Before Your Dealer Visit
Make sure you have a place to charge your EV that is convenient. This could be in a garage, driveway or at your work.
Before Your Dealer Visit
SMUD offers benefits for EV drivers, including discounted electricity rates that could save you money. If you manage your utility bill, visit SMUD's EV page to learn more.
Before Your Dealer Visit
Once you’ve selected an EV, you can plug the included charging cable into a standard household outlet or shop for additional compatible charger options and upgrades.
Shop for Home Chargers
Explore your home charging options
Before Your Dealer Visit
Before Your Dealer Visit
Before Your Dealer Visit
Before Your Dealer Visit
Solar may be an attractive option for homeowners. Many providers offer plans requiring little or no money up front for qualified customers. Some plans may even recoup the cost of your monthly payment through savings on your power bill.
Home Solar
Explore your home solar options.
See if there is a PlugStar Certified Dealer near you. These dealers are specially trained by Plug In America to serve EV customers.
Enroll now in the EV Support Program for access to our call center, staffed with EV experts you can trust to help you choose the best option for you and get the most out of driving electric! Your first call is free.
Enroll now in the EV Support Program for access to our call center, staffed with EV experts you can trust to help you choose the best option for you and get the most out of driving electric! Your first call is free.
You're ready to get your EV!
Download and print the Pre-Dealer Checklist before you connect with your local dealer.
For the best experience, we recommend you take the following steps before contacting a dealership:
| Step 1 | Confirm that you have a place to charge your EV that is convenient, available and reliable. Most customers will charge overnight when power rates may be lowest. | |
| Step 2 | If you are responsible for paying your power bill, check with your local utility to see which rate plan is best for you. Some utilities offer rate discounts and other generous incentives for EV drivers. Add utility incentives here | |
| Step 3 | If you plan to charge at home, contact a qualified electrician to have your home’s power supply evaluated. We always recommend charging your EV on a dedicated circuit used only for this purpose. Most circuits are shared. This means that the lines that supply power to your EV may also carry power to other household appliances. This can trip the circuit breaker and interrupt power. Add link to electricians here | |
| Step 4 |
Consider your charging equipment options.
Your EV will come with a basic charger as standard equipment that plugs into a standard 110 volt household outlet. For EVs with 30 miles of all-electric range or less, this appliance is typically sufficient to charge your EV fully while you sleep. For anything more you might consider purchasing a 220 volt charger. This is called a “Level 2” charger and there are many options available on the market.”
Some manufacturers offer preferred charging equipment. You are under no obligation to purchase the manufacturer’s preferred brand. Feel free to shop around at electronics stores or online retailers. You can also use the PlugStar charger finder to help you decide which is best for you based on the make and model of the EV(s) you are considering. |
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| Step 5 |
Consider your options for charging while away from home.
Online resources such as PlugShare or ChargeHub display charging stations in your local area and beyond. While some may be free to use, others are privately operated networks that require a subscription.
This is typically true of “fast charge” stations that most all-electric EVs (not plug-in hybrids) can take advantage of. Take a look at what’s available where you travel most and decide whether you wish to enroll in any of these networks. Many supply a card that you swipe or wave in front of the charger to unlock it for use. You may also be able to use the network’s smartphone app to do the same. Add link to charging networks here | |
| Step 6 | Get a quote from your auto insurance company or shop around for quotes. Many insurers offer special discounts for EV buyers. Add links to insurance companies here | |
| Step 7 | Consider using an EV concierge service such as CurrentEV. Limit to LA Area | |
| Step 8 |
Consider solar!
With solar, you can charge your EV on sunshine. Not only does this reduce your environmental footprint it can also save you a lot of money.
Many solar manufacturers and installers offer great deals and discounts for EV drivers. We encourage you to explore your solar options as you consider your next ride. Add solar companies with special EV programs and third-party solar shopping sites such as EnergySage and Pick My Solar |
Once you’ve completed these steps all you need now is an EV and you’re ready to drive electric!
Check out our PlugStar Certified dealers. These dealers are specially trained, certified and supported by Plug In America to ensure your experience is the best it can be.
Sign up today and you’ll get instant access to our EV help line where electric car experts can get you the information you need to get the most out of your electric ride.
Plug In America can be a great resource. Consider joining us today and become part of a national movement to electrify America for the 21st century!
