Alliant Energy : Electric Cars

Over the next few years, Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are expected to become more readily available to the public. Most carmakers are designing the vehicles to charge by plugging into a standard 120-volt outlet. It's possible you could drive home at night, plug your car into an outlet in the garage and be charged up and ready to go the next morning.

But what does that mean for your electricity costs? Will your home be able to handle the extra demand? Will your wallet be able to handle the additional cost? Will there be discounts for powering up at off-peak times? Will you need a second meter at your home for the electric car? There are so many questions about this emerging technology.

Alliant Energy supports the development of sustainable energy and technologies. We understand that PEVs and PHEVs are “greener” options that can help cut emissions and increase energy independence.

Utility companies (including Alliant Energy) are investigating the impact the increased residential demand for electricity could have on the distribution of power to entire neighborhoods. We need to make sure that the electric grid remains safe and reliable, and power remains affordable for all of our customers.

Here are some early Frequently Asked Questions. We will update this page as new information becomes available. Check back soon.

Q1. What exactly is a Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) or a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)?
A1. A PEV powered completely by electricity. It does not require gas at all, and its battery can be charged by plugging into a standard household outlet for 16-18 hours. A 220V or 240V outlet cuts the time down to 8 hours (depending on amperage), but a quick-charge station can ready the battery in 26 minutes.

PHEVs are powered by two energy sources—an energy conversion unit (such as an internal combustion engine or fuel cell) and an energy storage device (usually batteries). The energy conversion unit can be powered by gasoline, diesel, compressed natural gas, hydrogen, or other fuels. The batteries can be charged by plugging into a standard 110V or 120V electrical outlet—in addition to being charged by the energy conversion unit when needed.

Q2. I’m considering purchasing an electric plug-in vehicle (PEV) – do I need to let you know before I purchase the car?
A2. You can contact our Distributed Resources Hotline at 1-800-972-5325 to let us know you’re purchasing a PEV. This will help us monitor the electrical system needs. Alliant Energy is currently investigating PEVs, the impact the new technology will have on the power grid, and how we can best serve our customers.

Q3. Will I be able to charge my PEV/PHEV car at home?
A3. Car companies are designing PEV and PHEVs that can plug into a standard 120 volt residential outlet, or a special 240 volt circuit, like you’d use for clothes dryer or other large appliance. In some cases, you may have to have an electrician install an outlet. Alliant Energy is currently investigating the many questions surrounding this new technology, and we should have more specific answers for you around the end of the first quarter. We encourage you to check back with us or contact our Distributed Resources Hotline at 1-800-972-5325 after June 1. We will also post updated information on this Web page.

Q4. Will Alliant Energy offer a special rate for charging your PEV /PHEV at home?
A4. Alliant Energy is committed to providing safe, reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible energy to our customers. We’re doing our research and preparing for this exciting new technology – including looking at how energy is delivered and how it is billed. Some of the billing options under consideration include the regular residential rate, discounts for off-peak charging, separate meters for charging PEVs, and more.

Our Time-Of-Day rate provides a 50% discount on electricity used during overnight and weekend off-peak hours. Signing up for Time-of-Day pricing and charging at off-peak times could be one way to get discounted power to your PEV.

Q5. I’m considering a PEV because I want to be more “green”. While I’m waiting to hear more about PEVs – do you offer other ways I can be green?
A5.Yes, we have two programs you might consider, and they could help you prepare for the PEV: energy efficiency and our Second Nature program.

Conserving energy is the first step toward saving money and protecting our natural resources. Our Energy Efficiency group provides Cash-Back Rewards to Iowa and Minnesota customers on the purchase of energy-efficient products like appliances, lighting, and heating and cooling equipment. Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide resource for energy efficiency and renewable energy, offers similar Cash-Back Rewards for Alliant Energy customers in Wisconsin.

You can find many easy, low-cost and no-cost energy-efficient home improvements at our Easy Energy Savers section, or we can send you our PowerHouse TV brochure: 101 Easy Ways to Save. Cutting energy use today will help your energy costs when you add the PEV later on.
Second Nature is another earth-friendly program to consider. When you enroll, we're able to buy more earth-friendly renewable energy produced from wind power, solar and bioenergy. Your small monthly contribution (as little as $4.00 per month) covers the added expense of harvesting renewable energy. As electricity from renewable sources comes into the energy pool, it displaces electricity that would otherwise come from fossil fuel sources like coal and natural gas.

We should have more detailed answers on PEVs by the end of the first quarter. We encourage you to check this Web page for updates or contact our Distributed Resources Hotline at 1-800-972-5325 after June 1.

Quick Tip: While you’re waiting for a PEV or PHEV, there are many things you can do to improve your gas mileage.

Get the junk out of the trunk and properly inflate your tires!
An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your fuel efficiency by up to 2%.
Properly inflated tires are safer, last longer and save fuel. You can improve your gas mileage more than 3% by keeping your tires inflated to the recommended pressure.
Car pooling and sharing travel makes a difference. Reducing the number of vehicles on the road decreases congestion and reduces CO2 emissions. Plus it can be a great way to make friends! The small percentages noted above may not sound like much, but it all adds up!

We have more tips to improve your mileage and other ways to “green your ride” at powerthinkers.com.

For additional information:
Fueleconomy.gov helps consumers make informed choices when purchasing a vehicle or getting the best gas mileage from the cars they own

The EPA's Green Vehicle Guide can help you choose the cleanest and most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs. Low emissions and good fuel economy are both important for the environment.

Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicle Data Center from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.