Electric Vehicles (EVs) are rising in popularity each year and are set to become the future of transportation. As their name suggests, electric vehicles are powered by electricity through one or more electric motors and batteries that can be recharged instead of refueled. These eco-friendly vehicles can reduce costs and make a positive impact on the environment while not sacrificing on performance.
Fueling and maintaining an EV can cost three times less than a gasoline vehicle. According to energy.gov fueling a car with electricity is the equivalent of spending $1 per gallon of gasoline on average. EVs have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance in comparison to gasoline or diesel vehicles. Additionally, you may qualify for several financial incentives when purchasing an EV. Learn more at www.goelectricdrive.org.
Electric Vehicles are cleaner to operate than fossil fuel-powered vehicles. There are zero tailpipe emissions when you operate a fully electric vehicle and grid power from central plants is cleaner than a gas-powered vehicle. El Paso Electric's (EPE) energy is generated from a variety of low-emission sources such as solar, nuclear and natural gas and will continue to become cleaner over time.
Electric Vehicles produce nearly instant torque, feel more responsive while being driven and provide a quieter ride.
Electric Vehicles can be easily charged in your own garage, saving you from constant trips to the gas station.
While there are several ways to charge your EV, charging at home is often the lowest cost and most convenient option. There are two kinds of at home charging: Level 1 and Level 2.
Which one is right for you?
Level 1 Charging: Uses the charge cord that came with your EV and plugs in to a 120-volt outlet. To avoid tripping a circuit breaker, the charger should not be plugged in the same outlet as any other major appliances (refrigerator, A/C, washing machine). The Level 1 charge rate is approximately 5 miles of range per hour of charge – or roughly 60 miles of recharge each night. No separate charging station is required, which avoids the expense of a dedicated 240-volt circuit and more expensive equipment.
Level 2 charging: Requires installation of a charging station connected to a 240-volt outlet. Charging at Level 2 can add roughly 10 to 30 miles of range per hour, depending on the vehicle. While the faster recharge time may be more desirable, in some instances, a panel upgrade and service upgrade from EPE may be required. A licensed electrician should be consulted to determine if the home’s existing panel can accommodate Level 2 charging, as well as the related costs to install a 240-volt outlet in the garage.
There are over 100 public charging stations in El Paso Electric’s service territory. Public stations can be Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. Level 3 or “DC fast charging” can recharge up to 80% of your battery in 20 minutes. You can find public charging stations near you by visiting PlugShare or downloading its mobile app in the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.
As part of our efforts to create a greener and more sustainable future for our region, El Paso Electric developed the New Mexico Transportation Electrification Plan, or TEP. To encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in New Mexico, we offer unique incentives including special rates, rebates, and many other savings on EV charging and smart charging stations.
Click here to view the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the TEP.
With the help of the TEP, EV owners can get rebates ranging from $500 to $2,300 from EPE towards the purchase of qualified smart Level 2 home charging stations, and for income qualified customers, there are incentives for installation as well.
EPE customers can receive a $500 rebate on qualifying smart Level 2 charging stations. Installation costs not included. Customers can request a rebate by submitting a Residential Smart Charging Program Application form via email or when purchasing directly on EPE’s website using the shop button below:
For eligible low-income customers, an instant rebate of up to $2,300 can be received for the purchase and installation of qualifying smart Level 2 chargers. Eligible customers can request a rebate on the charging station by submitting a Residential Smart Charging Program Application form via email or purchase one directly on EPE website using the shop button above.
To request a rebate for the installation of a charging station, please submit the following documents:
The increased adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) within our New Mexico service territory has led to the need for more charging locations. This opens a unique opportunity for business owners, public parking managers, apartment owners, and fleet operators to provide a service that’s in high demand. The best part is that our commercial customers can also take advantage of several rebates for the installation of smart charging stations.
Installing EV charging stations on your property can potentially attract more customers to your business, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create new revenue streams for your business, energize economic development, and improve the quality of life for our region.
Who Is Eligible?
Who Is Eligible?
Who Is Eligible?
Who Is Eligible?
Interested in our rebates? All necessary forms are listed below and are available for download.
Click here for full details regarding available rates and rebates for commercial customers. If you would like to learn more about the TEP Commercial Programs, please email us at ev@epelectric.com or call us (575) 526-5555, ext. 5173.
El Paso Electric offers a variety of special electricity rates for charging electric vehicles. Depending on choice and eligibility, you can save on your electric bill by charging your EV during off-peak hours.
Whole House/Service Electric Vehicle (WHEV/WSEV) Rate Rider Incentive Credit available for customers on Rates No. 01, 03, 04, 07:
Using the WHEV and WSEV Rate Rider incentive , customers can receive an incentive, shown in the form of a credit on their electric bill for energy usage during the super off-peak hours.
Experimental EV Charging Rate (Rate 42):
Get even more savings while charging electric vehicles with Rate 42 — our TOD (Time-Of-Day) — rate by charging after 7 PM. The installation of a second meter is required for this option.
For more in-depth information on our special EV rates, click here.
To view incentives available to Texas residents, click here.
Through our Customer Outreach Program, we aim to engage with the community hands-on and inform them about the benefits of electric vehicles, charging types, incentives and rebate programs, as well as our rate options for off-peak charging. Click here to learn more.
If you would like to learn more about the TEP or want to request a presentation or advisory services from our team, contact us via email or by phone at (575) 526-5555, extension 5173.
El Paso Electric is continuously working to make a positive impact in our environment by generating clean, reliable and renewable energy. We’ve already taken the next step by integrating EVs into our service fleet. At the moment, there are 16 electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles in our fleet.
El Paso Electric showcases its electric fleet vehicles in public outreach events throughout the year. If you would like to get more information on one of our upcoming events, you can visit us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
EPE's EV charging rate can save you money. Use the calculator to determine potential savings and download the process to request
service under the Texas EV Rate.
Tips For Using the Calculator
By choosing to drive an EV, you’re helping our community find new roads to a cleaner, greener future. And to celebrate your earth-friendly choice, El Paso Electric invites you to join our EV Community. This first-of-it’s kind initiative provides current EV owners with up-to-date information, exclusive newsletters and EV resources found in El Paso Electric’s service territory. You’ll even get a members-only welcome kit! So, join our community and let’s keep the EV movement charging forward.
Register today!
Will I be able to charge my EV when I am away from home?
Yes and you can find public charging stations near you by visiting Plugshare.
What EV is best for me?
All major automakers are now offering more efficient plug-in vehicles and electric models every year. Visit the websites of your favorite brands to learn about their plug-in offerings or visit the Alternative Fuels Data Center for a summary of currently available EVs.
How far can I get on a single charge?
EV range is improving every year. Several models can go more than 200 miles on a single charge and some even have over 300 miles of range.
How will charging an EV affect my electric bill?
An average electric vehicle can travel about three miles per kilowatt-hour used. Driving 1,000 miles per month while charging with El Paso Electrics’s EV rate during off-peak hours would cost about $12 per month. Driving 1,000 miles while charging with El Paso Electric’s Texas residential rate would cost approximately $35 per month. By comparison, a conventional vehicle that averages 30 miles per gallon with gasoline prices at $2.80 per gallon would spend $93 per month.
Does El Paso Electric offer a special EV rate?
Yes. El Paso Electric offers a special Electric Vehicle (EV) rate that saves customers money when charging their vehicle during the utility's off-peak hours between 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. Customers will need to request an additional meter from EPE in order to be qualified for this rate. You should consult a qualified electrician about the costs to upgrade your home or business to accommodate an additional meter for the EV charging circuit. Read about EPE’s EV Rate here.
What initial start-up costs can I expect for installing charging equipment?
Depending on your current wiring and charging needs, prices will vary for installation. Any licensed electrician will be able to provide further details for these services. In some cases, you may be able to use an existing outlet in your garage and charge at Level 1 with no additional equipment or installation costs.