The Best Time For EV Charging

Everywhere you look, there are more electric vehicles out on the road than ever before. With EV’s benefits to your wallet and the environment, even governments have gotten in on the buzz. For example, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, from 2020-2023, has invested $3.5 million in EV charging stations. This has expanded the already robust charging infrastructure by 2,500 miles. EV drivers can travel even further throughout Minnesota without worrying about where they’re going to recharge. However, there’s not much to worry about if you're a part of Ford’s Electric Vehicle Battery Roadside Assistance. Run out of charge on the road? Ford will tow you to either the nearest charging station, Ford EV-certified dealer, or even your home. When you drive a Ford EV, you drive safe, clean, and with peace of mind.

The Types of EV Chargers Found In Minnesota

Now that we’ve understood the vast support for EV’s with EV charging stations. Especially, when you’re a part of Ford’s Blue Oval Charge Network: the largest EV charging network in the United States. Let’s now take a look at the three types, or three levels, of EV chargers available and what they do.

If the battery capacity of an electric vehicle is like a swimming pool, then the different levels of EV chargers can be considered the ways with which to fill that pool. A level 1 charger can be considered a bucket of water. It comes free with every EV and plugs into any standard, grounded 120-V outlet. It can take around a day or two for a level 1 charger to get an EV car to full capacity. The most common chargers are level 2 chargers, which can be thought of as a garden hose in our analogy. They can take around 8 hours to reach 80% EV capacity. Level 3 chargers can be seen as the fire hose of the EV chargers, offering full recharge in less than an hour.

The Quick Breakdown On EV Charging

*Plug In-Hybrid Models Can Only Take Level 1 and Level 2

Helpful Tips and Info For EV Charging Around Minnesota

• DC Charging, the most expensive EV charger per kWh, will slow down charge when your vehicle’s battery is at 80%. So be sure to check the FordPass app to keep an eye on your car’s battery when you’re away from it!
• Most high traffic commercial areas, like restaurants and shopping malls, may have complimentary level 2 charging stations!
• Charging speed and driving range can be influenced by temperature! But Ford’s Intelligent Range system predicts changes to driving range based on information from its sensors!
• You don’t need a full 100% for daily driving! Consistent full-charges can harm battery life. Most recommend keeping the battery charged around 90% or even a little lower.
• The average capacity for EV vehicles is around 40 kWh. The Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning have standard capacities of 70 and 98 kWh, respectively.
• Charge costs vary on a lot of variables, from amount of traffic at the charger to time of day and, of course, what level of charger it is. However, the average cost to charge an EV vehicle in Minnesota is $25 with a Level 2 charger. This cost can be significantly lower if not free when you’re a part of the Ford’s Blue Oval Charge Network.
• Check your local legislation’s laws on EV! Some states provide rebates for vehicle purchase, charger installation, and more! Minnesota is in debate on offering a rebate on all levels of EV!

Plug-In To More EV Information In Waconia, Minnesota

Have any more questions? Want your very own Ford Mach-E or Ford F-150 Lightning? Reach out to the helpful people at Fury Ford Waconia and contact us today!