LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM FIAT Lansing

How to Charge Electric Vehicles

With their growing popularity, drivers around Lansing, East Lansing, and Williamston, MI, are probably wondering how to charge electric vehicles. To help you gain insight, we at LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT (CDJRF) of Lansing have put together the information below. Reach out to us with any questions!


What Is an Electric Vehicle?

Known for their efficiency, electric vehicles (EVs) are quickly becoming a top choice for many Michiganders. So, what exactly is an EV and what types are there? Well, an EV is a ride that’s partially or fully powered by electric power instead of the fossil fuels used in traditional cars. There are actually several categories of EV models, including:

  • Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV): BEV models run only on electricity, are recharged from an external power source, and most often can travel 100 miles or much more on a single charge.
  • Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV): These types of rides use batteries for the electric motor and, like the BEV, can be recharged from an external power source. However, a small internal combustion engine is also included and is able to recharge the battery as well.
  • Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): As the name suggests, HEVs are sustained by both an internal combustion engine and electric motor.

To be sure, electric vehicles are the wave of the future and will continue to rise in popularity for its many perks like increased fuel economy and lower carbon footprint.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of EV models, we’ll move on to how charging an EV works.

Charging Options for Your EV

Just as there are multiple kinds of electric vehicles, there are a few different ways to get them charged up. We’ll cover a couple of the most common ways to charge your EV from home and from a public charging station.

Home Charging

You have two charging options when you choose to charge at home: Level 1 and Level 2.

The Level 1 system is often included when you buy an EV and is the lower power option, with a 120-volt outlet and no electrical upgrades needed. This system only charges about 40 miles every eight hours, however.

On the other hand is the Level 2 charger, which runs at a higher voltage of 240 volts and is sold separately from electric vehicles. The added cost pays off, though, as it takes about half the time of the Level 1 system to charge up your EV.

Public Charging

While at-home charging is ideal, there are many widely accessible public charging stations that you can rely on. There are three different speed options, including Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging. As we’ve mentioned, Level 1 utilizes a 120-volt outlet and Level 2 chargers use a 240-volt outlet.

There is also a third option known as DC fast charging, which is best for long road trips, as it can get your EV to an 80% charge in roughly 45 minutes.

To help you find a charging station more quickly, there are various mobile apps like PlugShare and ChargePoint that are available.

Our Lineup of Electric Models

LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM FIAT Lansing in Lansing MI

We may have electric and hybrid options in our inventory, such as the Jeep Wrangler 4xe and the hybrid Chrysler Pacifica. Simply use our online filters to indicate which fuel source you’re interested in, and your results will come up instantly. You can also custom order your electric vehicle with us!

Be sure to keep our service center in mind for any maintenance that your EV requires. We have a team of certified techs who will work hard to fix whatever issue your electric vehicle is having. We even offer rotating service specials, so check out our site regularly for those.

Visit Us Today!

We hope our neighbors around Lansing, East Lansing, and Williamston, Michigan, found this guide on how to charge electric vehicles informative. Contact us at LaFontaine CDJRF of Lansing today to schedule a test drive of an EV or to schedule service!

 

LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM FIAT Lansing

6131 S. Pennsylvania Ave.
Lansing, MI 48911
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Sales 517-816-3792
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Sunday Closed
Monday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Wednesday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Thursday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Friday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM - 2:00PM
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