Use the same judgment you would use with any vehicle when determining if it is safe to drive during extreme events.
All cars, both gas and electric, are less efficient in cold weather. The increased energy needed to heat an electric vehicle’s cabin is what has the largest impact on battery consumption and affects the car’s overall operational range. Many EVs have heated seats and steering wheels to keep the driver and passengers comfortable more efficiently than the cabin heater, which can help maximize range in the cold. Many EV drivers do notice a temporary decrease in estimated range in the winter.
All-electric vehicles typically require less maintenance than fuel-powered vehicles:
However, it is important to monitor your batteries, charging cable, and home charging station as well as update software as needed. Not to mention, coolant level for the battery, cabin heater, and the power inverter.
Manufacturer dealership service departments are great resources for servicing your EV. Their technicians will be up to speed on the latest servicing needs and techniques for your EV.
> SOURCE: CARFAX
While zero emissions are certainly a great thing, when it comes to EV production and operation, it’s important to look at the overall environmental impact. So, let’s explore the current lifecycle of an EV from production to battery disposal and recycling.
EV production does produce more carbon pollution than a non-EV, however, some studies have shown that over the lifetime of the vehicle, total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with manufacturing, charging and driving an EV are typically lower in the long run.
Power plants, like PSO facilities, use different energy sources to generate electricity. While many of our plants utilize Natural Gas, there are four main energy sources used.
Our current PSO Fact Sheet reflects that as of December 31, 2023, PSO’s energy mix was 10% coal, 25% natural gas, 27% wind and 38% purchased power.
PSO is scheduled to close its last coal facility by 2026. Customers concerned that their energy only represents renewable power should consider enrolling in PSO’s Renewable Energy Choice program.
Yes.
However, before it is recycled, it can be reused, refurbished and repurposed. If the battery isn’t damaged during its use in an EV, such as in a car accident, these batteries have additional usable capacity — an estimated 80% of the original rated capacity.
Techniques like Hydrometallurgical recycling begin with leaching to create a solvent that contains the critical materials. The individual materials are then recovered using solvent extraction, precipitation and purification. Many US-based lithium-ion recycling companies use a variation of this process and report a material recovery rate of 95%–98%.
> SOURCE: Union of Concerned Scientists
Fortunately, EV batteries are highly recyclable. Almost 95% of lithium-ion batteries components can be extracted via hydrometallurgy. Within the state of Oklahoma, Spiers, a company in Oklahoma City, is working with dealerships to refurbish, repair, reuse, and recycle EV batteries.
As battery technology advances, so will the production and disposal processes. While there’s certainly a carbon impact that takes place on both ends of the lifecycle of a battery, the lack of emissions in between can act as an offset, limiting overall environmental impact.
> SOURCE: Digital Trends
For more than 100 years, PSO has worked to power the next generation of consumer and industrial technologies. When it came to our parent’s and grandparents’ homes, this meant powering dishwashers, clothes dryers and air conditioners.
EVs present an exciting opportunity for electric utilities to continue this legacy – growing capacity and developing innovative solutions to give customers access to a cheaper, cleaner, domestic fuel source to power a new part of their lives.
Yes.
Transitioning to electric vehicles does not pose a threat to our grid or our electricity supply. PSO will continue to manage our grid strategically to ensure we provide a grid that is more robust and resilient.
Plus, the electric grid and related technologies will evolve as EVs gradually become the dominant mode of personal transportation.
As EV technology grows, this will be at a gradual pace. Similar to any other added load, PSO will continue to monitor their power grid to provide upgrades to customers’ power when needed. This is no different than what the current process is when adding any business or residential load.
> SOURCE: Energy NewsPSO’s response to outages will be the same as they currently are today.
The movement toward driving electric is revving up, and we're proud to be a part of it. We're looking at programs Public Service Company of Oklahoma may be able to offer you in the future to enhance your ownership and driving experience.
LEARN MOREAs the automotive industry moves to embrace a future focused on electric vehicle (EV) development and production, it’s creating a potentially new source of opportunity and potential revenue for commercial businesses through the installation of charging stations and EV fleets. At PSO, we want to provide you with information, so you can learn more about how EVs can positively impact your business.
Investing in EV charging is more affordable than you think. From metered service rates to unmetered service rates, PSO provides special terms and conditions related to the installation and usage of charging stations at your place of business. Learn more by clicking the link below.
VIEW PSO EV RATES Learn More about EVs
