Electric Vehicles

Try a new way to drive

An electric vehicle, or EV, uses electricity as its primary source of fuel to improve the efficiency of conventional vehicle designs. There are two types of EVs:

  • A battery electric vehicle (BEV) uses electricity as its only power source. Generally, this type of vehicle ranges in between 80 to 400 miles per charge.
  • A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) uses both conventional fuel and electricity to power the vehicle. You can drive this type of vehicle about 40 miles on a charged battery. After those 40 miles, gasoline will power the motor until you're able to recharge the electric battery.

Available charging options

If you're considering purchasing an EV, consult with a dealer for details about charging needs for that specific vehicle. The below charging options are used for home-charging devices.

  • Level 1 charging requires plugging the 120V cord set that comes with most new plug-in vehicles directly into any electric outlet. Level 1 charging adds approximately 5 miles of range per hour of charge, or roughly 60 miles of recharge in a 12-hour period.
  • Level 2 charging requires a dedicated 240V circuit and Level 2 EV charging equipment. Level 2 charging adds 12 to 25 miles of range per hour of charge (depending on the car), so less time is needed to fully charge your vehicle. This charging option works with our discounted off-peak rates, including our Drive On Electric Vehicle Rate in Minnesota. Some Level 2 charging stations are hardwired to the circuit while others have a 240V cord and plug that may be used with a 240V outlet wired to your off-peak service.

The below charging option is often used by third parties to provide charging options when away from home.

  • Level 3 direct current fast charger (DCFC) commonly is used when traveling long distances. DCFC charging adds 2.9 to 8.7 miles per minute with 50 and 150 kW chargers.

Learn more about EV technology and advances at energy.gov.

Additional resources

For most EV owners 80% to 90% of charging occurs at home since typical battery ranges exceed the majority of average daily commutes. The only time an EV owner likely will need to charge away from home is for infrequent, long-distance trips.

Visit the popular resource site PlugShare to identify current public charging options in your area or along routes utilized for long-distance trips. Another site, A Better Routeplanner, allows you to customize your vehicle model, departure state of charge, and vehicle efficiency. It combines this information with all of your stops and final destination to plan the best route, including charging stops and amount of time needed at each one.

Get a rebate when you install a Level 2 charger

You may qualify for a rebate of $400 when you install a Level 2 charging station on a qualified off-peak rate, including our Dual Fuel, Deferred Load, Fixed Time of Delivery, RDC, or Minnesota Electric Vehicle Charging Rate.

Apply for a rebate by submitting an Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebate Form.

Charge your electric vehicle for less

You’re already saving on gas—why not save on energy too? Our Drive On Electric Vehicle Rate is available to Minnesota customers and lets you charge your EV for less than half our standard rate. Plus, there's a rebate available when you install a Level 2 charging station!

What you’ll need to participate

  • A Level 2 charging station. This requires a dedicated 240V circuit and Level 2 EV supply equipment. You may expect to pay around $1,000 for wiring the required equipment. Your costs will vary depending on the structure of your home and service location.
  • A disconnect and relay. The disconnect and relay must tie into the supplied energy load. The required relay will receive its input from the relay we provide that operates based on the rate's energy delivery schedule, which limits energy supply to the hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Proof of vehicle registration. Your EV must be registered in the State of Minnesota.

Rate details

Customer and facilities monthly charges also apply. Service under this rate only is available between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

June through September rate: 1.032¢/kWh

October through May rate: 1.109¢/kWh

Rates quoted are for Off-Peak Electric Vehicle Service with Self-Contained Metering. Other options are available. Learn more about our Electric Vehicle Charging Rate.

Sign up now!

  1. Register your EV with the State of Minnesota.
  2. Have a licensed electrician install all necessary equipment.
  3. Call us at 800-257-4044 and ask to be put on our Drive On Electric Vehicle Rate.
Minnesota