EV FAQs

What does it cost to charge an EV at a SMECO Recharge station?

SMECO charges 18 cents per kWh for a Level 2 charger, which allows a vehicle to pull 7 kW (demand). Using 7 kW for one hour equals 7 kWh. (7 kWh x 18 cents = $1.26 per hour)

If your EV gets roughly 4 miles per kWh, after one hour of charging, 7 kWh will provide 28 miles of travel (7 kWh x 4 miles = 28 miles).

To go on a 100-mile trip, your EV would need to charge for about 3½ hours at a total cost of $4.54 (100/28 = 3.6 hours, 3.6 x $1.26 = $4.54  or  3.6 x 7 x .18 = $4.54).

SMECO charges 34 cents per kWh for a Level 3 DC fast charger, which allows a vehicle to pull 50 kW (demand). Using 50 kW for one hour equals 50 kWh. (50 kWh x 34 cents = $17 per hour)

If your EV gets roughly 4 miles per kWh, after one hour of charging, 50 kWh will provide 200 miles of travel (50 kWh x 4 miles = 200 miles).

To go on a 100-mile trip, your EV would need to charge for ½ hour at a total cost of $8.50 (100/200 = ½ hour, .5 x $17 = $8.50   or  .5 x 50 x .34 = $8.50).

A SMECO residential customer is charged about 11.7 cents per kWh (not including the taxes and fees that appear on a monthly bill), so charging your EV at home would cost less. Try the savings calculator on our Electric Vehicle Guide page.

What’s the difference between level 1, level 2, and level 3 charging?

Level 1 EV charging – plug your vehicle into a standard 120-V outlet, similar to plugging in a lamp or a toaster. EV drivers typically plug in at home in a garage or driveway. It takes a long time to charge a vehicle’s battery when utilizing 120-V Level 1 charging, usually 12 hours or more.

Level 2 EV charging – plug into a 240-V outlet, like your electric dryer or stove may use. Some EV owners may install a 240-V outlet in their garage for faster charging. Some businesses may have a Level 2 charging station open to the public. With the voltage and amperage of the Level 2 charger, the EV battery may take 4 to 8 hours to charge. Many publicly available Level 2 chargers are being installed throughout the United States, and there is a movement to install Level 2 chargers at home.

Level 3 charging (also called Direct Current Fast Charging) - Level 3 chargers use three-phase 277/480-V service, which requires a larger transformer and access to three-phase distribution lines. While installing a Level 3 charger is costly, it is the way of the future for faster public charging; a vehicle takes just 30 to 60 minutes to attain a healthy charge.