Charging Your Electric Vehicle
PNM is offering EV charging rate pilot programs designed to provide a lower cost of energy when charging is most convenient. Cars are parked about 95% of the time and 80% of charging is expected to happen at home so PNM's Whole-Home EV (WHEV) Rate offers base electric rates of approximately $0.03 per kWh for customers who charge their EVs overnight. To apply for the WHEV rate, you just need to provide proof of registration for an EV at your PNM service address. Learn more and apply for the pilot program today!
Understanding EV Charging Levels and Equipment
There are several options when it comes to managing the costs of charging your electric vehicle. Charging types are referred to as "levels" and differ in the speed at which they charge an electric vehicle. When deciding on a charging level, there are some things you will want to consider like how many miles you typically drive on a daily basis and the range of the battery or size of the battery in the vehicles you purchased.
AC Level 1 Charger
Provides 3-5 miles of range per 1 hour of charging through a standard household 120(V) AC outlet and is adequate for most daily commuters.
Voltage: 120V 1-Phase AC
Amps: 12-16 Amps
Charging Loads: 1.4 to 1.9 kW
Charge Time For Vehicle: 3-5 miles of range per hour
AC Level 2
Provides 10-20 miles of range per 1 hour of charging through a 240V (residential) or 208V (commercial) outlet. This option would require that you add a charging unit in your home. It also charges 3 to 5 times faster than the standard Level 1 charger. These types of charging stations are typically found in public areas such as shopping centers, large apartment complexes, and workplaces.
Voltage: 208V or 240V 1-Phase AC
Amps: 12-80 Amps (Typ. 32 Amps)
Charging Loads: 2.5 to 19.2 kW (Typ. 7 kW)
Charge Time For Vehicle: 10-20 miles of range per hour
DC Fast Charge
Provides 20 to 70 miles of range per 20 - 30 minutes of charging. In order to install a level 3 charger, you must have a three-phase input and in order to use a level 3 charger your electric vehicle must have DC fast charging capability. These types of charging stations are typically found in high-traffic public areas suitable for quick charge purposes.
Voltage: 208V or 480V 3-Phase AC
Amps: <125 Amps (Typ. 60 Amps)
Charging Loads: <90 kW (Typ. 50 kW)
Charge Time For Vehicle: 80% Charge in 20 - 30 Minutes
Interested in installing a Level 2 charger at your home or business?
PNM offers rebates to help cover the costs of charger installations.
More resources about electric vehicles
Here are some other resources that might help you with the journey toward making an informed decision about which EV charging level is right for you.
Already an EV driver? Join our PNM EV community.
Are you interested in learning more? Do you already own an electric car or truck? Join PNM's EV Community to stay up to date on upcoming PNM programs, rebates, and discounts.
Learn more about Electric Vehicles.
EV at Home
EV for Businesses
General Information
