The City of Holland is committed to cleaner air and reducing its carbon footprint. To meet those goals HBPW is promoting plug-in electric vehicles by offering information about plug-in electric vehicles and rebates for level 2 and level 3 chargers.
Charge Up Holland
Are you an electric vehicle enthusiast or interested in learning more about EVs?
Join our Charge Up Holland Facebook Group!
This group brings electric vehicle enthusiasts together. We aim to heighten awareness of the benefits of electric vehicles. Whether you are just curious or a seasoned aficionado, this group is a place where you can learn, share and geek out about electric vehicles.
Electric Vehicle Level II Charger Rebates for the Home
HBPW offers a $300 rebate for non-ENERGY STAR listed and a $325 rebate for ENERGY STAR listed level 2 charges. Residential customers who receive the rebate will be placed on the Electric Vehicle Time of Use Rate (EV TOU) for a minimum of one year. The EV TOU rate, consisting of on-, mid- and off-peak timeframes, replaces the existing residential rate (Rate A) for the entire house. The whole house will be placed on the rate and not just the EV charger.
Questions? Send us an email.
Home Charger
To qualify for the home charger rebate:
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The charger must be a level 2, 240 volt charger. Level 1, 120 volt chargers do not qualify.
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Proof of charger purchase required.
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Copy of the EV registration required.
Customers that receive the EV charger rebate will be placed on the whole house Time-of-Use rate for a minimum of one year.
Time Blocks for EV Time of Use Rate
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On-peak – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Mid-peak – 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
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Off-peak – 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Weekends and holidays are off-peak.
Customers who already own an EV may still participate in the EV TOU rate. Since the minimum time to be on a rate after a switch is one year, we ask customers to carefully evaluate if the EV TOU rate would be a good choice for them.
Non-residential Charger Rebate
HBPW offers rebates for non-residential customers too. The rebate for a level 2 charger is 50% of the cost of the charger up to $1,500. The rebate for a DC fast charger (480v 150kW minimum) is determined on a case-by-case basis with a maximum rebate of $35,000. Review the non-residential rebate application for details.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Basics
There are many considerations when buying an electric vehicle. HBPW is committed to keeping you up-to-date with the most current information while the market is evolving. Here are a few basics.
EV Technology: There are two types of plug-in electric vehicles: plug-in extended range hybrid vehicles and battery electric vehicles. They come in a variety of makes and models. The battery electric vehicle runs solely on battery power. The plug-in extended range hybrid generates energy from a battery and an internal combustion engine used to extend the range of the vehicle (typically by recharging the battery). It is important to understand the vehicle you are considering, as it will impact driving range, energy usage and charging options.
Cost of EVs: EVs range in price from around $23,000 to upwards of $100,000. There are several opportunities to reduce the cost of owning and operating an electric vehicle. Federal incentives can help reduce the upfront purchase price. In addition, the overall cost of ownership is made more economical through fuel savings, potential savings on auto insurance, lower maintenance costs and more. Compare your current vehicle’s costs to that of an EV using the Department of Energy’s (DOE) vehicle cost calculator.
EV Range and Charging: How far you drive is an important consideration before purchasing an EV. You may be surprised by how little you drive per day and how many charging stations are available near you. Statistics show that 78 percent of American drivers travel less than 40 miles a day.
Home Charging Installation: Most EVs can charge at your home on one of two charging levels. The level you choose will determine how fast your EV will charge. Level 1 charging can typically be done using standard outlets already in your garage or near where you park. For level 2 charging or higher, you may need to upgrade your home’s electrical system. This should always be done by professionals and with the appropriate permits, if any are required.
Environmentally Friendly: There are two categories of vehicle emissions: direct and life cycle. Direct emissions are emitted through the tailpipe. Battery electric vehicles produce zero direct emissions, reducing pollution and helping to improve air quality. Life cycle emissions include all emissions related to fuel and vehicle production. According to the DOE, EVs typically produce fewer life cycle emissions than conventional vehicles because most emissions are lower for electricity than burning gasoline or diesel. HBPW uses a larger percentage of natural gas generated electricity than the state average, resulting in a better life cycle rate than most of the state.