Level 2 charging is done using a 240-volt circuit. Depending on the battery size and how far the vehicle was driven, Level 2 charging takes approximately 3-4 hours to fully charge a battery, which is half the time of Level 1 charging.

The PEV rate is available for customers who would like to use the benefits of Level 2 charging. It isn't required that you participate in the Level 2 charging station incentive program to participate in the EV rate, however, if you choose not to participate in the PEV Program, you must have a Level 2 charging station.

Here is more information on available charging stations.

While waiting for your Level 2 Charging Station, you can charge your PEV using Level 1 charging. Level 1 charging can be done using a 120-volt outlet, which is the most commonly found outlet in a home. Level 1 charging requires a dedicated 15 or 20 amp outlet in the location where the vehicle will be charged. It takes approximately 8-15 hours to fully charge a vehicle’s battery using Level 1 charging.

In order to qualify for the PEV Program, a vehicle must be SAE J-1772 complaint. The auto manufacturers of PEV’s and The Society of Automotive Engineers have worked together to develop a standard connector that will enable a plug-in electric vehicle to charge using Level 1 or Level 2 charging. Unfortunately, if your vehicle is not SAE J-1772 complaint it does not qualify for this program. Also, low-speed electric vehicles including golf carts are not eligible to take service under this rate even if licensed to operate on public streets.

The PEV incentive program is only available for residential customers at this time.

DTE Energy is not currently offering an incentive program for retail or local businesses. Currently the DOE has a program available to receive a free EVSE. Please visit www.chargepointamerica.com to learn more.

In order for a charging station to be installed at your residence, you must have a dedicated parking spot off of the street that is specified for your use only.

We understand that you would like to take advantage of the opportunity to save money immediately after purchase; however, to begin the installation process through DTE Energy, proof of ownership must be provided. This is done by providing DTE Energy with a copy of your Michigan Registration for the vehicle or an RD-108 from your dealership.

If you chose the Time of Day rate, you may charge more than one vehicle. If you selected the Flat Rate option, you may only charge one vehicle per charging station, per meter.

While the installation process is simple, the amount of time it takes to install a Level 2 Charging Station may vary. Once you complete the qualification process, you will be scheduled for an on-site visit. At that time, the technician will provide an estimated time for installation.

The cost of installation varies and depends on the amount of work that the electrician must perform in order to install the charging station. If you are approved for the program, you will be provided a quote prior to installation. Under this program, DTE Energy will cover the cost of equipment, installation, and labor of the EVSE and separate meter up to $2500. Any additional cost involved, would be your responsibility to cover.

The EV rate does not have a time limit for expiration. The flat rate option of $40 per month is only available to the first 250 customers who apply and qualify. DTE Energy is offering to cover the cost of equipment, labor, and installation of an EVSE up to $2500 for the first 2500 customers until December 31, 2012 or until we complete 2500 installations, whichever occurs first.

Yes, there is a separate meter required for the electric vehicle program that will be dedicated for your EVSE.

During DTE Energy's PEV Program, if you decide that you would like to change the rate option that you originally chose, you are allowed to do so once during the first twelve months. After that, rate changes are limited to once every 12 months. Please be aware that the flat rate option is only available for the first 250 customers who sign-up for it.

To maximize your electricity savings under the EV rate, your vehicle should charge during our off-peak hours (11 p.m. – 9 a.m., Monday-Friday and all day weekends). If your vehicle is capable of delayed charging, you can set the vehicle to charge during off-peak hours when plugged in so that you won’t have to leave the comfort of your home to charge during these times. Please see your vehicle’s owners manual to find out if your vehicle is capable of this.

The Federal Government is offering a tax credit for the purchase of an electric vehicle. Under the Federal Government Recovery Act, the tax credit ranges from $2500-$7500. For more information and qualifications, please visit www.irs.gov. The information can be found under Plug-In Electric Vehicle Credit (IRC 30 and IRC 30D)

There are many auto manufacturers that are offering electric vehicles for sale in the U.S. market. For a listing of auto makers, please visit www.pluginamerica.org/vehicles.

There are many benefits to driving a plug-in electric vehicle. One of them is reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Another is reducing America’s dependence of foreign oil. For more information on the benefits of driving a plug-in electric vehicle, please visit www.goelectricdrive.com.