Electric Vehicles 

Are you one of the many Minnesotans considering making the switch to an electric vehicle? Not sure where to begin? Take a look at our list of resources below to figure out how to get started!

Types of Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) are powered either fully or partially by electricity and store the electricity in batteries. There are three types of EVs: battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). 

Electric Vehicle Benefits

Cost Savings

In the long term, EVs are generally less expensive to operate than their conventional counterparts due to lower fueling and maintenance costs. Using this calculator, find out your expected fuel cost savings from switching to an EV. Additionally, EV maintenance costs can be up to 50 percent less than gasoline-powered cars.

While some maintenance is still necessary, BEVs have fewer maintenance requirements than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. BEVs have fewer moving parts that do not require oil changes, tune-ups, cooling system flushes, and other common maintenance services for traditional vehicles. Examples of maintenance EVs may need include brake pad replacement, software updates, tire replacement, and, occasionally, battery pack replacement. EV batteries are created to last the vehicle’s expected lifetime and come with at least an 8-year warranty.

Finding an EV that meets your needs

The average American drives 37 miles a day, which is well within the driving range of today’s EVs. To understand your personal driving needs, track your daily miles driven over a week or a month. This will help you identify your average, minimum, and maximum driving distances. Once you have a better sense of your driving needs, use PlugStar’s interactive Shopping Assistant to help you choose an EV that fits you! Shift2Electric’s EV Info List is another great resource for researching EVs.

Note: If you live in a cold climate, consider the impact that cold weather will have on the range. Most BEV ranges drop by 40 percent in cold temperatures. Other considerations for range include city driving vs. highway driving, the latter of which tends to draw down the battery at a faster rate.

Helpful Websites:

• Electric Vehicles 101, Xcel Energy - Use this guide to learn the basics.
• Drive Electric Minnesota - Learn all about the types of vehicles available, charging information, benefits, fast facts, and more.
• Electric Vehicle Advisor, Xcel Energy - Figure out which vehicle is going to suit your needs the best.
  • EV Catalog, Xcel Energy
  • Pre-Owned Electric Vehicles, Xcel Energy
• EV Sales Savvy Tool - This tool shares EV sales professionals recommended by Minnesota EV Owner group members.
• Minnesota Department of Transportation Electric Vehicles - Keep current on Minnesota's EV-related actions and read the 2021 Electric Vehicle Assessment. 

Incentives: 

• Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit - A federal tax credit for up to $1,000 for customers who purchase qualified residential fueling equipment after January 1, 2023.
• Tax Credit - Leased Vehicles - A federal tax credit for up to $7,500 for those who lease a new, qualified plug-in electric vehicle.
• Tax Credit - Purchased Vehicles - A federal tax credit for up to $7,500 for those who purchase a new, qualified plug-in electric vehicle.
• Minnesota Toll Discount - The State of Minnesota will grant MnPass toll credits to those who purchase or lease a new or used electric vehicle between November 1, 2019 and October 31, 2025.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) is a broad term that refers to the hardware and infrastructure used for charging electric vehicles. This typically consists of charging stations, connector/cables, power management, payment systems, and grid integration.  

Definitions:

Incentives and rebates - Financial incentives are provided by governments or organizations to encourage the purchase and adoption of EVs. These incentives can include tax credits, rebates, grants, or reduced registration fees, making EVs more affordable for consumers.

Charging infrastructure - A network of physical equipment and systems designed to supply electric energy to recharge EVs or plug-in hybrids.

Charging information per type of EV charger:

AC – Alternating Current; DC – Direct Current; kW – Kilowatt; V – Volt

Helpful Websites:

• EV Charging 101, Xcel Energy - Learn how to charge at home or on the go.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Explained, NRDC - From charging stations to equipment, everything you need to know.
• Home Charging Advisor, Xcel Energy - Figure out which home charging option will suit your needs. 

• Finding Public Charging Stations

  • Electric Vehicle Charging Station Locations - US Department of Energy
  • ChargeHub
  • PlugShare
  • ChargeFinder

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Permitting Checklist

Vehicles with internal charging units can plug into existing 120-volt receptacles and do not require modification to the electrical system. The installation of EVSE directly wired to the electrical system will require a permit.

Contact Xcel Energy to discuss charger placement and voltage requirements – Xcel Energy - EV Charging 101.

1. All Electric Permits must be applied for and inspected by the State of Minnesota. You may learn more by visiting MN Department of Labor and Industry - Homeowners, Electrical Permits or MN Department of Labor and Industry - Contractors, Electrical Permits.
2. No building permit or zoning permit is required by the City of Falcon Heights. If the EVSE is a standalone unit going outside of the building, a zoning review may be required. Please contact Hannah Lynch, City Planner, for more information (contact information below).

Minnesota State Building Code

The State of Minnesota is updating the Minnesota State Building Code to include guidance for commercial EVSE. We will update this document accordingly.

406.2.7 Electric vehicle charging stations.

Where provided, electric vehicle charging stations shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 70. Electric vehicle charging system equipment shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2202.

To learn more, read the 2020 Minnesota Building Code. 

 Cost Savings for EV Chargers

• Federal Tax Credit – If you install qualified vehicle refueling and recharging property in your home or business, you may qualify for the alternative fuel refueling property tax credit. Learn more about the tax credit on the Internal Revenue Service website.
• Utility-Managed EV Chargers – Consider installing an EV charger that is networked and managed by Xcel Energy. This saves money on electricity and installation costs. Xcel Energy - EV Accelerate at Home.
• Utility Rebates and Incentives – Contact Xcel Energy to find out if there are any EV charging programs, rates, or financial incentives that your installation qualifies for. Xcel Energy - EV Charging Programs

For more information, please contact Hannah Lynch, Community Development Coordinator / Planner.