FAQ - Plug-in Electric Vehicles

GENERAL

What is an EV?
What is the difference between an ICEV? HEV? PHEV? BEV? NEV? EREV?
What are the benefits of EVs?
What types of EVs are available in the U.S?
Who manufactures EVs?
How is Westar working to integrate EVs?

COSTS

How much will EVs cost?
Will Westar offer incentives for purchasing EVs?
Will EVs need regular servicing like internal combustion engines?

CHARGING

How do I charge my EV?
What are my charging options?
What is an EVSE? (Charging station)

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GENERAL

What is an EV?

An electric vehicle (EV) is a vehicle that gets some or all of its power from electrical energy. All EVs use electric motors and most store electrical energy in batteries.

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What is the difference between an ICEV? HEV? PHEV? BEV? NEV? EREV?

Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle (ICEV) - ICEVs are your typical vehicle on the road today, powered by an internal combustion engine fueled by gasoline or diesel.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) - HEVs work through a combination of an internal combustion engine, a bank of batteries and an electric motor. This combination varies from 'mild hybrids', which simply reduce the engine size and boost acceleration with an electric motor - to a set up where the engine runs only to produce electricity, that then runs an electric motor. Most HEVs are somewhere between the two extremes.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) - Like HEVs, have an onboard internal combustion engine that charges batteries to provide electricity to an electric motor. What makes a PHEV different from a HEV is the ability to charge the batteries by plugging the vehicle in.

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) - A vehicle that uses chemical energy stored in rechargeable battery packs to power an electric motor. Powered solely by electricity.

Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) - A small, low speed BEV that is restricted to posted speed limits of 25 miles per hour or less. Usually are built to have a top speed of 30 mph.

Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) - An electric drive train vehicle that relies on an electric motor to provide power to the drive train but also include a gasoline internal combustion engine serving as an electrical generator. The difference between an EREV and a HEV is that the EREV does not use the gasoline engine to provide mechanical energy to the drive train.

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What are the benefits of EVs?

EVs will generally cost less than gasoline-powered cars to own, operate and maintain. EVs are considered zero-emission vehicles because they produce no exhaust or emissions. EVs run quieter, and use our existing, domestic electric infrastructure rather than foreign oil. EVs can be charged during non-peak electric load times to take advantage of renewable energy resources such as wind.

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When types of EVs are available in the U.S.?

Several companies including General Motors and Nissan are scheduled to make EVs available on a limited basis starting in late 2010. For a list, visit PlugInAmerica.org/vehicles.

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Who manufactures EVs?

For a list of EV manufacturers visit PlugInAmerica.org/vehicles.

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How is Westar working to integrate EVs?

In October 2009, Westar announced that it supports the Edison Electric Institute's (EEI) readiness pledge. Learn more.

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COSTS

How much will EVs cost?

The purchase cost of an EV will depend on the auto manufacturer. The cost to operate an EV will vary depending on the vehicle. Many estimates place day-to-day cost to operate an EV at $.03/mile compared to $.10/mile for an ICEV. An income tax credit of zero to $7,500 is available for the purchase of a new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicle.

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Will Westar offer incentives for purchasing EVs?

At this time, Westar is not offering incentives for purchasing EVs. An income tax credit of zero to $7,500 is available for the purchase of a new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicle.

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Will EVs need regular servicing like internal combustion engines?

Electric vehicles will require servicing, but on a much more limited basis than internal combustion engine vehicles. EVs contain far fewer fluids and moving parts. Expected battery life on EVs is well over 100,000 miles depending on the vehicle.

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CHARGING

How do I charge my EV?

Charging an EV requires plugging it in to an electrical outlet. Most charging will be done at home over night. Public charging infrastructure is being developed.

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What are my charging options?

Most EVs will charge at home at Level 1 or Level 2 charging level. your home's electrical panel and wiring may need to be upgraded to support Level 2 charging. Level 3 charging is still being developed.

Level One - AC energy to the vehicle's on-board charger; from the common U.S. household 120 volt outlet receptacle.

Level Two - AC energy to the vehicle's on-board charger; 240 volt, single phase. Likely require changes be made to electrical panel to add a new circuit in home similar to that used for an air conditioner or electric dryer.

DC Fast Charging - DC energy from an off-board charger. Currently under development and is being designed for commercial charging.

Learn more about preparing to own an EV.

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What is an EVSE?

EVSE - Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment - A charging station or EVSE connects the on-board EV battery charger to an electrical power source. When the EV battery charger and power source are connected, electrical current flowing from the electric grid is allowed to flow in the vehicle adapter and charge the battery.

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If you have additional questions, contact us by email at EV@WestarEnergy.com