Terminology

• What do all the terms and acronyms mean?
  • ICE: Internal combustion engine. Most cars and trucks today have this.
  • Hybrid: Has both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that work together for better overall gas mileage.
  • EV or BEV: Electric Vehicle or Battery Electric Vehicle. These are 100 percent electric - no emissions.
  • PEV: Plug-in Electric Vehicle. Any electric vehicle that charges by plugging it into an electric outlet.
  • PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. Just like a regular hybrid, except that it has a larger battery for greater distance, and is charged by plugging into an electric outlet.
  • EVSE: Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment. Charging equipment made specifically for electric vehicles. It connects your car to the power supply.

Vehicle Costs

• What are the financial benefits of owning an electric vehicle?
  The cost of electricity to power your electric vehicle is usually much less than the mileage-equivalent cost of gasoline. Fewer moving parts mean lower maintenance costs. Also, there are no oil changes. And, in some models, you'll have fewer brake replacements. See what you can save with NYSERDA's electric vehicle calculator.

• Are there rebates and tax incentives for purchasing an electric vehicle?
  Yes. There are state and federal tax rebates for chargers and vehicles.
  • Internal Revenue Service Credit for Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicles
  • NYSERDA Discounts
• What about EVSE installation and costs?
  Level 2 charging at home requires that a licensed electrician install EVSE and a 240V circuit. Costs vary according to your electric service, panel capacity and the age of your home's circuitry. We strongly recommend hiring a licensed electrician to conduct an electrical load survey, which is used to make sure you have the appropriate equipment for the amount of power you use.
• Do I need to upgrade my home's electrical system in order to set up the charging station/EVSE?
  A licensed electrician can give you the best assessment of any upgrade you may need, and the cost.
• Are there any rebates available for commercial/business charging?
  Yes. Learn more about our EVs for Commercial Customers offerings. 
• Are there any Federal tax credits available?
  Signed into law on August 16th 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act provides significant investments in support of EV adoption. This act extends the current federal tax credit on EV charging equipment. A tax credit of 30%, up to $1,000 is to be provided for residential EV charging hardware and installation costs. For additional information and the application please see the links below:
  • https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/08/15/by-the-numbers-the-inflation-reduction-act
  • https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8911

Permits

• Do I need a permit to install an EVSE?
  You will probably need a permit. Contact your local municipality and area of jurisdiction for specific building code requirements.

Charging

• Can I charge a plug-in electric vehicle from a regular household outlet?
  Yes. You can plug into a regular 120V 20-amp dedicated outlet. That is considered a Level 1, or 'trickle' charge.
• How will my electric bill be impacted when I charge at home? How does this compare to the cost of gasoline?
  The impact to your electric bill will depend on how much you drive and the size of your EV battery. Our calculator shows the impact to your bill. Select the EV model and amount you drive, and see your expected savings over gas. Download calculator. 
• What are my charging options?
  Level 1 (120V): A standard household outlet, Level 2 (240V): Charging station at home, work or a public site, DCFC (Direct Current Fast Charging): Typically, these will be located in a public space, and not at your home. Learn more.
• How long does it take to fully charge a plug-in hybrid or electric car?
  It depends on the vehicle, the charging level (see above), and also how depleted your battery is. At Level 1: Approximately 8-20 hours, at Level 2: Approximately 4-8 hours, at DCFC: Less than 20 minutes to reach an 80 percent charge.
• Where can I charge a plug-in vehicle?
  Most people charge in their own garage overnight. Public chargers are available in such places as parking garages, shopping centers and other locations. Find public chargers in your area.
• Can I plug in to charge the battery even if it's not empty?
  Yes.
• Are there any Commercial/Business charging programs for EV?
  PSEG Long Island’s Fast Charge incentive program offers an annual per-plug declining incentive to owner/operators of Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) facilities for public use on Long Island and in the Rockaways. Get more details here. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, offers incentives through the Charge Ready NY rebate program. Organizations that install Level 2 EV charging stations may be eligible for rebates of up to $4,000 per charging port. Get the details here.
• Why does PSEG Long Island need my charging data?
  Your charging data includes start dates and times and total charging energy. This information helps PSEG Long Island manage the energy grid to maintain optimum efficiency and helps us calculate your Reward payouts. Open this quick guide to setting up your charger on the network.

Battery

• What happens when the battery runs out of electricity?
  If you have a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the gas engine will help recharge your battery. But plugging it in to recharge the battery is more efficient and avoids harmful emissions. If you have a 100 percent battery electric vehicle, the car will not be able to run until you plug it in and recharge the battery.
• Aren't EV batteries full of toxic chemicals and precious metals that could eventually wind up in a landfill?
  Disposing EV batteries in a landfill is illegal. Plus, the recycling value of their material components makes it unlikely that they will end up in a landfill. EV batteries use high value metals, such as nickel and lithium. Because of that, almost all materials in an EV battery are, in fact, recycled.