We’re paving the way for EV charging in Oklahoma.
Electric vehicles (EVs), previously heralded as the way of the future, are now more common than ever. Considering leading car manufacturers’ increased commitment to carbon neutrality and plans already announced for expanded EV product lines, the need for charging options will only continue to grow, too.
“It’s an ever-evolving situation as one manufacturer after another continues to commit to 2035 or another year of their choosing, some sooner rather than later,” said Kevin Jones, our CEO here at Solar Power of Oklahoma. “Just about every manufacturer has an overarching goal related to more sustainable technologies for dominant use in their vehicles.”
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 2020 was the fifth consecutive year of growth for EVs with record sales of more than 761,000 units. However, 2021 is already on track to outpace last year’s numbers, with more than 300,000 alternatively powered cars sold in just the first quarter. Even with increased production, consumer demand has led to a system of preorders and waitlists for some models.
The addition of charging stations in retail and residential settings is the next major change starting to become visible in community life. While EVs are simply better for the environment and contribute to positive change by eliminating emission and the need for fossil fuels, figuring out charging options is a concern, especially for new owners.
“We now install four to five EV chargers per week,” said Jones. “The demand we’ve seen in the past 90 days is simply unprecedented.”
Customers with solar power at home find convenient charging options are available to them as a way to power their EVs at a fraction of the cost in comparison to charging through municipal sources.
“We carry a certification in ChargePoint, the world’s largest network of chargers, as well as all the others, including brand-specific chargers like Tesla,” said Jones. In fact, Solar Power of Oklahoma is one of the only Tesla Energy Certified companies in the state. Find more details about Tesla charging options!
Jones recommends consumers take their specific needs into consideration when choosing an EV, including travel and charging needs.
“It is important to also look into additional features and options for a thorough understanding of their capabilities,” said Jones. “For example, the Ford Lightning is an F-150 electric truck that can be plugged into the home. There’s a common misperception powering an entire home could happen by simply connecting the truck. It actually requires auto transfer switches to avoid injuring linemen and the home would have to be disconnected from the power grid. Clarity needs to be brought to that subject and a licensed electrician is the person who should be doing EV charger installation at home.”
Solar Power of Oklahoma’s certified technicians can help you find out about affordable options for powering both your home and EV. Find out about federal tax credits, low interest rates available to homeowners and return on investment for both utility and transportation costs.
If you have questions about EV chargers and if solar power could be a good fit for your home, fill out the contact information form below and a representative will reach out to you.