Electric vehicles (or EV’s) are transforming the way we think about transportation. EV popularity continues to grow throughout the nation, including Wisconsin. Some states in the nation, such as California and Florida, lead the pack in terms of EV adoption, while electric vehicles in Wisconsin make up a growing 1% of all cars on the road. With manufacturers expanding their EV lineups, this trend is expected to gain traction in the coming years.

However, as EV adoption grows, so does the need for reliable charging stations. Charging solutions are crucial for ensuring that EV owners – whether at home or work – can keep their vehicles powered. This is especially true in Wisconsin where extremes in both weather and roads place higher demands on vehicles. Accessible charging solutions help more people make the switch to EV’s as well as help build a sustainable future.

Image courtesy of eia.gov

Here we’ll dive into the key differences of residential and commercial EV charging, the benefits of each, as well as important considerations for Wisconsinites looking to invest in changing infrastructure. Whether you’re a homeowner considering sustainable solutions with solar and EV charging, or a business owner looking into commercial stations, Arch will be there to help you make an informed decision.

Video about the rise in EV chargers from UW-SP’s Center For Land Use Education (CLUE).

The Rise of Electric Vehicles in Wisconsin

EV adoption is gaining momentum in WI as more residents see the benefits of electric transportation. Recent data shows a consistent rise in EV registrations in Wisconsin, which is about middle of the pack compared to the rest of the Midwest. More urban areas such as Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Madison are leading the way in adoption, with more rural areas beginning to catch up as charging stations are made more readily available. Additionally, the focus on clean energy incentives state wide is encouraging businesses and individuals to make the switch to electric.

Both state and federal incentives are actively supporting EV adoption in Wisconsin. 

• Federal Incentives: WI residents can claim federal tax credits of up to $7,500 for purchasing a new EV with additional rebates for installing charging stations.

• State Incentives: Wisconsin offers grant programs such as the Clean Diesel Grant Program which funds electric vehicle and equipment upgrades. The state also provides incentives for commercial public charging installs.

• Utility-Specific Programs: Utilities such as Alliant Energy and WE Energies provide individual incentives. Check with a renewable energy expert to see if you apply.

Read more about Wisconsin’s EV incentives from Arch.

Read more about the electrification of Wisconsin from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Home EV Charging Solutions

Benefits of Home Charging

One of the biggest advantages of home EV charging is the convenience of powering up your vehicle while you’re relaxing inside. For many residents, especially those in Milwaukee or Madison, home charging cuts the need to find and wait at a public charging station. Instead, charger owners can plug in their vehicles and wake up to a fully charged car.

Home chargers installed in a garage also precondition the EV and protect the charger and the vehicle from cold weather exposure during charging which provide comfort and help preserve battery range.

More about electric vehicles from RENEW Wisconsin.

Solar and EV Charging

Bi-directional charging, expected to come to mass market in 2025, will allow homeowners to bypass the need for dedicated energy storage, and use their car as a backup for home energy. Most EV batteries are 5 times the storage of traditional battery systems. For example, a Tesla Powerwall has 13.5kWh of storage, and a Kia EV9 has 76.1kWh of useable energy. This makes EV’s not only a good choice for efficiency, but also for home power backup.

Home charging in Wisconsin is typically much more cost-effective than using public charging stations. For example, a full charge at home might cost around $5-$10 depending on utility rates and the side of your EV’s battery. Compared to a public charger however, it may range from $10-$30 per full charge. Overall, these savings add up.

Solar is excellent in offsetting these costs, but overall electricity costs. In an all-electric household, costs of general electric use as well as EV chargers can be offset nearly 100%. Generating your home’s own power, protecting against rising utility rates, and charging your vehicle are some of the strongest benefits of going solar.

Types of Home Chargers

Level 1 Chargers

Type 1 chargers, known also as Level 1 chargers, are the basic EV charging option. They use a standard 120-volt household outlet, meaning they are more accessible and do not require any additional electrical upgrades.

Advantages

Ease of Use: Type 1 chargers are great for those who drive short distances, such as in the streets of Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, or Sheboygan.

Low Cost: Just plug and charge! They require no special upgrades

Compatibility: Most EV’s come with a level 1 charger as part of the purchase of the vehicle

Image courtesy of evocharge.com

Disadvantages

Slower charging: Charging speeds are limited, typically 3-5 miles of range per hour. This is less effective for drivers who plan on driving 20+ miles, or in winter when EV batteries drain faster.

Best for Hybrids: Type 1 chargers are best made for plug-in hybrid vehicles which have smaller batteries.

Level 2 Chargers

Type 2 chargers are step up in power and efficiency, operating on a 240-volt circuit. They require installation of dedicated equipment by an electrician but are faster and more powerful than level 1 chargers. Level 2 chargers require the same circuit/outlet that is used for washer/dryers in a standard home.

Advantages

Faster Charging: Level 2 chargers can output 25-30 miles of range per hour, allowing the battery to be fully charged overnight, even after long days of mileage. This makes level 2 chargers a popular choice for residents with multiple EV’s or longer travel distances.

Customizable Location: Many WI homeowners are installing level 2 chargers in garages or carports, and businesses are installing them in malls, parking garages, and outside of workplaces

Energy Efficiency: Level 2 charges are more insulated against Wisconsin’s cold winters, as faster charging reduces the time EV batteries are exposed to colder conditions during recharging.

Disadvantages 

Higher Costs: Level 2 chargers are more expensive than level 1 chargers, with prices ranging from $400 – $1200 depending on the brand

Limited Mobility: Unlike a level 1 charger which requires a standard socket, level 2 chargers are stationary and attached to a fixed location.

Public Charging Availability: Some residents who live close to public charging stations equipped with level 2 or level 3 fast chargers may simply find more value in not paying to install one at their home.

Commercial EV Charging Stations

Benefits for Businesses

The growing number of EV drivers in Wisconsin brings a valuable opportunity for business to attract an environmentally conscious audience, drawing customers and employees who appreciate a charging station close by that can accommodate their needs.

Installing EV chargers in high-traffic areas such as malls, restaurants, and hotels can lead to an increase in foot traffic from high-income visitors and residents from nearby areas.

Additionally, by taking advantage of state-level incentives, businesses can get ahead of the competition by installing an EV charger early, helping to meet their environmental goals and increase traffic before their neighboring businesses or competitors can. Installing chargers are also able to help Wisconsin businesses qualify for green certifications such as LEED, which can improve marketability and appeal to eco-conscious stakeholders.

Some businesses are also able to diversify revenue by implementing pay-to charge models. Many public level 2 or 3 fast chargers operate on a fee-based session plan for customers who are willing to pay for convenient and reliable charging, especially in areas with limited existing EV infrastructure. Please consult your local utility for specifics.

If you’re a business that is curious about how solar and EV charging are compatible, contact Arch to discuss more about your project.

Types of Commercial Chargers

Although level 2 commercial chargers are the most common, businesses may also choose to install a level 3 charger, also known as DC Fast Charger.

Traditionally, level 2 chargers are more suited for offices, hotels, shopping centers, etc. Places where a charger can be installed at a solid price point without serious structural remodeling. Level 2 chargers charge at a rate of 12 to 80 miles an hour, topping off most EVs from empty in around 4 hours.

Level 3 chargers on the other hand fill batteries at a rate of 75 to 1,200 miles per hour which can top off an empty battery in 30 minutes. These chargers are mostly found along highway corridors and dedicated stations, citing the substantial increase in price and infrastructure.

Photo Courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation

This map shows the locations of all 53 locations receiving federal funding for high speed electric vehicle charging stations.

Read more about level 2 vs level 3 EV chargers from EVConnect.

Costs, Incentives, and Grants

Wisconsin offers several grant programs aimed at supporting the installation of commercial EV infrastructure. The Wisconsin Clean Diesel Grant program provides financial assistance to help alleviate upfront costs of EV charger installation.

Ready to Make the Switch?

Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner in Wisconsin, investing in an EV charger offers substantial benefits. For homeowners, using a level 1 charger or a dedicated level 2 charger is not only convenient, but it also saves money. This goes doubly so if you’re using your own solar power. Businesses on the other hand attract a larger variety of customers and employees and can add to their sustainability goals. 

Federal and state incentives can reduce the cost of EV chargers, allowing installers to see a return on their investment quicker. These incentives, combined with Wisconsin’s growing network of EV drivers and charging stations, make the decision to invest earlier both practical and forward-thinking.

Ready to make the switch? Learn more about EV chargers and solar from Arch and contact a project facilitator today to see if EV chargers make sense for you. We can guide you through installation, equipment choices, incentives, and any other questions.