Thinking about purchasing a plug-in electric vehicle? It’s important to know what you need to do before you drive one off the lot.

1. Decide which type of electric-vehicle is best for you
2. Inform PGE of your plan to purchase
3. Prepare your home for charging

Step one: Decide which type of electric-vehicle is best for you.
First, you need to decide which type of plug-in electric vehicle is the best fit for you. Not all electric vehicles are alike. Some are hybrid electrics, which can run on either electricity or gas. Others are battery electrics, which run only on electricity. Part of your decision may be based on how easily and frequently you’ll be able to charge at home or on the go.

Many plug-in electric vehicles are available with different options for charging, some of which may require a home electrical panel upgrade, in addition to a dedicated 240-volt circuit.

If you are interested in a passenger vehicle, the Nissan LEAF may be right for you. If you choose to purchase a LEAF by the end of 2011, you may participate in the EV Project and receive an eTec charging station in your home as part of the US DOE research grant. When you make a reservation on the Nissan website, you have the opportunity to participate by completing a survey. Not all Nissan LEAF buyers will participate in the study. For more information, visit the Nissan LEAF website.

Step two: Inform PGE of your plan to purchase.
If you choose to charge your new plug-in electric vehicle at 240 volts (Level 2), the power draw on the electrical system can exceed the average load of a typical house, in some cases.

Above a certain amount, faster charging can trigger the need for upgrades to your home electrical system and require PGE to upgrade your neighborhoods’ electricity distribution system.

We are committed to making the necessary upgrades as quickly and efficiently as possible. The earlier customers notify PGE of their intent to purchase a plug-in electric vehicle, the more effectively we can plan for potential upgrades.

Rate options
If adding an electric vehicle significantly changes your home electricity use, you may be able to save money by choosing our Time of Use rate plan rather than the Basic Service rate most homes are on. If you need help determining which rate plan will work best for you, contact us.

We can help you figure out if our Time of Use option will save you money. Have your bill handy and you can plug in the average kWh you use per month, plus what your electric vehicle will need. You’ll be able to compare Time of Use to your current (Basic) rate plan and see which works best for you. If you decide on Time of use, you can sign up online. You can also find tips for shifting energy use to discounted times to save even more.

Step three: Prepare your home for charging.
Determine whether the vehicle you intend to purchase will require an upgrade to your home’s electrical panel and wiring. Contact PGE for help.

Most hybrid electric cars can charge on a typical 120-volt household outlet (often called “Level 1” charging). If you choose to purchase a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and charge it at 120 volts, you will need to ensure that the receptacle is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter receptacle and is a dedicated circuit. If not, it will be necessary to have a decicated GFCI cicuit installed.

Many hybrid electric cars can also be charged at 240 volts (also known as “Level 2” charging), which replenishes the battery more quickly. Most new battery-electric vehicles can charge at Level 2 and require 240-volt capability anywhere you plan to charge your vehicle. However, most new and existing EVs can also charge on 120-volt systems.

If you want to be able to install faster-charging Level 2 capability, start by talking to your vehicle dealer to see which type of charging station they recommend for your car. Keep in mind that you may need to upgrade your home electrical panel. If so, you can contact a licensed electrician and be sure to allow time to obtain appropriate permits and inspections. For more information on getting your home plug-in ready, see basic circuit requirements.