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1. What are considered "electric vehicles"?

There many different types of electric vehicles (EVs). For Durango’s EV planning purposes, we are looking at two main categories when we generally refer to EVs:

• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): These vehicles only use an electric motor and are 100% battery powered. They can be recharged by plugging into a charging outlet at home or at a charging station.
• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): These vehicles have both an electric motor and a gas or diesel engine. They can run off the electric motor only for a time, and then use the fuel-powered engine once the electric charge is depleted. They can be recharged by plugging into a charging outlet at home or at a charging station, and the fuel tank is filled at a gas station just like a traditional vehicle.

2. Where can I learn more about electric vehicles?

The EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide and the US DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center are both great resources for information on electric vehicles and charging stations. Learn more about EV ownership, the benefits of EVs, and nation-wide efforts to transform our transportation system.

The State of Colorado Zero Emissions Vehicles page has information on the state’s Electric Vehicle Plan 2020, grant programs, and tax credit programs.

3. How long does it take to charge an EV, and what’s the difference between level-1, level-2, and level-3 chargers?

The length of time it takes to fully charge a vehicle depends on many factors including the vehicle itself, the kind of charger being used, and how empty the battery is when you begin charging. Many EV users think in terms of “miles per hour of charging” or how much range you get from charging a vehicle for a certain amount of time.

• Level-1 is just another name for a 110-volt standard outlet plug, the same that you plug any electrical device into. Some vehicles come with built-in extension cords while others require special adapters to plug into a level-1 charger. These are also called “trickle chargers”. Charging this way provides about 5 miles per 1 hour of charge. A typical day’s worth of driving (about 30-40 miles) can be recharged from level-1 charging overnight at home.
• Level-2 is a 220-volt charger that charge more quickly. Level-2 stations can be installed in homes and they are also available at many public charging stations. Charging this way provides about 15-60 miles per 1 hour of charging, depending on the designed power output of the charger. At-home level-2 chargers can usually recharge a vehicle from empty to full overnight. Public level-2 stations can fully charge a vehicle in about 4 hours, making them excellent choices for workplace parking or metered public parking lots.
• Level-3 is known as direct current (DC) fast charging. These chargers will primarily provide direct current at up to 500 volts. These chargers can provide 150-600 miles of range per 1 hour of charging, meaning most vehicles can charge from empty to full in about half an hour. These are the EV equivalent of gas stations, and charging speeds are continuing to improve.

4. What are the different plug or connector types?

The US DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center and the EPA Green Vehicle Guide both have great information on the different plug types, including pictures. Most charging station info apps and websites explain what plug type is available at different stations. See “Where can I charge my electric vehicle in Durango?” in this FAQ for more information on these apps and websites.

• J1772 (level-1 and level-2): All EVs in North America except Tesla use the SAE J1772 connector for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, also known as the "J-plug". All city-owned public charging stations use this plug type. Tesla vehicles can charge on a J1772 by using an adapter (see below).
• CHAdeMO (DC fast charge, level-3): CHAdeMO is a type of DC fast charge connector, but it is becoming less common. The DC fast charging stations at the Transit Center have both CHAdeMO and CCS/SSA connectors.
• CCS/SSA (DC fast charge, level-3): The CCS/SSA (also known as the combo charger) is quickly becoming the most common DC fast charging connector type. The DC fast charging stations at the Transit Center have both CHAdeMO and CCS/SSA connectors.
• Tesla: Tesla vehicles use a proprietary connector only used by Tesla vehicles. Tesla owns and operates a network of DC fast charging stations called “Tesla Superchargers” around the nation, but these are only available for Tesla vehicles, other vehicles cannot use them. Tesla vehicles can use J1772 chargers with a simple adapter and CHAdeMO chargers with a special fast-charger adapter. Adaptors come with all new Tesla purchases, and Tesla rentals should also include adapters. If you forget your adapter, visit the Transit Center customer service window during regular business hours for assistance.

5. Where can I charge my electric vehicle in Durango?

The easiest way to find charging in Durango, or anywhere, is to use apps like PlugShare and OpenCharge or websites like the US DOE Alternative Fueling Station Locator. These sites let you filter by charger type, price, and other features.

The city currently owns and operates electric vehicle charging stations at the City of Durango Transit Center, 250 W. 8th St, and there are plans to expand to other city-owned locations in the future.

6. How far can an EV travel on one charge?

The typical battery range for all-electric battery-only EVs is now between 200 and 300 miles for new models, with some models achieve a range as high as 400 miles.

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models have typical battery ranges of 15-60 miles, and then the fuel-powered engine adds another 200-300 miles of range. This means that many PHEVs can achieve a typical day’s driving needs on battery alone for most people.

Visit FuelEconomy.gov to find an EV that would best suit your needs.

7. What types of vehicles can use the DC fast charging stations (level-3 stations) at the Transit Center?

All fully electric vehicles should be able to use the new fast charging stations at the Transit Center. Some plug-in hybrid models support DC fast charging, but some do not. Each DC fast charging station has two connector types that fit different vehicles. The CHAdeMO connector fits most Nissan, Mitsubishi and Kia electric vehicles while the CCS/SAE combo connector fits nearly all other vehicles. Tesla owners will need a CHAdeMO-Tesla adapter to use the stations. If you do not have an adapter, visit the Transit Center customer service window during regular business hours for assistance.

See “What are the different plug or connector types?” in this FAQ for more information.

8. Are EVs affordable?

Today, most electric vehicles cost only slightly more to purchase than their traditional counterparts, but they cost much less to operate and maintain every year. EVs require little to no maintenance on the drivetrain, and electricity is significantly cheaper (and cleaner) per mile than gas or diesel fuel.

Additionally, there are many state and federal rebate and tax credit programs available. Be sure to search for all available programs in your area including discounts through special promotions, such as "group-buys," where dealers offer electric vehicles at a lower price to incentivize a large volume of sales. The Four Corners office of resource efficiency (4CORE) has great information on available incentives and upcoming opportunities in our region.

9. How do winter conditions affect electric vehicles?

Extreme cold can reduce the range in EVs by as much 20-30% for current models, so certain considerations should be taken for cold-weather use. Heating air for passenger comfort can require significant amounts of energy in colder weather, and cold temperatures can affect battery charging. However, temperature-control technology is improving to compensate for these issues. Cold weather does not impact driving or handling, and many EVs have very advanced traction control and all-wheel-drive options.

10. Do electric vehicles really reduce emissions?

Yes. At a local level, EVs do not have tailpipe emissions (such as Nitrogen Oxide (NOx), Carbon Monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM)) that cause localized air pollution which can negatively affect public health. At a broader level, the overall emissions associated with using an EV depend on the source of electricity. So, the relative emissions of EVs can vary quite a bit depending on where they are being used and charged. Even with this variability, however, EVs have much lower per-mile emissions than traditional fuel-powered vehicles.

EVs charged in Durango and within LPEA’s service territory use electricity generated from an energy mix of energy sources. LPEA is on track to significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity in our region.

The EPA’s Beyond the Tailpipe Emissions Calculator is a great resource for understanding the emissions associated with EVs.