With prices continuing to rise at the fuel pump, more people are embracing switching their gas-guzzling cars for electric vehicles. Purchasing an electric vehicle will save the average American almost $3,000 a year in fuel costs.
However, some of those same people are shocked when their electric bill arrives, with an average increase between $30 to $60 per month. But, don’t worry. You can enjoy saving at the pump and home with the following tips.
Plan Your Trips
There are plenty of people who wait until the weekend to shop for groceries which involves an extra trip to the store. However, if you stop at the grocery store during your commute home from work, you can take advantage of the store’s free charging stations. During the 45 minutes you are in the store you can top off your battery and add another 50 miles to your range.
Time Your Charging
You can save money by charging your electric vehicle during off-peak times. Your off-peak time varies depending on where you live and the current season. Check the electric company’s website or check your municipal or state public utilities site to find out about off-peak times. It should also tell you when peak times are, so you can be sure to avoid those.
Shop Around
You may be able to lower your electric bill by shopping around. You can save up to $100 per year by finding a company with a better deal and services you need.
Consider Renewable Energy
Even though the initial installation may be costly, renewable energy sources could lower your utility bill or eliminate it. The first option that comes to most people is the installation of solar panels. Adding solar panels or solar shingles to your house converts the sun’s energy into electricity for your home. Additionally, solar banks for the home allow you to store energy for times when the day is cloudy or rainy. Some electric companies will enable you to feed your excess energy into the power grid (imagine the electric company paying you).
Another option is personal wind turbines. When thinking of wind turbines, you usually picture large wind farms in open fields. However, some homes are ideally situated to have a small wind turbine that can generate enough power to offset or eliminate their electric bill. And similar to solar energy, some companies allow you to feed excess wind power back into the power grid.
Last, if you live near a water source, you can also consider hydro-power. This may be more labor-intensive as it consists of the water making a vertical drop (think of Niagara Falls, but not as big).
Things That Will Affect Your Battery Life
While there are several things you can do to save on your electric bill, you shouldn’t forget about finding ways to extend your battery’s range time.
Electric car batteries don’t do well with extreme heat or extreme cold. If you live in a colder climate, you will want to charge your battery shortly before taking out your car. The charging process will warm up the battery and extend your range.
Also, the batteries don’t do well with extreme heat. Your electric car will run longest in moderate temperatures. If the temperature is above 77 degrees Fahrenheit, charge it in a shaded parking spot or garage.
Don’t ever let your battery run too low. Keeping it above 20% will help your battery last longer.
Check for Rebates
There are several rebates and savings available to help offset the cost of your vehicle and any increase in your electric bill. Except for Tesla, the federal government will give you $7500 towards purchasing an electric car. The Biden administration is also pushing for the adoption of zero-emission vehicles and has unveiled a $7.5 billion spending plan that includes expanding charging stations from 100,000 to 500,000.
Furthermore, the state and the federal government will give people tax breaks for installing renewable energy sources.
Wrap Up
If you’re looking to save money on your fuel costs, an electric car is a great option. However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential increase in your electric bill and take steps to reduce that cost. By following the tips we’ve outlined in this post, you can make driving your electric car even more affordable and help offset any increase in your monthly electricity expenses.
Have you made the switch to electric vehicles? What methods do you use to save money on your electric bill? Let us know in the comments below!
