Electric Vehicles

According to DMV data, there are approximately 665 electric vehicles currently being operated in our service territory.

Quick Facts:

80% of EV charging is done at home.

20 moving parts on an electric engine versus 2,000 moving parts on an internal combustion engine vehicle.

Multiple Fast Chargers and Level 2 Chargers now available throughout MEA's service territory.

Electric Vehicles

What you should know about EVs

A smart thermostat on the wall

1

There are three different types of EVs. The most common ones include:

Battery Electric Vehicles
(BEVs) or All Electric Vehicles (AEVs)

Battery Electric Vehicles have a battery and an electric motor instead of a gas tank and an internal combustion engine. They run entirely on electricity and do not produce any exhaust from the burning of fuel.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles have an electric motor and a gas-powered internal combustion engine. Some PHEVs operate exclusively, or almost exclusively, on electricity until the battery is nearly depleted, then the gasoline-powered engine turns on to provide power.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

Hybrid Electric Vehicles have an electric motor and a gas-powered internal combustion engine, and don't plug-in for charging. HEVs can have substantial range on a single tank of gas, but still burn fossil fuels, produce carbon emissions, require trips to the gas station and scheduled engine-maintenance.

2

There are three different levels of charging for electric vehicles.

AC Level 1 —
120 Volts, typically 9-24 hours for a full charge

This is your standard wall outlet plug-in charging. Level 1 charging can typically provide 2-5 miles of range per hour of charging, and is most often used at homes and occasionally workplaces.

AC Level 2 —
240 Volts, typically 4-6 hours for a full charge

Similar to a dryer outlet, a 240 V plug requires the installation of additional charging equipment by a qualified electrician/installer. Level-2 chargers typically deliver 10 to 20 miles of range per hour of charging. Level 2 is used in homes, workplaces and for some public charging. Level 2 charging systems provide slight energy efficiency benefits over level 1 chargers and savings estimates vary based on length of charge time.

DC Fast-Charge

This provides charging through 480 V AC input and requires specialized, high-powered charging equipment. DC Fast-Charging can deliver an 80 percent battery charge for most EV models in about 20-30 minutes of charging. Over the next year, the Alaska Energy Authority is working with organizations to install a dozen fast charging stations throughout the Railbelt from Homer and Seward, up to Fairbanks. In MEA's service territory, there are three fast charging stations operational at the Chugiak and Trapper Creek Three Bears and at the Denali Brewery with an expansion of the Trapper Creek Three Bears and a new facility at the Cottonwood Creek Mall in Wasilla planned for 2024.

3

Fuel vs. Electric Cost Differences

Electric Vehicles

Annual Electricity Cost to Charge for 15,000 miles.

$796/yr

3.98 est. mile/kWh, MEA kWh rate at $0.21

Gas Vehicles

Annual Gasoline Cost to Drive 15,000 miles.

$4,263/yr

15 MPG, $4.24 per gallon

Total Savings

$3,467/yr

Estimated Annual Savings Driving Electric Instead of Fuel
Calculate your cost savings potential with the cost savings calculator.

What else should I know?

Accepting Applications for Level 2 Charger Pilot Program

MEA is currently accepting applications from existing EV owners and MEA members, or those that have ordered an EV, to participate in the Level 2 Charging Data Collection Program. In exchange for your EV charging data, MEA will provide you with a FREE Level 2 Charger. Learn more about the program and review the program applications and documents on the program webpage.

Electric Vehicle Tax Credit up to $7,500

A federal income tax credit up to $7,500 is available for the purchase of a qualifying EV. The minimum credit amount is $2,500, and the credit may be up to $7,500, based on each vehicle's battery capacity and the gross vehicle weight rating. The credit begins to phase out for each vehicle manufacturer once they have sold 200,000 eligible electric vehicles in the United States (as counted from January 1, 2010). For more information on EV tax credits, click here.