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1. Why should I consider an electric vehicle?

The more our community upgrades to electric vehicles, the less tailpipe emissions there will be and the better the Town’s air quality will become. EVs also have many cost benefits, are fun to drive, and are more energy efficient than conventional vehicles due to the fact that:

• EVs do not emit tailpipe pollutants and because of this contribute to better local air quality.
• The cost of maintaining EVs is minimal compared to traditional vehicles.
• Cost comparison of miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and miles per gallon of gasoline or diesel show significant cost savings while driving an EV.
• As an owner of an EV, you will know your carbon footprint is less than a non-EV driver.
• With more public charging stations being activated each month and the freedom to charge your vehicle at your own home, there is no need to go to a gas station anymore.

Erie’s Sustainability Plan identifies “Encouraging the use of electric vehicles by providing incentive to purchase vehicles and installing publicly available charging stations” as a priority in the Transportation Sector and “Increasing the share of electric vehicles registered in the community by 25% by 2025 (with a stretch goal of 50%)" as a target.

2. Is the Town electrifying its fleet of vehicles?

Absolutely! The Town currently has three electric vehicles and, “Switch(ing) government fleet vehicles to electric vehicles or other high-efficiency vehicles within the replacement cycle (or sooner) and when appropriate models are available” is a High Priority Level Strategy in the Sustainability Plan’s Transportation Sector. 

3. How can I learn more about switching to an EV?

You can take advantage of our local EnergySmart EV advising which provides an expert to walk you through what options are right for you, including tax credits and charging options. Contact EnergySmart for one-on-one help to answer questions, assess your needs, and receive expert advice from a non-biased, non-sales person.

4. What is an electric vehicle?

An Electric Vehicle (EV) is a type of vehicle that runs on electricity, powered by rechargeable battery packs. There are two main types of EVs:

• Battery electric vehicle - all power is stored in a battery.
• Hybrid electric vehicles - have a down-sized internal combustion engine in addition to the battery.

5. What is the first step to researching EVs?

Each individual dealer should have the most updated tax credit information, costs, and savings. Before you visit a dealer, if you are interested in comparing prices of total cost of ownership (TCO) you can visit Drive Electric NoCo. TOC is more accurate than MSRP because it shows the full cost of ownership and operation of the vehicle over five years. 

6. How much tax credit is available for EVs?

Charging Station Credits

Erie residents and businesses that install electric vehicle charging stations may be eligible for a federal tax credit* for Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property. This may include a credit of up to $1,000 for the purchase and installation of a charging station for personal use. Additionally, federal law allows a 30% percent tax credit, capped at $30,000, for business/investment use per site.

• Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit
• Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit: IRS Form 8911
  *This credit is not available to towns, cities, schools, or other non-taxpayers.

Vehicle Credits

Fueleconomy.gov offers an updated list of tax credits per vehicle that you can visit. Plugstar also offers a database of tax credits in our area.

7. Are there reduced financing options for EVs?

Local Credit Unions such as Colorado's Clean Energy Credit Union is pleased to announce that they now offer EV and Hybrid auto loan rates as low as 2.39% for qualifying members. Check out the current rates and learn how you can take advantage of them to purchase or refinance a clean energy vehicle. New members can also qualify for this rate, so spread the news to fellow clean energy enthusiasts.

8. Are EVs as safe as combustible engine vehicles?

Yes, EVs are held to the same national safety standards. Charging your EV is just as safe as charging your cell phone.

9. How do I charge my car at home?

Charging at home is easy. You can use a regular three prong outlet and charge your EV when you get home in the evening and let your car charge overnight just like your cell phone. This regular outlet charge will meet your needs so long as your usually drive 30 miles or less per day. More than 80% of Coloradans travel less than 30 miles per day and this option may work for you.

If you drive more than 30 miles most days, consider installing a more powerful electric car charger at home. These are called “Level 2” chargers. Search online for “home electric vehicle charger”. You can find these chargers on Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and more. Common chargers include: Juicebox 48, ChargePoint Home Flex, and ClipperCreek LCS-30P. You will need to hire an electrician to install the charger. Once the charger is installed, plug your car in! 

For qualified electricians near you, Plugstar also provides a database for use: https://plugstar.com/electricians 

10. What does a home charger cost?

The cost varies with different brands of chargers, labor, and need for any electrical upgrades. On average, installation of a Level 2 charger at home may cost between $400-$1,000. If your EV home charging unit requires an increase in size of your electrical panel’s main breaker, please check with your electric utility for costs associated with modifying your electrical service.

11. Do you need a building permit to install a charger?

Yes, an Electrical Permit is required to install an electric vehicle charger in a home. 

12. How does EV charging affect my electric bill?

The charging cost associated with an EV is about the same or less than the cost required to operate an average central air conditioner or water heater for a few hours. Charging during off-peak hours (overnight) maximizes your cost savings.

The cost depends on several factors such as how depleted your EV battery is when you plug it in, if you’re charging during on-peak or off-peak hours, and what your kWh rate is with either Xcel Energy or United Power. For example, if you charge your vehicle off-peak hours, your battery size is a 24-kilowatt-hour, and your electricity cost is $0.07 per kWh, then the cost to charge your EV at home would be $1.68 per session (assuming the battery is fully depleted/0% battery life).

13. Where can I charge my EV when traveling?

There is an extensive electric vehicle charging station network throughout Colorado that is growing by the day. Finding public charging stations is easy and can be found on Google Maps, PlugShare, ChargeHub, and many other resources. Public chargers are not like gas stations - they can be found everywhere from public parks, grocery stores, hardware store or pharmacies, public parking garages, shopping centers, and outside parking lots, or even curbside like at 625 Pierce Street.