Plug-in Electric Vehicles

Plug-in vehicle (PEV) terms:

• PHEVs – plug-in hybrid electric vehicles use combined power sources of gasoline and electricity.
• EREVs – extended-range electric vehicles also use combined power sources of gasoline and electricity. Note: the distinction between PHEVs and EREVs means little to consumers.
• BEVs, or battery electric vehicles, use electricity as the sole power source.
• Conventional hybrids are not PEVs! An example is the standard Toyota Prius.

Examples of PEVs:

Interested in buying a PEV? The Vehicle Cost Calculator from the U.S. Department of Energy helps you calculate the total cost of ownership and emissions for most vehicles, including electric vehicles.

Each person or family should examine whether a PEV will fit their lifestyle and budget.

Pros of plug-in cars:

• Fuel Savings – it costs the equivalent of about 75 cents/gallon of gas if your electricity rate is 10 cents/kilowatt-hour.
• Environmentally friendly – BEVs produce zero tailpipe emissions! PHEVs/EREVs have significantly lower tailpipe emissions than gas-only vehicles.
• Maintenance – PEVs have fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines and require less maintenance.
• Convenience – Dramatically reduce or eliminate your trips to the gas station.
• Performance – Concerned about slow acceleration? The Chevy Volt has an impressive 0-60mph time of 7.5 seconds. The Tesla S P100D clocked in at an amazing 2.5 seconds!
• Economy Support – The demand for PEVs generates U.S. jobs in the auto, technology and energy industries.

Cons of plug-in cars:

• Upfront Costs – Electric cars have higher purchase price tags than comparable gas-powered vehicles. Also, buying and installing a fast-charge station will cost $500 to $1,500.
• Range – The range, or maximum distance travelled with a single charge, widely varies among models but some PEVs have a range less than 20 miles. Also, range diminishes as the battery ages.
• Refueling Time – It takes 4.5 hours to fully charge a Chevy Volt with a 240V quick-charger. It takes 13 hours with a standard 110V outlet (more on that below).
• Technology Advancement –Manufacturers constantly improve the range and performance of their models. Some consumers fear regretting that they “didn’t wait another year” before buying.
• Fewer Choices – The number of PEV models is rapidly expanding, but car-buyers may not have many vehicles to choose from in a given price range.
• Insurance? Before buying a PEV, check auto insurance quotes and compare them to gas-powered or conventional-hybrid models that are comparable in value (and age for used cars).

If you’re buying an electric vehicle and live in Houston, call CenterPoint Energy at 713-207-2222 to ensure we meet your new electricity needs!

Charging at home:

• Standard charging – it’s possible to plug your car directly into a standard 110v outlet, but the charging time could be as much as 13 hours.
Fast-charge at home – a 240-volt electric charging station will cut your charging time by more than half. Contact CenterPoint Energy to ensure your energy needs will be met. You will have to contact a licensed electrician to perform any upgrades to a 240-volt circuit, if needed.
• Cost of home charging station – An electric vehicle home charging station generally costs $500-$3,000 to purchase and install, depending on the features you want.
• Save on electricity – Ask your retail electric provider if they have off-peak rates (such as “free nights and weekends” or peak-time rebates) and their specific off-peak hours. When possible, charge your vehicle during off-peak hours to potentially save money with a lower electricity rate while lessening the stress on Houston’s energy grid (your electricity rates are determined by the contract you made with your retail electric provider).

Charging away from home:

There are PEV charging-station stations throughout Houston Metro. But keep in mind that PEV charging stations aren’t all equal; not all have DC fast charging (440-volt) available and some may not have capacity for many vehicles.

Online charging station locators:

• Alternative Fueling Station Locator, U.S. Department of Energy
• Blink Network
• CarStations
• ChargePoint
• Open Charge Map
• PlugShare