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Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Electric Vehicle Resources

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more and more popular. Nearly every manufacturer offers at least one model, and the technology continues to improve. EVs provide environmental benefits, lower operating costs, and a quiet, smooth and fun ride.  Beltrami Electric is your resource for EV information, including sharing our experience with our own EV, a 2018 Chevy Bolt.

Find a public charging station EV Program Brochure EV Charging Rebate Form

EV Brochures & Fact Sheets

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Plug-In EV Handbook for Consumers

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Overview of Electric Vehicles

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Is an Electric Vehicle Right For You?

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An Overview of EVs and Charging Stations

Electric Vehicle FAQs

What is an electric vehicle?

Electric vehicle (EV) - powered purely with electricity, no backup fuel source
Examples: Tesla Model 3, Chevy Bolt, Nissan Leaf

Plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) - can run on electric power or gas power
Example: Toyota Prius, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Chevy Volt

What are the benefits?

Save Money

  • At the standard electric rate, most EVs cost less than half as much to fuel than gas-powered cars.
    • A 2018 University of Michigan study found EVs cost an average of $485 annually to operate, compared to $1,117 for a gas-powered vehicle.
    • With utility incentives like off-peak charging programs, that cost drops even more.
  • Many public charging stations can be used for free.

Less maintenance

EVs don't need oil changes, because they don't use oil. They also lack air filters, spark plugs, timing belts and many other parts that need replacement in a gas car.

Smooth and fun ride

  • EV motors are nearly silent and provide smooth (and incredibly fast) acceleration, as there are no shifting gears.
  • With a heavy battery creating a low center of gravity, EVs handle curves and turns like a dream.

Energy independence

  • Local EV owners charge up with clean, regionally produced electricity.
How do I charge my EV?

Level 1 - 120 volts

Charging a vehicle at Level 1 means plugging into a standard 12-volt outlet. Most vehicles can be charged at Level 1, although it takes significantly longer (15-40 hours) than other charging options.

Level 2 - 240 volts

Using 240-volt service, a depleted 60-kW battery can be fully charged in approximately 6 to 8 hours. Some electric models can completely charge in as little as 30 minutes. This is the most common level for a home charging system and many public charging stations. Beltrami Electric has three Level 2 chargers available for the public. One at our headquarters near the solar garden, one in the Blackduck Wayside Rest Area and one at the Big Bog Recreation Area in Waskish.

Direct Current (DC) - Quick Charging

This option is typically only available for public charging. On average, the DC fast charger can add 40 miles of range for every 10 minutes of charging. These stations are usually found along major transportation corridors and many charge a fee for use (cost varies).  Beltrami Electric has a public DC charger at our headquarters, near the solar garden.

How do I install a charger at home?

Preparing for your electric vehicle is easy. Installing a 240-volt Level 2 home charger is much like installing the wiring for a clothes dryer or other heavy appliance. Most homeowners hire an electrician for this, and it can usually be done in a few hours.

Home chargers usually cost between $400 and $1,000, but many utilities offer rebates that cover much of the cost. Beltrami Electric offers a rebate of $50 per kilowatt ($500 maximum) for installing a Level 2 charger connected to Beltrami Electric's off-peak program. The average charger is 6.6 kilowatts (kW), which would qualify for a $330 rebate.

What about winter driving?

All vehicles, electric or otherwise, will experience some level of decreased performance in the winter months. On the coldest days, when drivers are blasting their heaters, EVs may lose up to 40% of their standard charge range. However, that loss can be shortened up to 20% by keeping your vehicle in a warm garage and allow it to heat up while still plugged in.

How long will it take to charge my EV?

It varies depending on the vehicle, the battery and how much it needs to charge.  A typical electric car (ex. Nissan Leaf) takes four hours to charge from empty using a 7kW home charger.

Where can I charge on the road?

Public charging options are increasingly available in Minnesota and North Dakota.  There are dozens of stations throughout both states, with more popping up all the time. PlugShare.com, a national online charging station locator, is one of many online tools to find charging opportunities between you and your destination.

How much will charging my EV cost?

This can vary depending on your EV and the battery size.

  • On average, an EV will require 30 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per 100 miles of range.
  • If charging at home on our regular rate, EV charging will cost $.036 per mile.
  • If charging at home using a Level 2 charger connected to our off-peak program, EV charging will cost $.020 per mile.
  • Based on driving 10,000 miles per year, the cost to charge an EV will be $360 per year on the regular rate or $200 per year on the off-peak rate.

* This does not include any utilization of public chargers that may charge a higher fee for use.

Are there rebates available to me?

Yes, Beltrami Electric Cooperative offers an incentive for the installation of a Level 2 charger (240-volt) connected to the load management program: $100 per kilowatt ($500 maximum).

In addition, there are currently federal consumer tax credits available for the purchase of an EV, ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 based on the size of the EV's battery.  Most insurance carriers also offer discounted rates.

Electric Vehicle Charger Rebate

Energize Your Drive

Minnkota Power and its member cooperatives and associated municipals are committed to learning more about the emerging technology of electric vehicles (EVs).

Learn More

Find a Public Charging Station

Plug into PlugShare's interactive database of over 50,000 charging stations worldwide. Map out your travel route today!

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Beltrami Electric Cooperative

4111 Technology Dr NW
P.O. Box 488 | Bemidji, MN 56619

Office Hours: 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. M-F

Beltrami Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

Phone Contacts

Phone: 24/7 Outage Reporting:
(800) 955-6083  |  (218) 444-2540

Fax: (218) 444-3676

Pay by phone: (855) 356-6345

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©2023 Beltrami Electric Cooperative. All Rights Reserved.

  • HOME
  • MY ACCOUNT
    • MY BILL
      • View/Pay My Bill
      • SmartHub
      • Payment Options
      • Payment Assistance
      • High Bill Concern
      • Understanding My Bill
    • MY ACCOUNT
      • New Member Info
      • Account Management
        • Update My Information
      • Budget Billing
      • Capital Credits
      • Forms
      • Member Privacy
    • MY ELECTRIC SERVICE
      • Start/Stop/Transfer Service
      • Electric Service Construction
  • PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
    • PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
      • Products
        • GenerLink
        • Marathon Water Heaters
        • Steffes Electric Thermal Storage Heaters
      • Contractor Resources
      • Home Energy Assessment
      • Electric Heating Systems
      • Electric Vehicles (EVs)
      • Load Management
    • REBATES AND ENERGY SAVINGS
      • Rebates and Incentives
      • Manage My Energy Usage
        • Home Energy Assessment
      • Energy Saving Tips
      • Cost Comparison
    • RENEWABLE ENERGY
      • Infinity Renewable Energy
      • Member-Owned Renewable Energy Systems
      • Northern Solar
  • MY COOPERATIVE
    • About Your Cooperative
      • What is an Electric Co-op?
        • History of Beltrami Electric Cooperative
      • Annual & District Meetings
      • Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
      • Board of Directors
      • Contact Information
      • Employment Opportunities
      • Energy Resources Profile
      • Energy Resources Tour
      • Leadership Team
      • Political Action
      • Statement of Non-Discrimination
    • COMMUNITY
      • Community Room
        • Community Room Calendar & Reservation Request Form
      • Co-op Connections Card
        • Co-op Connections Discount Card Local Discounts
      • Operation RoundUp
      • Education & Scholarships
        • Youth Tour-Washington, DC
        • Scholarships
      • GreenTouch
      • Indoor Garage Sale
      • Touchstone Energy Community Award
      • Touchstone Energy Open
    • NEWS AND MEDIA
      • Beltrami Electric News
      • Member Newsletters
        • Place a classified ad
      • Media Contacts
      • Utility Scams-Beware
      • Links & Resources
  • OUTAGES AND SAFETY
    • Outages
      • Outage & Storm Center
        • Outage FAQs
      • Report a Power Outage
      • Current Outages
      • Restoration Process
      • Outage Preparedness
      • Using a Generator During an Outage
    • Safety
      • Power Line Safety
      • Electrical Safety
      • Generator Safety
      • Call Before You Dig
      • Safety Demonstrations
      • Vegetation Management