Have questions about EV’s?

Frequently Asked Questions

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• When is the Best Time to Charge My EV?

  Whereas the price of a gallon of gas is the same no matter what time of day you fill up your tank, the price of electricity can vary depending on where you live in the country. Some utilities still charge the same price per kWh regardless of time of day, but many electric utilities now offer incentives if an electric vehicle owner signs up for one of two typical programs: Demand Response and Time of Use.

• What are Demand Response and Time of Use Programs?

  Demand Response programs provide an opportunity for consumers to play a significant role in the operation of the electric grid by reducing or shifting their electricity usage during peak periods. In signing up for this type of program, electric vehicle owners will notice that their utility will take over and adjust the speed of charging at times of peak demand on the grid. In return, these customers receive financial compensation usually in the form of cash rebates on their electric bills.

  Time of Use programs outline different prices for electricity based on the time of day, usually with the cheapest prices happening after midnight/before 5:00 AM and the highest prices happening during weekday afternoons. Electric vehicle owners who sign up for this type of program often set their cars to charge after midnight to get the best rate on the electricity they consume.

  While many utilities only offer one of these incentive programs, Dominion Energy offers both for EV owners.

• How do Demand Response and Time of Use Programs Differ?

  For those interested in Demand Response, Dominion Energy offers EV Charger Rewards. Under this program, and in exchange for allowing Dominion Energy the ability to shape your behavior, EV owners can receive a $125 rebate on a Level 2 charger and receive an ongoing annual $40 participation reward.

  For those interested in Time of Use programs, Dominion Energy offers Off-Peak Plan. Anyone with a smart meter within the Dominion Energy service area can sign up for this program and pay different rates depending time of day. Since EV charging is relatively easy to shift to the nighttime, many drivers opt to enroll in time-based pricing and then set their charger to run during the lowest-cost hours (12 am – 5 am). For many drivers, this also happens to be the most convenient way to charge.

  So which option is best for you? Here’s a comparison of the key benefits:

  EV Charging Rewards

  • Predictable financial benefits
  • No smart meter needed for participation
  • Helps reduce grid stress, keeping rates low for all customers

  Off-Peak Plan

  • Minimal impact on your typical charging behavior (set it and forget it)
  • More control over financial benefits
  • Helps reduce grid stress, keeping rates low for all customers

  Looking at your unique usage can help you compare the financial benefits between the two options. Customers with 12 months of smart meter data can review the bill comparison graph and chart in their online account portal to understand their expected benefits and how they compare with EV Charging Rewards benefits.

• Can I Charge My Car Using Solar Power?

  In addition to getting asked about how to charge an EV at home, we often get asked about how to pair an EV charging station with solar power. Driving electric is cleaner than driving a gas vehicle in every corner of the country, but just how much cleaner depends on the electricity that powers your car. If you have a very low-carbon electric grid serving your home, then charging at home will be even cleaner than if your home is powered by a relatively carbon-intensive electric grid. Utilities across the country are working to reduce the carbon impact of their electricity production, so it is likely that the carbon content of your electricity will decrease over the life of your vehicle.

  Virginia residents who have Dominion Energy as their electricity provider have numerous options to ensure the energy they consume is low-carbon or even carbon-free. These range from 100% Renewable Energy, Green Power, and a Community Solar program now accepting pre-enrollment.

  But what about charging your electric vehicle with a solar system installed on your roof? If you install rooftop solar, it can power your home (and your EV) with carbon-free electricity. Rooftop solar is a great way to save you money on your electric bill, increase the value of your property, and help to protect the environment by generating clean electricity, and Dominion Energy Solutions offers customized solutions for all residents in Virginia.