PlugInConnect posts an updated guide on electric vehicles available for purchase in the Midwest. It covers both battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. View the PlugInConnect Guide Here →

The Tesla Model S is the most frequently sold electric vehicle (EV) in Minnesota, but its high cost can make it unattractive for city fleets. There are many battery EVs and plug-in hybrid EVs with fewer sales but that are fantastic for fleet use. More affordable examples include the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Bolt, and Mitsubishi Outlander, to name a few. 

Don’t let the front-wheel drive fool you, electric vehicles (EVs) can perform better in icy conditions compared to gasoline vehicles due to the more consistent acceleration and lower center of gravity. However, cold weather can impact battery charge with the most bitterly cold days (-10 F) reducing the charge by 40 percent. In those rare cases, features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel can keep you warm and lessen the drain on the battery. Additionally, keep in mind that Norway and Iceland are currently leading the world in the number of EVs sold, and they have much colder climates than ours!  

Vehicles included in the state contract can be found on the Minnesota Office of State Procurement website and can only be purchased by Cooperative Purchasing Venture members.  To find out if your organization is already a CPV member, review the CPV Member List. Once your member status is confirmed, you will have to sign in to the secure area of the site to access the list of vehicles covered by the state contract (release number A-175(5)). If you need help navigating the site, please contact the Office of State Procurement at (651) 296-2600. 

Whether you should lease or purchase an electric vehicle is ultimately up to you and what fits your needs best. However, if you are a Sourcewell member, you can take advantage of the federal electric vehicle tax credit while leasing. Learn more about the electric vehicle tax credit here →   

Level 1 

Charging a vehicle at Level 1 means plugging into a standard 120-volt supply. All drivers can charge their electric vehicle at Level 1, which requires no extra equipment or installation.

Level 2 

Charging a vehicle at Level 2 means plugging into a 240-volt supply (think home appliances like refrigerators and dryers).

DC Fast Charger 

The three main standards for DC Fast Chargers include CHAdeMO, SAE Combo plug (or CCS), and Tesla Superchargers.

Learn more about EV charger types here →

Yes and no. All electric vehicles charge due to the flow of electrons from a charging station to the vehicle. The main differences are in charging time and plugs. Teslas are the only vehicles able to charge using Tesla Supercharger or NEMA 14-50 (Level 2) plugs. All other electric vehicles (full or plug-in hybrid) in the United States plug into the J-1772 (Level 2) and CCS/SAE or CHAdeMO (DCFC) plugs. By using an adapter, Tesla vehicles can also utilize these plugs.

As mentioned above, charging times differ based on the level of charger being used (Level 1, Level 2, or DCFC) and battery size. Larger batteries, like those in a Chevy Bolt with a 238-mile electric range, take longer to charge than smaller batteries, like those in a Chevy Volt with a 53-mile electric range.