EVs

Boost Your Business with EV Charging

avamariecarmichael@gmail.com — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 16:01:11 +0000

Boost Your Business with EV Charging

Every driver has experienced the panic of realizing their gas gauge has gotten dangerously close to empty. Luckily, the U.S. has close to 200,000 gas stations so you can usually find one before you run out of gas, but drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) don’t have it as easy.

While the number of public EV chargers is growing, drivers, especially those in the rural West need more options besides the one at home. This lack of EV chargers presents a problem for drivers but an opportunity for local business owners.

Here’s how you can boost your business with EV charging, attract new clients, increase your sustainability efforts and add a new revenue stream.

Increase Visibility: Get Your Business on the EV Charging Map

Adding a public EV charging station to your business can significantly enhance your visibility through vehicle charging apps like Electrify America, PlugShare, and ChargePoint. These apps, which are essential for EV drivers, maintain detailed maps of nearby charging locations. By adding your business to these maps, you automatically become a listed destination for EV owners in the area.

This inclusion increases the likelihood that drivers will choose your business and highlights your commitment to supporting sustainable practices. As a result, your business gains exposure to a targeted audience actively seeking places to charge their vehicles, ultimately driving more traffic and potential revenue to your location.

Attract a New Set of Customers

As the popularity of electric vehicles continues to rise, more drivers are seeking convenient places to charge their cars while they go about their day. By offering this service, your business becomes a go-to destination for EV owners. This increased foot traffic can translate into higher sales and more opportunities to showcase your products or services to a new audience.

Moreover, an EV charging station encourages customers to stay longer and spend more. While waiting for their vehicle to charge, customers are likely to browse, dine, or shop at your establishment. This extended visit not only enhances the chance of additional purchases but also fosters a positive association between your business and modern, eco-friendly practices.

Commercial EV Chargers Provide a New Revenue Stream

This can open a valuable new revenue stream for your business as well. Charging stations often generate income through usage fees, which can be set on a per-kilowatt-hour or per-minute basis.

As EV adoption grows, the demand for accessible charging options will rise, potentially attracting a steady flow of customers who are willing to pay for the convenience of charging while they shop, dine, or use your services.

This additional revenue stream not only helps offset the costs of installing and maintaining the charging infrastructure but also provides an ongoing financial benefit as more drivers rely on your business for their charging needs. Profit margins for Level 2 charging stations will vary based on factors like location, pricing structure, upfront costs, and utilization.

EV Charging is Ideal for Local, Small Business Owners

Out of the 75 prominent retail and fast-food chains, think brands like Costco, Ikea, Walmart, and Target, only 1% of the total 270,000 retail locations provided EV charging facilities according to a 2024 survey conducted by Consumer Reports.

This presents a big opening for small business owners and customers that would prefer to shop locally anyway. If your business is near a highway or in a rural area, the opportunities to attract new business are massive.

Investing in an EV charging station is not just about keeping up with technological trends; it’s a strategic move to attract and retain customers while aligning your business with the future of transportation.

If you are a member of one of our electric cooperatives and interested in installing an EV charger at your home or business, Tri-State has a variety of rebates in addition to federal incentives to help you do so.

About Tri-State

Tri-State is a power supply cooperative, operating on a not-for-profit basis, serving electric distribution cooperatives and public power district members in four states. Together with our member-owners, we deliver reliable, affordable responsible and flexible power and services to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West. For more information, visit www.tristate.coop.

Contributor:

Mike Frailey, Relationship Manager

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EV Charging

EVs

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The Benefits of Having Your Own EV Charger at Home

avamariecarmichael@gmail.com — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 13:55:43 +0000

The Benefits of Having Your Own EV Charger at Home

You’ve likely noticed the swift transition towards sustainability and electrification. It’s all around you and a message that can be heard nationwide. One of the most recognizable shifts is the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). As the world embraces EVs, the need for accessible charging infrastructure has grown exponentially. While public charging stations are expanding, there's something uniquely advantageous about having your own EV charger at home.

Unparalleled Convenience: Charge Your EV Effortlessly at Home

The greatest advantage is convenience. No more last-minute detours to find a charging station or anxiously watching your battery gauge while running errands. With a home EV charger, charging becomes as simple as plugging in your car when you return home, seamlessly integrating into your daily routine.

Take Control: Flexible EV Charging Schedules with Home Chargers

Owning a home EV charger grants you flexibility and control over your charging schedule. Whether you prefer to charge overnight during off-peak hours or top up your battery during the day, the choice is yours. Having a dedicated charger at home means you're not at the mercy of crowded public stations or potential charging delays due to high use. Owning your charger also allows for alternating current (AC) and managed charging, two lower-cost charging options that reduce stress on the grid and save both you and your utility money.

Save Money: The Cost Benefits of Home EV Charging

Another great advantage of owning your own charger is the cost savings. Public charging is typically 3-5 times more expensive than charging at home because public chargers may require subscription fees or individual usage fees. Charging at home can involve lower electricity rates, especially if you charge during off-peak hours. Off-peak hours are normally around 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. (overnight) which is when most EV drivers charge their vehicles for an extended period. A bonus of charging during off-peak hours is starting each day with a full charge and relieving the fear of running out of battery power before reaching your destination, also known as range anxiety.

Boost Your Property Value with a Home EV Charger Installation

Investing in home charging infrastructure can also enhance the value of your property. As the demand for EVs continues to rise, having a dedicated charging solution becomes an attractive feature for potential homebuyers. A home equipped with an EV charger may command a premium price and stand out in a competitive real estate market. There are federal incentives, as well as incentives in some states, for homeowners who install an EV charger at home. If your utility is a member of Tri-State, they may also provide a rebate for installation. Contact your local cooperative or public power district to find out.

Sustainable Living: Reduce Emissions with Home EV Charging

Beyond the personal benefits, installing a home EV charger contributes to a more sustainable future. By transitioning to electric vehicles and utilizing renewable energy sources for charging, you're actively reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Why Investing in a Home EV Charger is a Smart Move

The benefits of having your own EV charger at home are undeniable. From unparalleled convenience and cost savings to environmental sustainability and increased property value, owning a home charger aligns perfectly with the modern lifestyle. Electrify and Save™ today with your own home EV charger.

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About Tri-State

Tri-State is a not-for-profit cooperative of 44 members, including 41 member utility electric distribution cooperatives and public power districts in four states, that together deliver reliable, affordable, and responsible power to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West. 

Contributor:

Mike Frailey 

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EV Charging

EVs

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Closing the Gap: Gunnison County Electric Installs First DCFC on Colorado National Park Land

avamariecarmichael@gmail.com — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 20:11:56 +0000

It’s essential that as the transition to electrical vehicles (EVs) grows, the demand for charging stations keeps pace. Today there are more than 32 electric vehicle models available in the United States and that number is expected to double by 2024. With incentives, tax credits and rebates making an EV purchase more accessible, there will be thousands of new EV drivers on the road in the coming years.

For the EV transition to be successful, drivers must have convenient, affordable and efficient charging stations available. They need to be able to charge at home, at work, in town and along highways and interstates as they travel. With that in mind, Gunnison County Electric Association (GCEA) has stepped up to meet the needs of EV drivers in their service territory.

“Over the last two years, Gunnison County has seen a 235% increase in the number of registered EVs,” said GCEA Member Relations Supervisor, Alliy Sahagun. “Having the necessary charging infrastructure in place is key in sustaining the growth of EV purchases.”

GCEA is located on Colorado’s Western Slope and powers more than 11,000 consumer-owners in portions of Gunnison, Hinsdale and Saguache counties. The utility realized the need for a robust charging infrastructure early and has worked hard to make it happen. To date they’ve installed 14 chargers including three direct current (DC) fast chargers. DC fast chargers deliver the quickest charge, getting most EV models to an 80% battery in about 20-30 minutes.

The most recent DC fast charger added to GCEA’s service territory made history as the first of its kind on National Parks Service (NPS) land in Colorado. GCEA and NPS worked alongside EV manufacturer and automotive technology company Rivian to install a ChargePoint DC fast charger and a Rivian Waypoints Level 2 charger at the Lake Fork Campground in the Curecanti National Recreational Area.

Both chargers are operational as of October 2022 and serve two distinct purposes. It can take up to eight hours to reach a full charge using a Level 2, which is why they’re most commonly used in residential settings where a driver can charge through the night or at the office during the workday. The Rivian Waypoints Level 2 charger will serve the same purpose, allowing overnight campers or all-day visitors to reach a full charge during their stay.

The DC fast charger will serve visitors to the recreational area as well but will also be ideal for drivers traveling on Highway 50, the second most traveled east-west highway in the state. Lake Fork is convenient, centrally located between Montrose and Gunnison, and at the junction of Highways 50 and 92. The new stations will aid drivers traveling to multiple destinations on the Western Slope and close the 130-mile charging gap that existed before the installation.

“We’ve been really strategic in where we place our charging infrastructure,” said Strategy Execution Specialist Matt Feier. “This station fills a critical gap on the western edge of our service territory.” Matt joined the GCEA team in 2020 to lead large renewable energy projects including expanding EV infrastructure.

GCEA worked closely with a host of financial partners to make the Lake Fork project a reality including grant funding from the Charge Ahead Colorado Program and contributions from Tri-State, Gunnison County, Adopt a Charger, GCEA, and Rivian. GCEA provided the necessary electrical upgrades required for the station installation and the NPS provided the site location.

When asked what’s next, Matt was pleased to say that GCEA’s efforts to expand charging opportunities have been successful in closing all charging gaps in their territory. They'll now begin work to add extra charging heads to existing stations where needed and encourage charging installations in homes and businesses.

GCEA took advantage of funds available from Tri-State, which provided almost $22,000 towards the project. “The EV Infrastructure program and our other charging equipment support offerings have enabled members to install more than 870 charging stations in their service territories and has invested nearly $1 million to expand charging infrastructure across the rural West,” said Tri-State's Beneficial Electrification Manager Matt Fitzgibbon.

The installation is part of Tri-State’s commitment to work with members to extend the EV charging network.

Electrify and Save™

About Tri-State

Tri-State is a wholesale power supply cooperative, operating on a not-for-profit basis, with 45 members, including 42 utility electric distribution cooperative and public power district members in four states that together deliver reliable, affordable and responsible power to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West. For more information about Tri-State, visit www.tristate.coop.

Contributor:

Brittany Willison 

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Closing the Gap: Highline Electric Makes Big Move for Rural EV Charging

avamariecarmichael@gmail.com — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 18:26:55 +0000

It’s anticipated that by the year 2040, manufacturers will sell more electric vehicles (EVs) than gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles combined. With improvements to battery technology and a growing list of models on the market, EV sales are surging. With more EVs on the road, the need for reliable charging infrastructure has never been more important.

While most EV drivers set up a charging station at home, that option doesn't address the charging needs for those who are traveling cross country. To reach a meaningful charge quickly while traveling, EV drivers rely on public commercial chargers which have to meet the power requirement of a Direct-Current, Fast-Charger (DCFC). With the power requirement, DCFCs are not as readily available or are not in optimal locations, which limits where rural utilities can place them.

This is where California-based FreeWire Technologies hopes to change the nature of the game and help alleviate range anxiety for consumers, through the unique use of existing single-phase rural distribution systems and battery storage technology. Supported by Tri-State, Highline Electric Association (HEA) is working with FreeWire Technologies to lead the charge quite literally in northeast Colorado. Through the Responsible Energy Plan, Tri-State committed $45k to each member co-op and public power district to extend the public electric vehicle charging network across members’ service areas and to promote EVs and EV solutions in rural areas.

HEA recently used those funds, as well as additional funds through the Charge Ahead Colorado grant, to successfully install and deploy the FreeWire® Boost™ 150 Charger near Julesburg, Colorado. The FreeWire charger has an EV charging capacity of 150 kW, which means EV drivers can generally reach an 80% state of charge within 30-45 minutes. This opens up opportunities for more charging stations throughout HEA’s service territory and potentially the state, where charging times would otherwise be much longer.

“Our FreeWire direct-current, fast-charger is one of the first of its kind in Colorado,” said Dennis Herman, general manager for HEA. “The installation of infrastructure like this charger will help to alleviate range anxiety and help in the adoption of electric vehicles going forward.”

HEA and FreeWire have set up their latest charging technology at the Wagon Wheel Conoco just off the heavily traveled U.S. Interstate 76 near Julesburg, Colorado. The charging station is strategically located 180 miles from Denver, and 30 miles west from the next DCFC charging station.

HEA hopes to collect data on the charging station and expand its use to other locations in the rural electric cooperative’s service territory. In addition to the use of battery storage technology to charge EVs in 30-45 minutes, the new charging station also has the ability to charge two cars at once from a single source, another time saver for consumers.

Electrify and Save™

About Tri-State

Contributor:

Brittany Willison

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Benefits of Electric Vehicles for Commercial Fleet

avamariecarmichael@gmail.com — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 14:16:54 +0000

Benefits of Electric Vehicles for Commercial Fleet

For companies looking for a way to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on fuel costs and maintenance, electric vehicles (EVs) may be the answer. With the national electric grid using more renewable energy, EVs can help businesses reduce their environmental impact while lowering operational expenses.

Businesses are realizing that electric transportation is not just environmentally friendly but also economically sound. We know how important it is for business owners to balance both factors when making decisions about sustainability, which is why we're here with some benefits of EV adoption for fleet vehicles.

With the public focus on the environment, businesses are beginning to transition their fleet from gasoline-powered automobiles to electric. EVs provide superior fuel economy when compared with traditional gas cars while also lowering the costs of preventative maintenance. Plug-in hybrids offer options for fleets that want better fuel economy but are not ready to fully transition from ICEs (Internal Combustion Engines).

Benefits of EV Commercial Fleet Vehicles

Energy Efficiency - Using more energy-efficient vehicles like plug-in electric and battery electric vehicles is an important part of continuing the successful trend of reducing imported petroleum. This supports the U.S. economy and helps diversify the U.S. transportation fleet.

Reducing Costs (fuel & maintenance) - Commercial fleets operating EVs today are reporting maintenance cost reductions of more than 50 percent for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) across all vehicle classes. Though savings for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are slightly reduced – due to their use of combustion technologies.

Corporate Sustainability & Image - Electric vehicles offer a significant improvement in air quality in urban environments.

Employee & Community Satisfaction – Because electric-powered vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions, they are cleaner and quieter in facilities where employees are present, such as warehouses with electric forklifts. The quieter option of EVs is also a big plus for mixed-use urban communities where neighborhoods are a concern.

Examples of EV Fleet Vehicles

The U.S. Army and Marine Corps share an electric autonomous shuttle at Fort Myer-Henderson Hall
Uber launches the Green Future program to provide access to resources valued at $800 million to help hundreds of thousands of drivers transition to battery electric vehicles (EVs) by 2025
EV forklifts used in industrial sectors
Metro is phasing out diesel-powered buses, with plans to transform its fleet to electric by 2045. Currently, there are about 2,790 electric-powered buses in service nationally. Nearly 19 percent of the nation’s buses are hybrids powered in part by electricity.
Construction staffing companies for employee transit or parking garage transit.

Electrify and Save™

About Tri-State

Tri-State is a not-for-profit cooperative of 45 members, including 42 electric distribution cooperatives and public power districts in four states, that together deliver reliable, affordable and responsible power to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West. For more information about Tri-State and our Responsible Energy Plan, visit www.tristate.coop

Contributor:

Mike Frailey

Post Tags

EVs

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The Future of EVs: Air, Water, and Land

avamariecarmichael@gmail.com — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 18:20:45 +0000

The Future of EVs: Air, Water, and Land

When it comes to the future of electric vehicles, the sky’s the limit – quite literally. In addition to continued innovation in land-based electric vehicles, we are also seeing an increase in interest and investment in air and water-based options. Here’s a look at some of the most exciting developments in each category.

New Developments in Land, Air, and Water-Based EV Options

Electric vehicles are no longer just cars or buses; they come in all shapes and sizes, from bicycles to motorcycles and boats, to airplanes and ATVs. One of the latest trends is electric-powered water crafts like electric pontoon boats, SUPs (stand-up paddleboards), kayaks and canoes, and hydrofoils.

Land-Based Evs Continue to Innovate, With New Advances in Battery Technology, Range, and Charging Speed

EVs are becoming increasingly popular thanks to an influx of new charging stations, and advances in battery technology which have led to longer ranges and faster-charging speeds.

Electric buses, trucks, ATVs and even RVs and forklifts are seeing EV innovation lately. These vehicles are becoming increasingly popular for work, farming, recreation, city commuting, and warehouse operations thanks to their safety, convenience, quiet motors and clean energy. And as battery technology continues to improve, we can expect even more advances in range, power and charging speed. EVs can also operate in enclosed areas such as warehouses, mines, and other areas that are difficult to maneuver.

In the farming industry, manufacturers like Soltrac are leading the way for electric farm tractors, while all-electric, zero-emission Class-8 yard trucks (also known as yard hostlers) are being used to pull cargo containers and semi-trailers in freight or intermodal yards, or at large manufacturing sites.

Air-Based EVs are Seeing Increased Interest

Air-based electric vehicles such as electric commercial airplanes have the potential to contribute to more clean travel options thanks to their lower emissions and noise levels. Leading airlines like United and EasyJet are on board as early adopters, with the first U.S. commercial routes slated for 2026. Investments in ground support equipment and air-based electric vehicle technology are growing, as companies see the potential for electric planes to change the transportation landscape.

Watercraft Electric Vehicles Offer a Unique Solution for Maritime Transportation

Electric vehicles on the water are becoming increasingly popular as people look for more ways to enjoy watersports, emission-free. One of the most recent developments in EV water recreation is 'smart SUPs' and EV-charged motorized propellers that help move small watercraft such as kayaks and paddleboards. The average charge can last anywhere from 3-4 hours.

Electric hydrofoil surfboards (also known as eFoils) are also gaining momentum in extreme sports. Hydrofoil surfing offers incredible sessions on days that were formerly unrideable. Driven by an electric propeller just above the wing of the hydrofoil, the board is maneuverable through any water. The eFoil is powered by a nearly silent electric motor and rechargeable battery, and the rider doesn’t need to paddle for waves or pump with their legs to keep the board in motion. To date, it’s the world’s smallest personal, motorized watercraft.

And if recreational watercraft weren't enough, many emerging electric boat companies promise some of the same benefits as electric cars. Unveiled in 2021, Pure Watercraft’s electric pontoon boat by GM and former SpaceX engineers delivers a single motor able to hit a top speed of 14 miles per hour, compared with 23 miles per hour for the version with twin motors. Each motor is 25 kilowatts, all powered by a 66-kilowatt hour GM automotive-grade battery.

The hydrofoil design can also be found in larger watercraft such as sailboats and newly emerging ferry boats, which could revolutionize the speed of water travel and commuting. Electra is a fully electric hydrofoil ferry with a cruise speed of 40 knots. This green foiling ferry concept by boundary layer technologies promises twice the speed and range of existing electric ferries.

It’s a great time to be an EV fan. The industry is growing more every year, and it’s not hard to see why. EVs offer a lot of freedom in terms of where and how you can drive them. From new innovations in aerodynamics to new propulsion systems, electric vehicle technology is here and looking bright.

Electrify and Save™

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Tri-State is a not-for-profit cooperative of 44 members, including 41 member utility electric distribution cooperatives and public power districts in four states, that together deliver reliable, affordable, and responsible power to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West.

Contributor:

Mike Frailey

Post Tags

EVs

Electric Vehicles