That question doesn’t have a straightforward answer. Not only does it depend on what kind of charger you’re connecting to, it depends on the car you’re driving. Broadly speaking, the more power you can deliver to your vehicle, the faster it will charge. That’s why the circuit in your garage or at your parking spot matters. It also depends on if you’re using a Level 1 or Level 2 charging system. The latter charges your vehicle much faster. It does take longer to charge an EV than fill up a tank of gas, but drivers often replenish their batteries at home while they sleep. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, we can help talk you through the ins and outs of installing an EV charging system at your home or business.

What you’re referring to is “range anxiety,” and it’s a common concern among prospective EV buyers. Electric vehicles batteries last for a certain number of miles before needing to be recharged, but that number will depend on the model. In that way, it’s not so different than the differing miles-per-gallon rating of gas-powered cars. And like gas mileage ratings, EV range has been increasing in recent years. The median range in 2020 was more than 250 miles, according to federal data. And while most of EV charging takes place at home, more public EV chargers are being built. That includes plans for the northeastern Minnesota region.

ChargeHub has a helpful map that shows nearby public charging stations. But it’s more likely you’ll do the bulk of your EV charging at home. That’s why it’s important to have a system that will quickly charge your batteries.

While EVs may cost more upfront, it costs less to fuel them. The reason is that electricity is cheaper than gas. The Union of Concerned Scientists said in 2017 that drivers could save somewhere between $400 and north of $1,000 per year in fuel costs by going electric. You can also use this tool from the U.S. Department of Energy’s compare your vehicle and an electric one.

In terms of carbon emissions, there’s no contest between EVs and gasoline-powered cars. EVs are responsible for fewer carbon emissions than gas-powered cars, because the grid is increasingly shifting away from fossil fuels. Per vehicle in Minnesota, EVs have about a third of the carbon emissions than that of traditional vehicles.