Stable’s software will support Enel X Way’s charging network expansion across North America by helping customers take a data-driven approach to infrastructure deployment
Enel X has completed construction of an innovative microgrid that leverages solar energy and battery storage to support the facility and EV charging at Global Partners LP’s Alltown Fresh® service station in Ayer, Massachusetts.
12 new electric vehicle charging ports available for faculty, student, and public use
There are many reasons to consider purchasing an electric car than sticking with a conventional car. Although electric vehicle ownership is on the rise, there are common concerns that may be holding you back from making the leap from a gas-powered vehicle to an electric vehicle. This guide will take you through the numerous benefits of owning an electric car, while also tackling the three main cons of electric vehicles—upfront cost, charging time, and range anxiety. By the end, you will feel confident in knowing the truth about EVs and the countless upsides to moving away from a gas vehicle. What are the Pros and Cons of Electric Cars The main crux of the electric vehicle conversation is around cost, misconceptions about battery life, performance, and convenience. However, when facts regarding the pros and cons of electric vehicles are laid out, it is immediately clear how worthwhile shifting to electric can be. The Pros of Owning an Electric Car Electric vehicles offer a wide range of benefits for both EV owners and the environment. Some of the high-level pros of driving electric include: • Reduced Emissions – Not only do electric cars produce no tailpipe emissions into our ailing atmosphere, but these positive effects can be further enhanced by powering your car with electricity from renewable energy sources, like solar power. When compared to a gasoline vehicle, electric vehicle emissions are significantly lower, which reduces CO2 emission, lowering your carbon footprint. • Electrifying Performance – Because electric cars don't rely on internal combustion engines, you can enjoy a smooth, quiet ride with better acceleration and less required maintenance than a conventional vehicle. • No More Gas Costs – On average, Americans spend around $3,000 every year on gas, depending on their state and car’s fuel efficiency. With a fully electric car, your gas bill will be reduced to zero, so your wallet can feel just as good as your smooth, electric ride. • Lower Maintenance Costs – Do electric cars save you money? The short answer is yes. Because electric cars are not powered by a complex internal combustion engine, the recurring costs associated with gas-fueled vehicles don’t apply. Gone are the days of oil changes and costly, inconvenient engine work. Not to mention, with regenerative braking your brakes won’t wear as quickly and will not need replacing as often. • Incentives and Rebates – Depending on which country or state you are in, you may be eligible for many attractive tax credits and incentives that lower the cost of your electric vehicle considerably, offsetting the upfront price of electric cars that usually turns new buyers away. This is further outlined in the Infrastructure Bill EV Credit. Debunking the Cons Although the benefits are attractive, many consumers are hesitant to pull the trigger on an electric car due to concerns over range, charging, and costs. Not only do the benefits of owning an electric car far outweigh the costs, but also many of these common concerns are either misapprehensions or will soon be non-issues due to rapid technological improvements. Range Anxiety Range anxiety is perhaps the most pervasive fear of driving an electric vehicle. Concerns that the range of EV models will leave drivers stranded or inconvenienced as they wait for drawn-out charging times. While these concerns are understandable, they are often blown out of proportion and do not reflect the realities of driving an EV. Here’s why you shouldn’t worry: • Electric vehicles can go far on a single charge. For the 2021 model year, the median range for EVs was 234 miles. While this pales in comparison to many longer-range electric models, this range still exceeds the distance that most consumers commute on a day to day basis. As long as drivers plug in every night or two, even the lowest range EVs can fulfill most drivers’ needs. • As technology improves, electric vehicle ranges will increase rapidly. Some EVs are already exceeding 500+ miles in range. Range anxiety will soon be a thing of the past. • Just like driving any gas-powered car, you will know when your car is in need of a charge and can thus make charging decisions around your commutes to avoid inopportune driving situations. Rest assured, you will not unexpectedly run out of charge in the middle of the freeway. • Most electric vehicles are designed with a “turtle mode,” which reduces power when the car is at a low battery, giving you a few more miles to drive to your nearest charging station before your car stops completely. At-Home Charging and Installation Consumers may find it inconvenient and even intimidating to charge electric vehicles. However, as the electric vehicle market grows, finding where to charge an electric car won't be difficult. There’s certainly no shortage of public charging stations or at-home charging options to choose from. Even tenants can urge property managers to install EV charger at an apartment for their convenience. Many drivers are also concerned that charging takes too long, however, as battery technology improves this too will be an issue of the past. Here’s why you shouldn’t worry: • Charging your electric vehicle overnight as a habit will mitigate concerns of long charging times, as you can charge your battery and wake up in the morning with a full charge with no inconvenience to your daily routine. • If you need to charge your car away from home, public EV charging stations are springing up everywhere, providing a convenient means to charge up while running errands or while at work. • With the JuiceBox home EV charging station, you can easily, quickly, and affordably charge your electric vehicle at home. With smart capabilities, such as a mobile app that allows you to schedule your charging session, monitor your charging status, and optimize your charging to reduce energy costs, home charging has never been easier. Battery Life and Maintenance Costs Although electric vehicles have lower maintenance costs when compared to internal combustion cars, some consumers have concerns regarding battery wear and costly battery replacement. These concerns, though valid, will soon be squashed by improved battery efficiency and forthcoming engineering developments. Here’s why you shouldn’t worry: • Electric vehicle batteries are getting more efficient every year. Lithium-ion cell energy density increases at about 7% yearly, resulting in better performance at a lower cost. • Because electric vehicles are still in their infancy, there is a lot more data required to make any conclusive claims about EV battery life. Although most claim electric batteries last about ten years, Tesla’s batteries have shown to only decrease in approximately 10% of their energy capacity after 100,000 miles of driving. • Furthermore, most popular electric car manufacturers offer attractive warranties on their EV battery packs that mitigate many—if not all—the costs associated with replacing said batteries. If battery life is still a concern, here are a few ways to improve your electric car’s battery life: • Reduce exposure to high temperatures – If you are in a temperate climate, you’re in luck. If not, consider storing your car in the shade, and be mindful of garage temperatures. • Don’t Overcharge Your Battery – Charging your electric car past its voltage limit can damage the battery and reduce its longevity. Most cars have built-in management systems to prevent this. • Do Not Drain the Battery Completely – Your electric car battery capacity will decrease over time if you frequently drain it completely. Try to avoid this by introducing regular charging to your weekly routine. Think about it like charging your phone—make it a habit you don’t even have to think about. • Avoid Aggressive Driving Patterns – This involves not pulling excessive amounts of current from your battery in a short amount of time. Just practice safe and steady driving and you’ll be killing two birds with one stone. Electric Cars are More Expensive Finally, one of the biggest issues surrounding EVs: are electric cars more expensive than conventional cars? Currently, yes. However, many studies have shown that as technology advances, the costs associated with owning an electric car may be lower than those of gas-powered cars as early as three years from now. Here’s why you shouldn’t worry: • Just by cutting gas costs alone, an electric car will be less expensive in the long run. Currently, electric cars pay themselves off in about six years, depending on local gas prices and the type of car. However, as batteries get better and lighter, this payoff time will decrease even further. • Powering your car with electricity generated from at-home solar panel charging can eliminate higher costs and further present a financial advantage by reducing your energy bill for the rest of your home. • Although the upfront cost of owning an electric car is still higher than purchasing a comparable conventional vehicle, this cost can be viewed as a worthy upfront investment for valuable long-term benefits in cost and energy savings. Choose the Right Car for You, Today It is evident that the advantages of owning an electric vehicle far outweigh the disadvantages, but it is also important that you choose the right electric car for you. Some factors to consider are: • Battery Life – Different models of electric cars use different methods of battery cooling that may affect battery longevity. • Driving Range – Depending on your typical commute and driving habits, it may be worth it to shell out a bit more money for a more expensive electric car with a higher driving range. Also take into consideration the charging infrastructure of your local area. • Battery Warranty – Consult your manufacturer before purchasing an electric car to better understand your rights should once your battery ever needs replacing. • Price-point – As the electric vehicle market blossoms, the variety of electric vehicle options is steadily increasing, with many affordable options coming to market that are worthy considerations for a new consumer. Most importantly, enjoy your smooth electrifying ride and rest assured that as you step on the pedal, you are doing both your planet and your wallet a favor.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly rising in popularity as a readily available and widespread means of transportation. Legislation like the Infrastructure Bill EV Credit provides incentives for EV owners to make the switch. Plug-in EV sales in 2021 amounted to 6.6 million, more than double the sales in 2020, and more than triple in 2019, according to the IEA. In California, ZEVs claimed 11.5% of all new car sales in the first three quarters of 2021, up 48% from 2020. Taking note, both Bloomberg and the International Energy Agency have increased their outlooks for EV’s share of total vehicle sales through 2040 by as much as 20%. Automakers now make electric cars available across a range of price points and are designing different EVs to meet a diversity of consumer needs. With the unveiling of the Tesla Cybertruck and the first electric adventure vehicles from Rivian, EVs are now practical for even the most rugged destinations. Some of the most popular EV models on the market right now include: • Tesla: Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model S, Tesla Model X • General Motors: Chevrolet Bolt • Porsche: Porsche Taycan • Hyundai: Hyundai Kona electric, Hyundai Ioniq electric • Ford: Ford Mustang Mach-e • Nissan: Nissan LEAF • Volkswagen: ID4 • Audi: Audi e-tron Based on current trends, EV sales will reach tens of millions within the next 20 years, and this surge means a complete overhaul of our petroleum-reliant transportation sector is coming. The Benefits of Driving an EV There are several reasons why electric car sales have more than doubled in just a few years. People are recognizing the pros and cons of electric cars. Hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric vehicles are significantly more efficient than their gas-guzzling equivalents, which rely on fossil fuels and emit harmful pollutants like greenhouse gases. In 2019, the transportation sector accounted for 29% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. While there is no denying the environmental benefits of driving an electric vehicle, many EV drivers value the lifestyle advantages that come with EV ownership even more highly. EVs offer smoother and quieter acceleration, better handling, and instant linear torque, allowing them to outperform traditional gasoline-powered vehicles in nearly every way. Additionally, EV drivers save on fuel costs (because electricity is typically cheaper than gasoline) and maintenance costs (because electric cars require fewer trips to the mechanic, which can add up to thousands of dollars over the course of several years). With smart charging, EV drivers can save even more money by using the lowest cost electricity available, while utilities can save money and meet energy efficiency goals by allocating EV charging energy demand to the times when electricity usage is lowest across the electric grid. Studies have found that compared to driving a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, California EV drivers save on average between $571 to $1,077 dollars per year on fueling costs alone. Below is a summary of the ways that EVs benefit both the planet and your wallet: • Reduced CO2 and tailpipe emissions • Electricity as a fuel source can be derived from renewable resources, while internal combustion engines (ICE) are fueled primarily by petroleum, a non-renewable fossil fuel • Electricity prices are lower and more stable than gas prices • EVs tend to have fewer maintenance expenses • The federal government offers tax credits and other fee reductions for EV purchases • EVs provide access to local and state-level incentives, including access to special parking spaces and high-occupancy vehicle lane exemption, among others Where can you charge an EV? With millions of electric cars already on the road and lofty projections for EV sales in coming years, EV charging infrastructure needs to expand rapidly to meet the needs of EV drivers. Simply put, more EVs mean a greater need for chargers. Before you buy an electric vehicle, you should know where to charge an electric car. Currently, there are four primary areas where charging stations are accessible: • Single-family homes • Multi-unit residences (apartments and condominiums) • Commercial buildings and workplaces • Public charging corridors • Workplaces A complete charge can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours depending on the size of the vehicle battery pack and the type of charging technology used. Most EV drivers participate in home charging; on average, EV drivers complete 80% of their charging where they live. The home will continue to be one of the most convenient places to charge because it is more time and cost-efficient, while the time required to achieve a full charge makes on-the-go public charging impractical as a primary charging option for many drivers. For owners of a single-family home, it is relatively straightforward to invest in a 240-volt outlet and other improvements to speed up charging, and the convenience of charging at home provides drivers peace of mind knowing their EV will be fully charged each morning. This peace of mind may be why homeowners are three times as likely as renters to own an EV. EV drivers living in multifamily communities desire the same convenient charging experience as single-family homeowners. Today, 37% of all U.S. households do not reside in a single-family residences. Thankfully, savvy landlords are responding to the EV charging demand voiced by their tenants. As more residents choose electric vehicles over their gas-guzzling counterparts, the need for EV charging stations at multifamily residences is becoming clear. What’s in it for Property Owners? Providing residents with electric vehicle charging stations allows the landlord, building managers, and property owner to: • Increase occupancy rates by retaining current residents and attracting new residents • Increase overall property value • Take advantage of federal and state incentives for EV charging infrastructure • Help meet standards for LEED building certification • Promote smarter and greener technologies and take part in the transition to widespread EV adoption As a property owner, it might interest you to know that EV charging can be a valuable amenity for many tenants and increase property values. A study by Realtor.com found that the median listing price is 1.5 times higher for California homes with close proximity to EV charging stations. Adding EV charging stations to a multifamily property can increase the resale value of the property and even attract residents who are looking to settle in communities with EV charging facilities and a demonstrated commitment to sustainability. By investing in smart EV charging equipment with the ability to manage and track energy usage, communities can manage the costs of providing this valuable amenity to tenants and even monetize a new revenue stream by billing tenants for EV charging. With that in mind, consider learning how to install an electric car charging station. Thanks to generous incentives programs across the United States, there are hundreds of millions of dollars of incentives available to multifamily properties to fund commercial EV charging equipment. This means that with zero investment of their own capital, many multifamily properties can install EV charging equipment and increase occupancy rate or even increase the market value of homes. The three main sources of funding are utility-provided incentive programs, state and local government incentive programs, and programs funded by the Volkswagen "Clean Diesel" Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation. These incentives can cover up to 100% of the cost of purchasing and installing EV charging stations at multifamily locations, which represents a unique opportunity to future-proof a property with little or no capital investment. For more information on incentives that may be available for properties in your area, please refer to our incentive database, where you can look up the availability of rebates and other incentives by ZIP code. While generous financial incentives and increased property values are enticing enough to convince many property owners to install EVSE, many states and municipalities are also using regulations to mandate the development of EV charging stations. For new real estate developments, minimum requirements for the inclusion of EV charging stations have already been put in place in many jurisdictions. California’s CALGreen building code includes a provision requiring that 3% of parking spaces in new multi-unit dwellings be EV ready. Many municipalities go above these requirements, with Palo Alto, California requiring that multifamily residences of any size provide at least one EV-ready outlet or installed EV charging station for each residential unit in the structure. These mandates are designed to help multifamily properties prepare for the coming surge in electric vehicles and save money in the long run, since retrofitting a property to accommodate EV charging can be more expensive than installing them at the time of development. A Model for EV-Friendly Building Rentals and multifamily properties represent a large and increasing number of households in North America today. Residential charging is often cheaper and more convenient than public charging. There is a clear consensus among EV drivers that the best charging happens when EVs are left in a parking spot overnight. Each of the above statements is a testament to why equipping multi-unit residences with the capacity to charge EVs is one of the best ways to address the existing gap in charging infrastructure and meet the growing demand for EVs and EVSE. Between the booming market for EVs and the availability of incentive funds to help pay for some or all of an EV charging equipment installation, there has never been a better time to invest in charging stations. Luckily for property owners, a roadmap for the process of incorporating this technology into apartment complex garages and parking lots exists. In California, one of the leading states in the adoption of EV tech, the California Plug-In Electric Vehicle Collaborative has published an in-depth recommendation report for building owners considering the installation of EVSE. For more information, The Plug-in Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Guidelines for multifamily buildings can be found on the U.S. Department of Energy’s website. Charging into a Greener Future The importance of implementing lifestyle changes and making more sustainable choices on an individual level is indisputable. However, changes in infrastructure and energy systems need to match these choices to enable a smooth transition to e-Mobility. As with any new technology, EV charging equipment can seem confusing at first. Luckily, programs and initiatives to equip apartment buildings with charging infrastructure exist and are already working to make EV charging easier for eco-minded renters and residents. The technology and business models necessary to support the integration of charging systems into multi-unit dwellings are developed and accessible - to learn more about the solutions that would work best at your property, contact our commercial sales team. Enel X Way in North America has helped over 3,000 business customers spanning more than 10,000 sites find the best energy solutions for their properties, and we will work with you to help find available incentive funding and ensure that you find the best EV charging solutions for your property. It is important to remember that investment in both EVs and EV charging infrastructure is not just an economic one; it is also an investment in your community’s transition to a cleaner transportation system. The most important return on this investment is the longevity and health of your community and our society as a whole.