Electricity can be used as a transportation fuel to power plug-in battery electric vehicles. Using electricity from the grid to run vehicles costs less and reduces petroleum consumption and associated tailpipe emissions compared to conventional fuel. Electricity for vehicle battery charging can come from the existing power grid or from distributed renewable sources such as solar or wind energy.
Electric Vehicles
There are three types of electric vehicles on the market: Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs).
Plug-in Electric Vehicles (EVs) are all-electric, battery-powered vehicles, commonly known as EVs. PEVs run on a battery that is charged by plugging the vehicle into charging equipment. This type of electric vehicle cannot run on any form of fuel other than electricity. EVs always operate in all-electric mode and have typical driving ranges of 150 to 300 miles.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are powered by both conventional fuel as well as electricity stored in a battery. PHEVs can operate in all-electric (or charge-depleting) mode for between 20 and 40 miles. After the battery is depleted, PHEVs will operate solely on conventional fuel.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) cannot be plugged in and are powered by an internal combustion engine that runs on conventional fuel. HEVs differ from conventional vehicles by storing energy in a battery through regenerative braking, whereby kinetic energy is captured though the wheels as the car slows down. The energy stored in the battery from regenerative braking assists the engine in HEVs, providing increased fuel economy compared to conventional vehicles.
EV Charging
Oklahoma has an extensive electric vehicle charging network. In fact, Oklahoma ranks 3rd nationally in installed EV fast charging per capita! The farthest distance between fast chargers along major Oklahoma highways and interstates is only 70 miles. Check out chargers along your everyday routes using the Station Locator below.
How Does Charging Work?
At-Home Charging: Most plug-in electric vehicle owners do the majority of their charging at home using a common three-prong household outlet. 80-90% of charging happens at home.
Workplace Charging: Employers can help increase the convenience and affordability of driving electric for their employees, attract and retain a cutting-edge workforce, and demonstrate leadership in adopting advanced technologies by providing workplace charging.
Public Charging: EV owners rely on public charging when taking longer distance trips.
Level 1 Charging
2 to 5 miles of range per
1 hour of charging
Connects to a common three-prong, 120 V household outlet
Level 2 Charging
10 to 20 miles of range per 1 hour of charging
Common for workplace charging
At-home charging with installation of Level 2 electric vehicles supply equipment (EVSE) on 240 V outlets
DC Fast Charging
60 to 80 miles of range per
20 minutes of charging
Enables rapid charging along heavy traffic corridors at installed stations
Explore EV Charging Stations in Oklahoma
Incentives & Funding for Electricity
Significant tax credits, rebates and incentives are available for electric vehicles and electric vehicle supply equipment (ESVE) developments. View Incentives & Funding Details
Oklahoma EV-Related Companies
Spiers New Technologies – EV battery recycling, repair, and second life applications in OKC
Rover Taxi – All-electric taxi company serving McAlester, OK and Krebs, OK
Electricity Links
Electricity Basics – Learn the basics about electricity as a fuel from the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuel Data Center.
eGallon: How Much Cheaper Is It to Drive on Electricity? – Determine the cost of fueling a vehicle with electricity compared to a similar vehicle that runs on gasoline.
Electric Drive Transportation Association – More information on electric vehicles.
Electrification Coalition – Electric Vehicle Policies and Education
Plug in America – Build public awareness and advocate for electric vehicles.
