What is an EV?
An Electric Vehicle (EV) is a type of vehicle that runs on electricity, powered by rechargeable battery packs.
There are two main types of EVs:
Battery electric vehicle - all power is stored in a battery and there is no internal combustion engine.
Hybrid electric vehicles - have a down-sized internal combustion engine in addition to the battery. Plug-in Hybrids EVs (PHEV) require a charging station to recharge the battery and typically provide greater savings and less emissions. Standard Hybrid EVs (HEV) recharge small amounts to the battery at one time through internal processes and rely more heavily on fossil fuels.
What are the benefits to EVs?
EVs have several benefits. They are more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional vehicles:
- EVs do not emit tailpipe pollutants and provide better local air quality.
- The cost and savings of EVs are better than gasoline-powered vehicles as there are federal and state tax credits that offset the cost of purchasing an EV. EVs have minimal maintenance cost compared to traditional vehicles. Miles per gallon and miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh) cost comparison for a year shows significant ongoing cost savings while driving an EV.
- There’s a feel-good factor by knowing that as an EV owner, the carbon footprint is less than a non-EV.
- You won’t have to go to the gas station anymore because you can often charge from the convenience of your home or at public charging stations.
Are EVs as safe as conventional vehicles?
Yes, EVs are held to the same national safety standards. Charging your EV is just as safe as charging your cell phone.
Are EVs better for the environment?
While EVs have no tailpipe emissions, the electricity needed to charge them may create carbon pollution. This amount varies based on how local utility providers generate power, including how much renewable energy is used. As part of the Duke Clean Energy Connection program, up to 40 percent of the City of Largo's local government electricity will be generated using solar power by 2024, greatly reducing the impact of EVs charged with City-owned charging stations.
Even when factoring in the impacts of battery sourcing and manufacturing, EVs produce less greenhouse gases over their lifetime when compared to conventional vehicles, and even less when being powered in-part or full by renewable energy.
With the additional benefits of no local tailpipe emissions, EVs help create cleaner air for the community which can improve health outcomes for individuals.
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
Are there any rebates available for purchasing an EV?
Are there any public charging stations for EVs in Largo?
Yes, there are several public charging stations available in the City of Largo, which are currently being offered free of charge. Multiple private charging stations are also available at various locations throughout the city.
Find a charging station with our Sustainability Map.How to Use an EV Charging Station
Using a charging station, whether at home or around town, can seem confusing. However, the process is easy once you learn how! While not all stations are the same, or use the same phone apps or payment methods, there is a typical process.
Step 1: Find a charging station using a number of different websites, such as Plugshare.
Step 2: Once at your station, open the corresponding phone app and scan the code on the charging station.
Step 3: Plug in!
Step 4: If your station requires payment, you can simply pay by phone.
Step 5: Unplug and drive away!
Check out this video if you would like to know more about how to use a charging station.
What to do When an EVSE is Broken?
As with any piece of equipment, sometimes a charging station may not be working correctly. If this is the case, contact the property owner or maintenance contact for that location. For example, if using a station at a multi-family residence, a property manager may be the best contact. If the station is at a business, the primary business contact or owner is likely the best contact. The most common issues with these stations are wifi connectivity issues in an area, or power surges. Simple fixes include restoring wifi in the area, or resetting (flipping) the breaker, respectively.
Please note that public chargers on City of Largo property are currently owned and operated by Duke Energy through the Park & Plug program. Service requests may be sent to Duke or their service partner, NovaCharge.
What are the differences between Level 1, 2, and 3 Charging?
- Level 1: Provides charging through a 120-volt plug. It doesn’t require installation of additional charging equipment and is the slowest type of charging.
- Typical location: homes
- One hour of charging provides a 2–5-mile range.
- Level 2: Provides charging through a 240-volt plug, just like the one you may have for an electric dryer. It requires installation of specialty charging equipment and may require an electrician.
- Typical location: homes, public charging, at-work charging.
- One hour of charging provides a 10–20-mile range.
- DC Fast Charger or Level 3: Provides charging through 480-volt specialty plug and charging equipment.
- Typical location: public charging stations.
- 20 minutes of charging provides a 60–80-mile range.
What is the benefit to charging at home?
The ability to charge your EV at home is not only convenient but, if you charge during off-peak hours, it’s also cheaper to charge at home than at a public charging station. Many Level 2 chargers are connected via your home Wi-Fi so that you can manage charging remotely.
How much will it cost to charge my EV at home?
That depends on a number of factors, including the time of day and the type of vehicle you have. However, on average, many EV owners pay around $9 for an approximately 200-mile charge. Learn more here:
Charging Plug-In Electric Vehicles at HomeWhat does it cost to install a charger?
For a charger at your home, the cost varies with different brands of chargers, labor and need for any electrical upgrades. On average, installation of a Level 2 charger at home may cost between $400 and $1000. If your EV home charging unit requires an increase in size of your electrical panel’s main breaker, please check with your electric utility for costs associated with modifying your electric service. Alternatively, you may be able to plug in your vehicle to any 120-volt outlet (3-prong) with the correct charging cord.
For charging stations outside of the home, the cost to install can vary based on the charger level (Level 1, 2, or 3), location, distance to electricity or transformers, and many other factors. For example, a level 2 charging station installed during new development may cost around $2,000 or less while retrofitting the same station could cost over $6,000. Level 3 charging stations are the most expensive and may even require upgrades to electrical transformers.
To learn more about different charger types and finding the right charger for you, visit the
Plug In America website.Do Charging Stations Require A Permit?
Yes, EV station installations shall be designed in accordance with the Florida Building Code and the National Electric Code and require a permit with the City of Largo.
Submittals shall include but not limited to the following:
- Specifications for the stations
- Site plan showing location, distance from structures and property lines
- Electrical Panel load Calculations
- Plans prepared by a design professional (commercial)
EV station permits are reviewed by the City's Building, Planning and Engineering Divisions. For an estimate on associated fees please or visit our
permit fee calculator or contact
[email protected].
Inspections for EV station permits will at minimum include an electric rough and electric final inspection. Additional inspections may be necessary depending on the scope of work.
For questions regarding the EVSE permitting process, contact the
Largo Building Division or visit
Largo.com/permits.
Do Charging Stations Impact the Electricity Grid?
According to the Edison Electrical Institute (EEI), of which Duke Energy is a member, "Though EVs make up less than one percent of vehicles on the road today, we are confident that the electric grid will be able to handle the increased load in the near-term. With a combination of managed charging strategies and targeted infrastructure upgrades in high usage corridors and locations, the electric grid can meet the additional EV load and proactively drive EV adoption over the next decade. However, accommodating high degrees of electrification in the long-term will require significant investment. EEI and its members are already working with our state regulators to prepare for that future."
The State of Florida has already proactively created a long term EVSE roadmap, in alignment with Federal plans, to ensure successful long-term planning of EV Charging Station integration. Due to these successful short and long-term planning efforts, EVSEs are not expected to interfere with the power grid within the community.
