Electric Vehicles Put Power on the Road

Transportation electrification is increasing in the Pacific Northwest. As of September 2021, there were nearly 60,000 electric vehicles (EVs) registered in Washington State and over 260 in Richland. By 2025, EVs are predicted to be 9% of the US vehicle market.

EV Charger Incentive Available

Level 2 Smart Chargers and their equivalents charge twice as fast as Level 1 Chargers, and they also save 40% energy when in standby mode, provide verified safety, and provide open communications allowing for grid communications, open access, and customer override. The open communication option allows customers to participate in utility-managed control demand programs if Richland Energy Services offers these in the future. EVs provide numerous benefits to their owners, the environment, and Richland Energy Services. That's why we're offering at $300 rebate to residential customers who install an Energy Star Level 2 or equivalent Smart Charger. Review the Requirements and Instructions before completing the EV Charger Rebate Incentive Application or click to learn more about the numerous benefits of EVs and related incentives.

EV Benefits

EVs have several advantages over conventional, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles:

• Lower fuel costs. On average in Washington State, the cost of fueling a car with electricity is 70% less than fueling it with gasoline and about the same as paying $0.89 per gallon (March 2021 data).
  
  
• Energy Efficiency. EVs convert over 77% of the electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels. Conventional gasoline vehicles convert only about 12%-30% of the energy stored in gasoline to power at the wheels
  
  
• Environmentally friendly. EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants and thanks to the hydroelectric and nuclear generation RES provides its customers, EVs charging and operating in our area are nearly 100% carbon-free.
  
  
• Performance benefits. Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration and require less maintenance than internal combustion engines. EVs have no engine, transmission, spark plugs, valves, fuel tank, tailpipe, distributor, starter, clutch muffler, or catalytic converter. There are a lot fewer parts to break, and maintenance costs are much lower.
  

EV Driving Range

EV driving ranges are from 80 to over 330 miles on a full charge, and drive range is increasing with new EV models and charging technology. The average American's daily round-trip commute is less than 30 miles.

Explore EVs & Incentives

In addition to the benefits, there are other things to consider when purchasing or leasing an EV including how far you commute, if you regularly take long road trips, and the way you'll charge your vehicle. The US Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center is a great place to learn more. 

In addition, here's a tool to compare your budget and driving needs to over 30 EV makes and models. Check out the tax incentives available, too. 

EV Chargers

Here is a comparison of charger characteristics:

• Level 1 and Level 2 chargers are for residential uses.
• Level 2, DC fast, and DC Ultrafast chargers are for commercial uses.