Plug-In Partners: Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your questions about:

Plug-In Partners Program
Charging Stations
PEVs and the Electric System

Plug-In Partners Pilot Program

Why is Austin Energy providing an incentive?

We need to prepare for the extra electricity that plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) will need. In exchange for a rebate of up to $1,500 for the purchase and installation of a charging device, PEV owners will tell us how they use their cars and help us develop ways to manage PEV demand on our electric system.

How long will the pilot program last?

The pilot program will be in place until Austin Energy develops a smart charging system. Our goal is to help PEV drivers while ensuring that energy is affordable and reliable for all of our customers.

What is smart charging?

Smart charging is the use of communications technologies to control when PEVs charge. With smart charging, PEV drivers may be able to charge based on electricity prices, environmental concerns, lifestyle priorities, or other factors they select.

Will Austin Energy offer smart charging during the pilot program?

We cannot currently offer smart charging. The goal of the pilot program is to develop this ability. We may test smart charging tools as part of the pilot program. In any smart charging program, PEV drivers will maintain final control over their charging.

Are gas vehicle conversions eligible?

In order to be eligible, the converison must meet the following criteria:

• The vehicle must have 4 or more wheels, a gross vehicle weight of less than 14,000 pounds and draw propulsion using a battery with at least 5 kilowatt-hours that can be charged from an external source of electricity.
• The vehicle must accommodate a UL-approved Level 2 electric vehicle
  charging station.
• The vehicle must accommodate the SAE standard J1772 electric vehicle
  charge connector.
• The PEV conversion must not have been completed earlier than
  November 1, 2010.
• PEV conversions that received funding from the Central Texas Clean Cities Program are not eligible to receive a rebate under the Pilot Program.

Charging Stations

I already have an outlet in my garage. Do I need special charging equipment?

Most PEVs come with charging equipment for a standard 120-volt outlet. This kind of equipment is called a Level 1 charging device. If you want to charge faster, you can use a Level 2 charging device, but you may need to upgrade your home’s electric system. See your dealer or a licensed electrician for details.

Do PEV charging stations create a safety hazard?

PEVs connect to outlets with special charging equipment to keep drivers safe. Electricity won’t start until everything is safely locked into place. It also will shut off if the equipment is accidentally unplugged.

I live in an apartment building or condo. How do I charge?

If you live in a multi-family property, you’ll need to speak with your property manager or owner’s association. We’re preparing a series of meetings for property owners, managers, and residents to discuss the challenges of installing and maintaining a charging device on a multi-family property. Email Austin Energy to participate.

Can I take an Austin Energy-owned charging device with me if I move?

You may take an Austin Energy-owned charging device with you only if you move to another home in our service area.

PEVs and the Electric System

Does it matter when PEVs charge?

Yes. Most of the electricity that Austin Energy provides comes from our own generating plants. When demand is high, however, we have to buy electricity from the wholesale market. We pay more for this electricity, which can raise our overall costs. By charging PEVs when demand is lower, we can reduce the amount of electricity we have to buy and keep rates lower.

Additionally, the type of energy we provide changes throughout the day. For example, wind power is more abundant at night. As we develop smart charging tools, PEV owners can maximize their clean energy use.

Where can I find more information about PEVs?

Visit the National Plug-In Vehicle Initiative’s Go Electric Drive.

Get technical guidance from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Find out what Austin and other cities are doing to prepare for PEVs on our Readiness Initiative site.