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Drive Electric Week Kicks Off September 23


September 18, 2023 | Mike McClanahan

2023’s National Drive Electric Week starts on September 23 and runs through October 1st. It’s an annual nationwide celebration to raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more.

Presented by Plug in America, the Electric Vehicle Association, the Sierra Club, and EVHYBRIDNOIRE, a nationwide organization of electric vehicle (EV) drivers and enthusiasts, the week features in-person and online events for those considering going electric.

On Tuesday, Sep 26 at 10:00 - 11:00 am MDT Workplace Charging 101- New Charge@Work and EVAL is an online program that focuses on: Equity • Incentives • Local Public Charging • Workplace Charging with emphasis on the Ft. Collins area.


In-person events in Colorado include:

 

You can learn more about these events shown above by clicking on the event’s name.

Other events are scheduled on the Western Slope and in surrounding states. See the Drive Electric Events page for more information.

 

EVs Have Come a Long Way in 100 Years

Electric-powered vehicles (EVs) have been around for over 100 years, but today’s EVs and hybrids feature state-of-the-art technology like lane tracking, automatic emergency braking, and over-the-air updates as new tech becomes available. Electric vehicles have instant torque that allows you to quickly speed up and merge into freeway traffic easier and more safely.

Wild fluctuations in gasoline and electrical power prices have made mileage costs harder to compare, but EV operation is often less expensive than internal combustion engines, especially when you charge overnight at home. Maintenance costs can be lower, too, given the fewer mechanical parts in an EV.

Plus, even considering the carbon emissions from manufacturing and electric power generation, they can be better for the environment.

 

Power Up at Home

Most EVs and hybrids can be charged right in your home’s garage. A typical overnight charge will power your EV for 300 miles or more, plenty for a typical week’s worth of commuting and running errands.

New homes in many locales are required by law to have conduit installed to support at-home EV charging. A licensed electrician can then be hired to run the wiring, install the charging point, and add any new service that may be needed. Older homes can also be wired for EV charging by a qualified licensed electrical contractor.

For more information about how to install an EV charging station at your home, read this article on the Allstar Electrical Services website.

 

Power Up on the Road

As more individuals and businesses switch to electric vehicles, the need for rapid-charging stations conveniently located in cities and along highways is growing. Businesses are also seeing the benefits of having charging stations onsite.

Rapid- and heavy-duty (Level 3) charging stations require specialized equipment drawing 480 volts DC or more. Some of these stations can charge a passenger vehicle or light-duty truck in little more time than it takes to fill up at a gas station.

Note: Some vehicles cannot charge at Level 3 stations. Knowing your vehicle’s specifications is very important.

There are several resources for locating commercial charging stations on the internet. For more information about commercial charging stations, see this article on the Allstar

 

Allstar Electrical Services has helped Coloradans increase efficiency while adding comfort and convenience to their homes and businesses for over 20 years. We’re top-rated by the BBB and are proud to be a Angi’s HomeAdvisor Preferred Contractor.

To learn more about the many ways upgraded electric services and emerging technologies can improve your home or business, visit our website or give us a call at 303.399.7420.

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