FAQs

An electric vehicle uses electricity stored in a battery to move the wheels. Examples include extended-range electric vehicles (EREV), such as the Chevrolet Volt; and all-electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf. See a technology comparison here.

Rollout schedules differ between auto manufacturers and are subject to change. Please check with your local dealer or visit GoElectricDrive.com for the most current information.

Most vehicles can charge on a standard 120-volt outlet, so you will not need to do anything differently before you can enjoy your electric vehicle. However, some customers may consider installing a Level 2 charging station, which can shorten charging times significantly. Level 2 charging stations generally require 240-volt capacity – similar to an air conditioner or clothes dryer – so you will need to consult a licensed electrician for questions about your home's electrical outlet needs.

In Indiana, North Carolina and South Carolina, Duke Energy is providing Level 2 charging stations to customers enrolled in pilot programs, so that we may gauge the impact of vehicle charging on the electrical grid. Learn more if you are interested in participating.

Duke Energy does not currently offer incentives for electric vehicle purchases. We are studying the technologies and their potential impacts on the power grid to determine what programs and incentives are needed, if any, to ensure a safe and positive experience for our customers.

It all depends on the type of vehicle you own, your driving habits, how much energy is stored in the battery and what type of charging system you have in place. Current research suggests that most drivers will simply "plug in" when they get home.

The cost associated with charging electric vehicles generally depends on the size of the battery and how much electricity you use. For customers who drive less than 40 miles a day, at $0.11 per kilowatt-hour (the national average), it should cost less than $1.32 a day to fuel an electric vehicle. If gasoline costs $4 per gallon, the cost per mile of a standard car ranges from $0.11 to $0.27, where the cost per mile for an electric vehicle is $0.02 to $0.04.

So, yes, your electric bill will go up, but your monthly gasoline expenses should drop considerably more.

Many local governments and organizations are working to install charging stations in public spaces. Please visit the U.S. Department of Energy, chargepointamerica.com or Google Maps to find a public charging station near you.

All batteries are tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under extreme operating conditions to achieve the same high safety standards as conventional vehicles. The battery chemistries developed for electric vehicles differ from those used in laptops and cell phones. Industry standards are being developed to ensure the safety of electric vehicles.

UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS

While we do not yet offer a PEV program in every state in which we operate, we participate in a number of PEV-related programs in all five states in our service territory.

Duke Energy's Territories

Kentucky:

• We are testing charging stations and PEVs at our Envision Center in Erlanger, Ky.

Ohio:

• The Clean Fuels Ohio organization received a $500K grant from the Department of Energy to create a PEV Readiness Plan for Ohio. Duke Energy will participate as a key stakeholder to share what we have learned from other states as well as provide input into electric supply reliability.

Contact your Duke Energy Account Manager. If you do not have an account manager, please visit our Business & Industry page to request additional service.

• Indiana
• Kentucky
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Ohio

Duke Energy is continually researching electric vehicles and charging stations, and how they can benefit our customers. Please send us your information to Plugin@Duke-Energy.com, and we will let you know as we develop programs with our customers.